Christmas season
December 1858. Charlotte, Mary and Mr Kerr are still in Pau. Charlotte spends the Christmas season with her new acquaintances
25th
Christmas-day. Lovely day. Mary is well, & was able to go out a little. Mr K. & I went to church. It was prettily decorated. We remained for the Communion; was able to be a little more thoughtful & attentive than usual. Great many stayed. When we got home, Mary told me, Mrs Christie was going to take me to dinner. She called for me at 2. Mr & Miss C. were with her. We drove up the Côteme Montebello, so called from the Duke de Montebello’s château near the top. The mountains were quite lovely. All walked up the hill; Mrs C. & I together, talking & gathering moss & ferns for Mary. She is such a darling; nice & old for her age in some things, but so bright & girlish in others. I like her husband too. He treated us both like children but seems truly fond of his wife. I like to see & admire their happiness. We went a long way, to the famed chapel of Pietà. Had not time to look at it. Drove home another way. Miss Christie sat on the box, & Mrs C. & I had such a nice talk all the way home. They both took such care of me. Mary dined with us, & we drank her health in champagne, today, instead of her birthday, as she was ill then. Have spent a happy Christmas day.
27th
Went to buy a dress in the morning. In the afternoon, called on Mrs Gordon; home, & found Mrs Christie sitting with Mary. We had a walk on the terrace, & a long talk about the ball on the 3d as she would like to go & see it, having never been at one; she was in great uncertainty as her Sister does not think it right, & she is afraid of leading her husband to do wrong. I did not like to advise her, as I am going, & cannot see the harm; besides I really could not; she however, decided not to go, & I could not but approve her decision. It has made me think about it however. Before I was out, I did not think balls right quite, yet I was induced to go, though I did not enjoy them; only got excited. Now I seldom get excited, & if I do not stay late it seems to make no difference; & I cannot see why it is worse to go to a ball sometimes, than any where else.
30th
Waited for Miss J. from 2 o’clock till 4. Mrs Christie was with us; then walked out with her, & met Miss J. who made a slight apology! Walked with us a little; then Frances* & I joined Mr & Miss Christie; she walked with her ______ husband, I with Miss C. Afterwards, F & I walked & talked of our Mamas; she was 15 when she lost hers, so was I. Hers died on a Sunday morning, so did ours.
Charlotte had recorded her mother’s last illness and death in her 1850 journal. If you would like to read what she wrote about this loss, click here.
31st
Pour of rain. Went to the Christies (__ St Martin) Talked & played, & lunched, saw their little room, went over the vacant ____; down stairs. Frances came home with me & sat with M. while Mr K. & I were out. Then Amy came. In the evening, went with Mr K. to their children’s party, played at “L’Avocat”. Then on to the Johnstone Gordon’s. Large musical party. Miss J. & Mme Fournier played duet on 2 pianos. Renewed acquaintance with the Spencers (friends of Mrs Gregory.) Christies came; sat with F. till Miss J. took me away, asked me to played [sic], but declined; introduced me to Mr Claude Hamilton, who told me it “powered” in London on Xmas-day. Was introduced also to Mr Brock, & a French Viscount. Mr C. H. took me & youngest Miss Spencer to supper. Fine supper. Then escaped once more to F. Felt rather dull & unhappy. As Mr K. & I left, dancing commenced. Did not feel any wish to stay. Home, & talked the New Year in, to Marionette.
Notes
Frances
Mrs Christie. She and Charlotte are now on first name terms. ”Amy” appears to be Miss Pringle, Frances’s sister.
