Father and me were so releaved at getting your letter ten days ago
saying you had reached Unguja safe and sound and had just been married
to John Baines by the Consul and at the Cathedral. It sounded quite
grand being married twice, and I only hope youll be happy.
I went over to see Mrs. Baines at Tilehurst taking your letter with me
but was receaved [underscored: none too graciously]. It seems John had
not written to his parents to say he was married [strikeout: or even
that he] but I suppose he hadent time before being so busy over his
preperations for starting up country.
Well my darling we both wishes you every happiness. Your letter dident
tell us much but I suppose you were too busy having to start away on a
ship the next morning. We both send our humble thanks to Captain
Brentham for looking after you on the voyage. Lady Silchester has had
her baby--in the middle of last June. Father and me drove over last
week to pay our respecs and make inquiries. His lordship himself came
out to see and was nice as he always is. He's very like his poor mother
and she was always the lady and spoke as nice to her servants as to her
titled friends. Well Lord Silchester rang for the nurse and baby so as
we might see it. It looked to me a poor little antique thing but of
course I dident say so. It's been christened James after his Lordship's
father but they say as her Ladyship wanted some other name more romantic
like. She came in from the garden as we were leaving and gave herself
such airs I thought but Father says she's a rare piece for good looks
and we all ought to be grateful to her for giving an heir to the estate
to keep out the Australian cousin who might have [strikeout: revvle]
revolutionary ideas about farming. She ast after you a bit sarcastic
like I thought. She says I hear your daughter flirted dredfully with my
cousin Captain Brentham on the way out. I couldent help saying I dident
believe it. My daughter I said would never be a flirt it wasnt in your
nature. I felt so put out but his Lordship tried to make it come right
by saying Her Ladyship musnt judge others by herself and that he quite
believed me. Weve had a good hay crop and the wheat and root crops
promises well. So Father's in rare good humour and says after harvest
he's going to take us all to the sea-side Bournemouth or Southsea.
Clara and Mary's both well. They never ail as you kno. Young Marden of
Overeaston is paying Clara some attention. Leastways he drops in to
Sunday supper pretty often.
We all send our love and I hope with all my hart you will be happy and
continu well. I shall go on being anxious about you till you come back.
Praps the Primitives will give John a call after he's done his bit of
missionary work and youll be able to live in England close to us. I
shant be happy till this comes to pass.
Your loving mother
Clara Josling
_From Mrs. Baines to her son John._
Tilehurst,
_October_ 14, 1887.