Susannah Elmhirst to Lady Margaret

The Rectory, Lambeth, 28 October 1866

Dear Lady Margaret,

I obtained your forwarding address from Her Grace, your mother, who reluctantly granted me permission to write to you, with certain caveats, which I am sure I need not spell out. I understand your stay at Powerscourt is likely to be a lengthy one. I hope that you are in good health and spirits, and able to make the most of the fresh country air—how I envy you that!

I have not written until now because I believed that a clean break would be best for all concerned, most particularly you. Be assured, though, that you are often in my thoughts. I write now in the hope that time has healed the scars and that you are able to take comfort from knowing that life in Lambeth goes on as usual, with all its highs and lows.

There have been a few changes in our household since you last visited us. My brother was finally persuaded to approach the bishop about a curate, and to his astonishment, the bishop agreed. Mr. Glass is young but extremely enthusiastic, and his presence has greatly cheered Sebastian. I, however, am still missing dear Esther, whom I have not been able to replace. As a result I am forced to spend a great deal more of my time on household management than I would like, especially now that I have two men to run after! Esther and Molly seem very happy in their new life together, and that is something not to be sneezed at, as the saying goes. Sebastian says we are all equal in the eyes of God, which is typical of him.

Our ladies continue to meet, and your name comes up in conversation every now and then. The children in particular miss your stories, and are scathing, in the way only children can be, of my feeble attempts to replace you. We had a cholera outbreak during the summer which put a great strain on the infirmary as you can imagine. I am sorry to have to inform you that Sally lost her little Alfie to it. It is a cruel and indiscriminate disease.

It is Sunday afternoon, and I can hear my brother making those harrumphing noises that tell me his sermon is not going well Sebastian is preparing for evensong. He will be expecting the kitchen fairy to have prepared tea before then, so I must end now and go and assume her duties!

I pray you find contentment and fulfilment in the fullness of time.

God bless you, Lady Margaret.

With kindest regards,

Susannah Elmhirst