| Description | Charlotte and Mary's health concerns dominate several entries. Mary is suffering with a mouth abcess and associated dental problems throughout January while Charlotte has a mild attack of influenza on 18 January. Her nose is painful in March and April and Dr Bland syringes her nose on 22 June. He also continues to treat the prolapsed uterus, and visits to give advice about rectal discomfort on 22 October. Mary has appointments with Dr. Webb during November about her nose, an ingrowing toe nail and a sore throat, and has her ears syringed on 18 December.
Charlotte's state of health does not prevent her from hospital visiting, or spending time with Ethel and the children, and with her brothers. She also gives details of engaging new servants, and household tasks, such as washing and drying the drawing room china with Bennett on 6 April.
Charlotte takes a holiday in Folkestone, beginning on 11 May, with Mary and Sidney. She walks on the Lees and on the parade, and goes 'shopping for keepsakes' on 15 May. The summer holiday is spent at Whitby in August and September where Charlotte walks on cliffs and by the harbour, sits on the front, and was able to watch 'the regatta fr.[om] the spa garden' on 24 August. Charlotte and Mary visit Sidney on 21 September and they travel to Dorset with him. Sidney hires a rowing boat to go fishing, and they also visit Lulworth. Other leisure activities mentioned include Charlotte's attendance at the Bishop of London's garden party on 18 June and a trip to the Royal Academy on 15 July. Mary and Sidney visit the 'Anglo-French exhibition' on 25 May, and Mary goes to Beechett Wood on 20 June to help with the Sunday School treat.
Reading matter includes: 'A Cotswold Village - Gibbs', 'In Paradise', 'book on Japan', 'A Woman's Task' and 'The Pleasant Land of France'.
The diary contains a single loose enclosure: newspaper cutting announcing details of the estates of Alice Swinburne. |