Reference
X919/12
Title
John H Brooks to his daughter Katie [Catherine M F] Brooks.
Date free text
14 May 1870
Production date
From: 1870 To: 1870
Scope and Content
14 May 1870
My Own Darling Kate,
How good of you so soon after landing, and when you must have been in so dire a condition of [illegible] to write such a long and interesting letter to the old Papa! I am sure it has quite set me up again, for you will laugh of course, and hardly believe me but I was myself sick with anxiety nearly all day on Thursday, but now you are not to lament or bewail me any more. I shall be cheerful and happy in thinking of you all enjoying yourselves and in my various home occupations. You would laugh I am sure to see me helping Granny with her worsted work! I did a good deal of it yesterday for her and set her right 2 or 3 times and have done so again today, and the chances are I shall become a proficient in the art by the time you return!
Tell darling Min her Pullies are very well and Pecky commenced yesterday to ‘caw’ at me and sit on my arm when I let them out. Figaro evidently cannot make out where you have all gone to and was very sober yesterday, he solaced himself with calling[?] on the lawn this morning (although he had nothing but dry bread from me) but there is not much the matter with him, and I have ordered that he be washed today which will make him more pleasant as a companion!
That is a dear little pony of Uncle Georges which took the 2 Mins to the station, ask our darling if she thinks it would be big enough for her to ride. It goes a great pace in saddle and harness and is very handsome, young and strong. Uncle G wants me to buy it.
I can fancy your all enjoying he beautiful sea breezes today as no doubt it is fine and sunny at Dieppe. We must manage for you to have a quieter day for your return trip if possible!
I propose writing alternately to you and darling Min and probably after a bit I shall find it difficult to fill more that one sheet at a time. I have put Mama’s and my picture and yours and Min’s in the Drawing Room, there to stay until you return. I picked up a poor little swallow (alive) this morning that had been injured by the boisterous wind.
Mind and write fully to me darling as you have begun but do not make a task of it. After my next I shall be quite content to hear on my return home. I found an invitation for me to a croquet party at Toddington Park on my Birthday, but I could not bring myself to accept it - after a bit I may be glad to go out.
Level of description
item