Mary Llewelyn Davies to Sylvia du Maurier - 1890

Description

Letter from Mary Llewelyn Davies to Sylvia, 12 June 1890.

[No original available]

Transcription

K.L., 12th June. 1890

Dearest Sylvia,
Thank you for your note and enclosure — only I wish you wouldn't!
You see I am back again at this dear place, which looks so sweet and green and peaceful after horrid bustling old London!
It was very trying to me to leave my dearest patient, and not to know every minute how he is and what he is doing. But I daresay he gets on very well without me; he will have plenty looking after him, and I have comfortable bulletins from my brother Harry....
Yesterday afternoon was so delicious; the vicar and I went to a drive to see some people at Casterton, and then we drove through Underlay Park and called on "The Willies". W found Mrs. W. in bed with a new baby by her side! And they both, she and W., looked so beaming and happy. "We're just intoxicated," he said. It is nice to see them there. He showed me the great Henry George picture with pride. They think it is the most beautiful house, and so it is, as nice as possible.
I have not heard anything from Arthur — but we hope to have Maurice here for Sunday. Oh dear, I wish you were here to help us to entertain about 20 gentlemen at tea today! Margt. got home last night, and is very busy settling herself and all her innumerable affairs in the red room wh. perhaps you may remember! When are you coming again?
Kindest remembrances to Mr. and Mrs. du Maurier and May.
Your loving,
M.Ll.D.

I have no idea who "the Willies" were. Perhaps Jack may know. The "dearest patient" was Charles Crompton, who lay dying at his house in Cromwell Place.