GY11/191

Letter to Ann Milnes, later Ann Wade-Gery, from Miss A[nn] Skevington, Bedford

8 November 1828

From: 1828 To: 1828

Thank you for your last letter. However, I thought from your manner of writing you did not appear anxious to hear from me again, which was the true cause of my silence. Mrs [Elizabeth] Kidman joins with myself in giving you joy upon the marriage of your sister. I have the painted box she gave me when I was at Beckingham still in good preservation. My sister has been an invalid for some time, and I have suffered greatly from a pain in my side. Saw Mrs. F Dawson and infant. We were at Campton in October, and saw Miss Endersby. Her sister, Mrs Olivier, has been in France a year and is now gone into Italy for the winter. My Niece [Sarah Kidman] is going to school at Newport in Bucks, and Thomas ere long to the University of Oxford. Sarah completed her eleventh year 30th of October. I never saw a child more happy than she was, on that day two little girls were invited to amuse her, which added much to her pleasure. I saw that the celebrated singer, [Gertrude Elizabeth] Mara, was still living. I heard her sing once at the church of St. Philips, Birmingham in Messiah. As I do not live in the Gay World, but chiefly in retirement, have very little to communicate. "They have not begun dancing yet - the spirit of gayety is greatly wanting in Bedford - it has ever been considered a very stupid place" (This is not deposited at the Record Office - for information only.)

NOTDEPnot deposited

item

Skevington, Ann,
Kidman, Elizabeth,
Kidman, Sarah,
Kidman, Thomas,
Dawson, F,
Endersby,
Olivier,
Mara, Gertude Elizabeth

BEDFORD, Beckingham, CAMPTON, France, Italy, Newport Pagnell, Birmingham, Oxford University, singer, dancing