Charlotte – on her mother’s death
Charlotte’s mother Hannah Charlotte Scott fell ill very suddenly when the family was in Paris in April 1850. She died only a few days later. Charlotte was fifteen when it happened; her half-sister Mary was only ten. Although Charlotte rarely refers to her mother in the rest of her diary, on the few occasions that she does, it is clear that she felt her loss deeply. One of the things that had drawn Charlotte and Archie together was that had both lost their mothers at a young age.
April 18th Thursday
2 Rue de la Ville l’ Evêgne. At 11 o’clock A.M. went out driving with Mama; intending to go to the Bois de Boulogne; but, when we were half way up the Champs Elysées Mama said to me, “I do not know what has come over me, my hands are so powerless”; & a minute after, I was obliged to take the whip, to prevent its falling; Mama had just time to tell a man that was passing to get a hackney coach; one was got, & they were obliged to lift Mama in; I went too, & the General drove the ponies home. By this time, Mama could not speak, so as to be understood, & was carried up stairs in an arm chair. Papa [Mr Kerr] appeared to be very much agitated, & was as pale as a sheet. With a little difficulty, Mama was put to bed, & undressed. The doctor came; & Mama was bled; it is appoplexy that she is ill of. In the afternoon Mrs Law came with Miss L. & Madame de Brebois, having heard of Mama’s illness. Monsieur Tocan, our drawing master came, but I did not take my lesson. Now, Mama is a little better.
April 19th Friday
2. Rue de la Ville l’Evêgne. Mama still continues very ill; she is not quite insensible, but does not recognise people; though Papa thought she knew him a little.
April 22d Monday
2. Rue de la Ville l’Evêgne. Mama a good deal better; though she cannot say more than “yes” & cannot move her right arm or leg. […]
April 23d Tuesday
2. Rue de la Ville l’Evêgne. Mama a great deal better; Mary & I went to see her, & she knew us perfectly & embraced us; but cannot speak. […]
April 26th Friday
2. Rue de la Ville l’Evêgne. Mama much worse. They discover there is inflammation of the kidneys
April 29th Monday
2. Rue de la Ville l’Evêgne. My dearest Mama expired at ½ past 6 this morning. She was scarcely expected to live through last night. It was most distressing to see poor Papa, he is in such a state of grief, & leant on me sobbing as if his heart would break. Mr Lovat, the Episcopal clergyman came & prayed. Even now in death dear Mama has such a sweet smile on her countenance; though she looks 20 years older than she is.
May 1st Wednesday
2. Rue de la Ville l’Evêgne. Mr Maclaurin, Papa’s cousin arrived last night, but we did not see him till this morning. Mr Lovat came & read the burial service over poor Mama, who is now in her coffin ready to be taken to Scotland to-morrow morning.
May 7th Tuesday
2. Rue de la Ville l’Evêgne. I suppose my dear Mama’s funeral took place to-day at Springwood […]
May 9th Thursday
2. Rue de la Ville l’Evêgne. […] Feel the loss of my dear Mother more & more every day.
May 22d
[…] I missed my dear Mama very much, indeed, I do more than I did, every day more & more.
May 26th Sunday
[…] Melancholy thoughts came on me this evening, especially when I saw dear little Mary sitting on Papa’s knee, & though that she was without a Mother as well as I! Oh! My dearest Mama, what would I not give, to spend even if it were but a few hours with you!
