| Description | Includes particular references to social engagements, and correspondence. There is also reference to the hiring of domestic staff - Charlotte engages 'a girl at Mr Cobbs'. She then bought 'her a gown at Ralph's', 6 January. The diaries also reveal a sense of Charlotte's growing independence, as she stays in their London residence at 50 Chester Square for more prolonged periods, and increasingly cultivates her own friends and social circle. She also joins the local choir, 3 May, and whilst in London visits a Botanical flower show, also in May. Frequent reference is also made to her burgeoning friendship with the Rector.
Vacations include a trip in the company of her father and Lady Antrobus to Belgium, Germany and France in July and August. Descriptions of holiday activities include the taking of mud baths. Charlotte desists at first, but then becomes a regular bather.Whilst in Paris she visits the Louvre, the Hotel d'Cluny where she picks out a particular 'objet d'art' for mention - 'a large platter by Luca della ?Robbia of the Virgin and Child adorned by cherubs' - and attends an acrobatic show at the Hippodrome. In addition, the family also holiday in Bangor, and Charlotte details the games she plays with her younger cousins in November.
Reading matter includes Trench on the New Testament parables, 'Recreations of a Country Parson', Macaulay, Dryden, and the first volume of 'An Englishwoman in Italy'.
Loose enclosure comprises a calling card of Charlotte Pearse |