April 18. Red Barns Coatham, Redcar. Dearest Mother. Here are the French things, I think these must be all, there are no more in that box.
It is a horrid day again, cold and windy with never a gleam of sun. The thermometer was 40° at breakfast, Hugo will be interested to hear. I have been gardening all the afternoon and am tired but very refreshed. The heath is planted where the heather is, please tell Papa, and a lot of foxgloves dug out from the bushes where they had seeded themselves. I hope the heath will grow. There was a great excitement this afternoon - two men appeared in the garden to take an ordinance survey. We saw them first on the line where the little girls watched them with interest and couldn't think what they were doing. At last they seemed to be going away and Molly seeing the last hope vanish, summoned up all her courage and asked one of the men ("very politely" she told me) "please will you tell us why you are carrying that pole and that red flag." It did seem rather odd of them!

Do you know, I scarcely think it would be worth my while to establish myself at 95. Suppose I were to wait till I could go to 98, unless indeed Papa will be in London at the end of next week, or if I cannot go to 98 till May 1st. Will you leave me to arrange about all the things to be brought up. I would bring what silver we want with me, having it carefully packed, pack all the other things before I leave and have them sent to 98 by goods train. Would that do?

It is so cold and wet that we have not been able to get any primroses for Auntie Bessie, for which we are very sorry. 3 Guinea pigs have been sold! the little girls have realised 2/6d by the transaction. The P.O. has been sent to Mrs P. Ever your very affectionate daughter Gertrude.

Are you ready for more F.B.? 2 more vols ready for you.