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5 Stamford Villas
Fulham
London
[in pencil Jan '62]
My darling friend
I am so happy that I am again enabled to sit before my desk and reply to the kind and anxious solicitations of my dear friends across the sea. First letter of all that meets my eyes and prompts a first reply is yours dear Emma: It came during my illness and Mr Booth withheld it - until the nurse said there was no longer fear of head-ache and I assure you its pleasant contents did me real good. You heard from Lucy I suppose upon her receiving Mr Booth's funny letter of my safe delivery and the dear treasure given me - in the form of a darling daughter however, not a boy as I so wished and hoped for. Shall I say that I suffered disappointment? no, cherie. I have forgotten that I ever felt such a pang - or ever desiring any [else?] beside what I possess. -
This is the fifth week now since my little blessing came and from the hour she was born 'til the present one I have (thanks to our Heavenly Father) no unusual suffering, no unnatural pain to recount. all has gone thus far well with me - and my former strength is rapidly returning. My only trouble has been my breasts - and they are always so I am told with the first child. I can only nurse her from one side at present, but have used such care, that I have avoided that terrible affliction, "a broken breast". Of course you would like to now how the "enfant" looks and to whom she bears resemblance. You know how very camelion-like they are the first month - so you would smile, I am sure, at any attempt of mine to define her features. I can only safely vouch for one beauty she has - and that is a pair of large & expressive eyes! I fancy I can trace too the likeness
of her loved papa upon her little infant brow - but another month will better devise the hopes of my health for me. I am yet too feeble to write at any great length - though I have a thousand things to say to you, darling. I am most anxious to know if the hope you expressed about your dear self in your last - is indeed to be realized - oh, do take care of your health - you cannot appreciate the immeasurable Joy that awaits you - hope for it, pray for it. Have I written you since I took possession of my little villa? I think not - Tis a cosy little nook - just big enough for Edwin, me, and the baby! - I have no trouble having excellent servants - and we are so happy and comfortable that but for the dear and cherished faces on the other side, I should have no present wish to return. As it is there is no likelihood of such a thing - for
Mr Booth plays again in London in the Spring (the only proper season) and after that will make his promised tour. I was very much annoyed at receiving a Boston Post - with a comment upon Miss 'Edwina Booth'. I cannot imagine who could have given publicity to such a private matter: they knew little about it - to say 'born in Manchester'. Edwin had been playing there - perhaps they meant him - could nature so err? Boston will ever continue to recognize gossip, that is certain. well we must forgive it for all the good it otherwise does. I have seen your Grandmama but once, since I moved to Fulham - but hope for a visit from her soon. We have American friends - the Grahams of N. York - in London at present - and we have them a great deal with us, which renders it very home-like and delightful
for me. They go soon to the South of France - and were it not for our having taken 'til May this little villa, we would go with them. Next winter, if all goes well, I shall try and pass it there - for London is a tomb in Winter Time. I cannot allude to politics without getting very prolix and as that would seem [Glen-bas-ish?]] I will confine myself to the simple expression of my delight at the happy conclusion of the Trent affair, although the 'Times' and several other of the leading papers here still continue to misjudge the people and Government of the North - and will insist upon [their being?] all 'unmannerly hearts.' Oh, it is too much to bear their insults: why, I assure you that any day in their preambles about town, Mr Booth and Mr Graham are attacked upon the question sometimes
in a most rude and uncalled for way. Mr G - though he bears letters of introduction to the best people of London - fears to present them while the present bitter feeling lasts. I pray that all may go well with us and our cause - but as I read and ponder at this great distance I can judge more calmly than while at home - and I must say, that I tremble for the future. - Chere amie, I have not alluded particularly to your health for I trust by this time you have no cause for complaint: what a long tedious time of suffering you must have passed. Let us hope that the future may restore you and give you additional strength - as the trying period I have just gone through often does, you know.
A little voice from my nursery falls upon my attentive ear - it has grown familiar even in this short [space?] -
and warns me to make haste. Often now I am called from Edwin's side to minister to the wants of the little selfless one - and he bears it, as he should. I once thought it would do harm - but I find the contrary - leisure hours when we find ourselves alone are more precious than ever - see, f you don't find it so, darling.
Adieu, I will write Lucy soon - so tell her. Follow my example in your next and tell me all about yourself. Cherish and love ever, your affectionate friend
Mary Booth
My kind regards to Mr Cushman - whom I hope is in the enjoyment of health and happiness.
M.