From collection Frances Willard Journal Transcripts
with Andrew[,] Bushnell and Helen. F & I rode on the tricycles and then I read from Carlyle to the precious lamb and she had three little naps. We came back to the cottage about 5 P.M. and had dinner there-the others dining at the White Hart Somers has been to see Dr Broadbent & he pronounces him "overcivilized" & recommends travel. The boy is jubilant about going to America
May 8, 1893
Early this morning Lady Somers appeared on the scene to say that an Aunt of Lady H. Earl Somers sister had died & the burial was desired at Eastnor. She & Lady H. got off to London at 9 47 [actually written 9 4 7 in smaller numbers with line under] and Somers took next train. F dictated letters all day and I wrote and put things to rights. We are to go up to London tomorrow for Lady H. spends the night with her sister the Duchess in Chesham Palace. F. prepared an able article on the Council for the Herald this week.
May 9, 1893
Off to London at 9.47. [47 smaller, above line] Went directly to Victoria Street where I left Frances and departed to Gordon Square. F & Lady H came w. lunch & I went with F to Dr. Broadbents. He said to our joy that she was better. Her blood in better condition etc. Fan Barnes & I went with Alys Smith in the evening to her Girls Club to hear their performance of temperance cantata "Buy you some cherries" Fan spoke very acceptably.
May 10, 1893
Lady H. at her sisters again last night. Today we have been to the wonderful pageant connected with the opening of the Royal or Imperial Institute. Through Lady Henry's generosity we had fine seats in the pavilion opposite the Institute all the Americans included-We saw the Queen, Prince of Wales, Duke & Duchess of Edinburgh, Duke of Connaught & Duchess-Duke of Fife-also Duke of York & Princess May of Leck with her mother. Mrs. Gladstone. Lord Salisbury Duke of Cambridge-etc etc-Gay was no word for the wonderful display of uniforms & equipages.
May 11, 1893
After viewing the great procession & holding a council of war at Victoria St. we came down here to Reigate again for a bit of breathing spell. Lady Henry decides she will not go to Castle today as planned but go up to London taking Frances with her and go by early train to Eastnor. So at 7 P.M. we bade them goodby as they rushed off barely catching the train. It is blessed that they can both go for it would otherwise be a hard lonesome trip for Lady H.
