Item 74 - Letter from M B to Mademoiselle Buckland

1 letter

To Mademoiselle [Madlle] Buckland
Chez M. Plattel
Change d'Anton
Paris
France

Islip

Sunday
April 27
[1856]

My dear Child,
I have received a very beautiful collar which I am sure is from you, and for which I heartily thank you tho' I find it no easy thing to wear collars now for anything of the kind rubs against my [Seaton?] and irritates me exceedingly. I am quite the old woman now with [compelled?] neck cloth round my throat which I hide as best I can by a silk scarf. The [Seaton?] is not painful but itches terribly sometimes - I miss the sea and the bright sun and we all feel the climate very damp and cold after Guernsey. Bipy went to the Deanery Wednesday and to her great dismay, found a stall provided for her in Willis's Room for the Ragged School Bazaar, half of which are [disputing?] church affairs, tho' there were some grounds according to a Paragraph in the [Times?] there were many [shabby?] people who came Friday the 2nd day to buy cheap. Bipy had nothing for a stall as she told Mrs Malone our things were to go to her, however they contrived to make up one and the Eame's very good naturedly consented to stay and the girls concocted a fine Arts and Natural History Bazaar with the help of some splendid sketches of Mrs. [Nafftels?] which [Bathin?] valued at 20£ they sold 10/6 each and 2 at [7?] about their value. My [-phyte?] boxes which were all sold are pretty [?] things not appreciated. Walter Levin's Etchings the [?] illuminated small Drawings. Edward seems quite satisfied with our sale, he and Rose went in the afternoons 16£ each day was taken at this print stall. Bipy bought some things for Mrs Tidderman's Bazaar which Mrs Liddel patronizes and hopes we will as people are trying to [?] it down she says. I said I could not venture to answer for you but I think for Mrs Tidderman's sake you and Bipy will take a stall and have Caroline to help. Everyone knows my regard for Mrs Tidderman I have asked her to come tomorrow and see what is to be done as I think you will choose to be by yourselves if you do help, not mixed up with the Venables after Mrs Malone's taking Bipy in for a stall I am rather suspicious - I sent for a lot of [Madeira?] Booklets which if they come in time will just do, otherwise I [?] not how you are to fill a stall. We do not yet know what was left of our things. Bipy bought a [pen?] from Mrs Tidderman. You will be shocked to hear the news arrived in the village yesterday that Mr Mitchell was found in his bed with a loaded pistol shot through the heart!! I can scarcely believe it. Please get me the [drills?] like those you bought in Paris - one for Dr [Hoskins?] which have in London directed to him there is a way of getting things to Guernsey. I have many orders for [Boxes?] which I sell for the benefit of the Industrial School in [Page?] St. Bipy is so come out that you will scarcely know her. You must take her under your protection if there is any gaity. I can do nothing but be still. I am thankful after this alarming sequence. I have had to be so well tho' I must be some sort of Invalid, perhaps all my life. I cannot bear a hot room or much light and going into public appears out of the question so I shall be very glad to have you back and I think that Bipy must then have an outing, these are schemes for Northumberland and the Lakes to visit the [Ryle?] family and Mrs Webber. First after you have been home a little I want Caroline to go by herself to the Deanery - she cannot move without Bipy and must have to get more independent - Ask Miss Leake from me to furnish you with money which I am sure you will want and it shall be repaid forthwith in Bank of England Notes. I had nothing to say and I have filled all this. The garden looks very gay and I am [out any way?] together you will be charmed with the Pony and Carriage. We are all agreed that we are glad to be rid of Neale and William and the horses.

God bless you
[yr?] very affectionate M.B.