Anxiety for Sholta
April 1858. News comes from London to say that Charlotte’s sister Sholta is gravely ill.
3d Saturday
Heard from Catty that Sholta is not well. The homeopathic dr Leadam has done her no good, so they have called in Dr Protheroe Smith.
5th
Miss Makdougall came to tell me that she had just received a telegram from Catty to ask her not to go to them, as Sholta’s illness is more serious than she thought. Scarcely knew what to think from this. Feel very anxious to get a letter; & Mr K. thinks the symptoms very alarming. Letty & Bunty Scott called to say good-bye.
6th
Got a letter from Catty to say Sholta’s disorder is a serious attack of Congestion in the Brain; but it is yielding to the remedies used; but she must be left perfectly quiet.
7th
Started for Brighton, with rather a heavy heart for poor Sholta. Very anxious to hear next news.
8th
Arrived at Brighton. Letter from Catty to say Sholta is better; she will not let me go for fear of doing the invalid harm. Poor Catty is little fit for nursing.
May 1st 55 Brunswick Square
Mr Reade, & his brother Alfred dined. The latter is very amusing. Miss Bradshaw came in the evening. She & Mr A. Reade sang. Latter well, though never taught. Mrs Kerr looks very well. Sholta’s recovery progresses slowly, but surely, & Catty has continued gaining strength in spite of her anxiety & nursing. What a gracious Providence has watched over them all this time.
21st
Bid farewell to 55, & came to my sisters. Saw Catharine, first, & thought her looking fat and well. Sholta looks much better than I expected, better than last year, & seems in very good spirits; almost too much, for she will laugh & talk more than she ought. I find it infectious.
