| Description | Expanded entries for particular days are noted at the front of the volume - these include a prayer to mark the occasion of Charlotte and Fred's wedding anniversary, 29 October, and notification from Sister Harriet, the Mother Superior, of Charlotte's appointment as an associate of the community of St John Baptist, Clewer, [Windsor], 4 December.
Particular details include the birth of Charlotte and Fred's second child, Harold, 9 February. Fred writes the diary entries for the period around his birth. The diary continues to chart the development of Cecil - on the 19 December, Charlotte notes that 'Cecil began his alphabet'. Details of daily routine include gardening, household improvements, the appointment of staff, and attendance at social functions. These include archery and croquet parties. Charlotte also takes catechetism classes for children of the parish, April, and in July the church choir participates in a choral festival. The onset of a measles epidemic requires additional visiting to sick parishioners. Charlotte notes those whose contraction proves fatal, and expresses gratitude for the safe keeping of her own family, April-May. Charlotte and Fred's less dangerous health problems do, however, dominate several entries. In addition to recurrent complaints, Charlotte has her wisdom teeth removed, 23 September. New remedies that are tried include 'brandy in milk', 6 March.
This year the family holiday in Eastbourne with their friends the Duckworths, September-October. Charlotte notes their visits to the beach, the pier, the parade and the 'old Eastbourne' church which is described as 'very curious and handsome'.
Reading matter includes various collections of sermons and religious matter, Mr ?Rowling's 'Story of the African Mission', 'Clinical Celibacy', 'Layman's View of Confession', works by [Henry Parry] Liddon. She also notes that she 'tried some Henry James: early', 7 December |