Harry Scott of Ancrum
September – October 1858. Back at Sunlaws after a summer in London, Charlotte socialises once more with the Scotts of Ancrum. Her inclination to flirt with Mr Harry Scott is misinterpreted, with unhappy results.
4th
Ellen Paton came. Mary & I rode with her to SWP. I have such a nice little black horse. I only dismounted, & saw Douglas, who is much changed by his beard; it is a good one, but I am not got reconciled to it. Mariquita not looking very well. Poor Miss Makdougall very ill. Was taken ill 2 days ago. Then rode to Crailing with Ellen. On our way back, met Harry Scott driving Letty & Bunty home from Sunlaws.
8th Wednesday
Harriet & Harry Scott came to lunch & go with us to the Kelso flower-show. I went with Miss Buckle in Mrs Hunter’s phaeton. Good show, but did not see much of flowers, there were so many people to speak to. Saw Mrs Hunter, who took home Miss Buckle; Mr Waldie, & his nephew, Mr Griffiths & Mrs G, who are staying with him, &c &c. Long day.
15th
Harriet Scott came to lunch. I rode back with her as far as Crailing. She talked of Harry; of the ill-nature of the gossiping world; of the reports about him & Miss A. Douglas; & ended with saying they were both great flirts. Had to dress in a great hurry for the Hendersyde dinner. The 2 Mrs Kerrs, Mr K. & Self, went. Mr Waldie, Mr & Mrs Griffiths, Willie Scott, & Mr Anderson composed the party. 1st lady’s party Mr W. has given since I have been out: Mr A. took me in. He is a ho___. After dinner, W.S. talked a good deal to me; Mr W. turned me out of my seat, to put me with him. Mrs G. sang better than I have ever heard her.
20th
H.S. came early, & staid lunch. Saw my paintings, & was overcome! Asked us all to a pic-nic at Ancrum on Saturday. Mary & I rode to SWP. In the afternoon. She left me there. Mrs & Miss Kerr went to Rosebank. Miss Mak: is suffering much from a carbuncle in her head.
21st
Miss Mak: veryunwell. D. & Capt: H. went to Melrose. Miss Williamson Ramsay called, & H.S. Felt a feeling when he came in! Staid on chance of seeing D. Put on my hat; was down before Mariquita; was amzed & grieved at what followed, for I felt it was unjust to both to say any thing but positively no. Went away, did not return till M. did. Strange; [Archie] did the same on this day, 2 years ago. Felt very dowie;* & self-reproachful; for I fear I have flirted with him, not understanding what was going on. He looked dowie too, wh: is sad for such a merry creature. Had a walk, then H. left.
25th
Pic-nic at Ancrum; hesitated whether I shd go but as the 2 Mrs Kerrs, & Grace were the only ones going, I thought I had better. Great deal of wind. Were received by Arthur Scott, on his 2 sticks; he looked very well, & his foot is going on well; Willie Sir W. Letty & Bunty were in the room. Lady Scott came in for a little while. She looked so careworn & sorrowful, & when we went to our lunch, she remained with her poor invalid, Jack. The rest of the party went to the caves; we met there, H. & Major L’Estrange, who were arranging & cooking. We had a very merry party; I sat between Letty & Arthur, who is great fun. I did not feel very merry, & was, in consequence, uncommonly stupid. H. scarcely eat anything, having appointed himself the cook. The dishes were smoked, but otherwise not bad. Major L’E’s seat gave way & he nearly rolled down the bank. After sitting on the bank some time, we went a walk to the castle hill. W. walked beside me,* & I was horridly anxious, but talked as fast as I cd. The river is pretty & wild; & the view from the castle hill very pretty. Returned to the house, saw a group of hinds done by Miss Stracey, very well, __ all are as good as that of Miss Augusta M. Douglas. Had tea, then home. Found Agnes Bayly’s Australian friend, Mr Witteno__ had arrived; was not prepossessed by the first sight of him. He is very American, but seems well informed, with plenty to say.
18th Monday
Wet day. Went to SWP. & saw Mis Mak: She is improving very much in health. In time for dinner came Mr Mrs & Miss Tod of Drygrange, Harry & Arthur Scott. Dinner was very stupid. I was next Mr Tod, & could not get on with him; H. was opposite, & we are very shy of each other still; a crust of ice has formed since Sept: 21st, but he was good enough to break it this evening. Mrs & Miss Tod sang duets; Miss T. has a good voice, though I thought it a little harsh; but she sings well. H. also _____ us with “Come, come along”.
Notes
W. walked beside me
Willie Scott of Ancrum.
Dowie
Scots word meaning sad or dismal.
