Bedfordshire Archives Service Catalogue
  • Reference
    X953/2/17/3
  • Title
    Letter to Mary from Margaret Ann Bell.
  • Date free text
    n.d. [c. 1875]
  • Production date
    From: 1875 To: 1875
  • Scope and Content
    Written at Rowell [Rothwell, Northamptonshire] ‘Monday evening’ [mourning paper]. ...I ought to have answered yours last week, but Aunt kept hoping to be a little better, so I put off writing. Mrs. Welford delivered your message yesterday; she came to dinner and tea with us. We were pleased to see her; it seemed like old times. I feel quite ashamed again to say we cannot come, but Aunt seems so poorly she feels she must give it up at present, so you must take the will for the deed, and make your arrangements for going to Ramsey as soon as you like; hope you will have a pleasant visit. After your return I shall try to come whether Aunt does or not. I am quite tired of thinking about it and am quite as anxious to come as you can be to have me. Arthur seems so well and sunburnt; he says he likes being at Draughton but wants to see his Mama again. I don’t think I have anything to tell you in the shape of news. Rowell [Rothwell] goes on in its usual dreaming state, its inhabitants as fond of gossip and scandalizing their neighbours as ever. I do get so tired of the place and the folks; I often wish myself at dear old Alnwick again. Mrs. Tayler[?] has had a succession of very nice friends staying with her of which I have seen a good deal; it is so nice to have anyone I can go for a walk and which is luxury Rowell [Rothwell] does not possess. We had a pop visit of Mr. Williams last week. He went to Orton Lodge for one night; had been preaching near Oxford and came this way thinking he might not again have an opportunity of seeing Orton Lodge. I am glad to hear such glowing accounts of your new Aunt and her happiness. She will be quite an acquisition to your circle of friends. When is poor Mrs. Lilley going? Is she leaving her present home? Mary Morton has been staying at Harrold; have you seen anything of her? I often come across her at Mrs. Tayler’s, though she is no favourite of mine. We have an old lady staying with us from Durham. She is one of those sisters where I was at school; has been visiting at Leicester and returning there on Wednesday. How you will enjoy being with your beloved sister; shall you stay long at Ramsey, and how long shall you be in coming to Draughton Lodge? I am glad to hear that the baby gets on so nicely; suppose it comes home today. I am glad poor Jethro is able to have his sisters in law with him. Well, I must say adieu my old friend. I am going for a little walk. Hope I shall hear from you soon and that your patience is not quite exhausted as I do hope I shall be able to come soon. Aunt joins in love. Believe me, ever Yours affectionately....
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