| Description | Mary remains in poor health for the first part of the year. Chrlotte writes that Dr Webb treats her by plugging her nose on 27 and 29 January. Mary visits him on 1 February so that he can examine her nose under electricity.
Charlotte's health is also poor: she continues to be treated for her prolapsed uterus and mentions problems with her heart and spasms. Dr Bland diagnoses a mild attack of influenza on 7 March and she is still unwell on 30 March, complaining that she is 'shivery, ailing, dull on the liver'. He diagnoses gout in both legs on 1 April.
Despite her ailments, Charlotte continues her hospital visiting, receives visits from Cecil, Ethel and the children, spends time with her brothers and socialises with her friends, and also attends church services regularly. Charlotte reports the death of her brother Robert 27 July.
Charlotte travels to Eastbourne 7 April with Mary, and with her brothers Brice and Arty. Charlotte has to have a bath chair. They go to Westham on 11 April and meet Sidney. He and Mary attend a Symphony concert in Devonshire Park on 14 April and Mary uses the sea water baths on 15 and 16 April. The summer holiday is spent in Folkestone in Aug and September., where Mary again uses the seawater baths. Charlotte visits the harbour to watch the boats, and goes down to the beach in a lift. They are joined by Sidney on 29 August and he and Mary visit Dover on 1 September. The family watch the regatta from Madeira Walk on 7 September. Other excursions include a visit to see Charlotte's friend, Ena Duckworth, near Frome on 12 July where they are able to relax in the garden and on the verandah. Mary attends a watercolour exhibition on 27 June and a 'Japanese exhibition' on 29 June.
Events of topical interest mentioned in the diary include the death of Edward VII on 6 May, from 'bronchitis, laryngytis and pneumonia'. Charlotte reads the details in the newspaper on 9 May, and notes that the body has been moved to Westminster Hall, 17 May. She goes to see the funeral decorations on 19 May, and records the procession to St Georges Chapel, Windsor the following day, for the funeral service.
Reading matter includes 'The Guided Life', 'Revelations of the Risen Lord', 'Gladstone's Life', 'article on Edward VII's childhood in the Quarterly', 'book on African mission', 'In Paradise' and 'Changing China'. |