Feb. 1. Red Barns Coatham, Redcar. Dearest Mother. I gather that you have written to Lady Pease. The little girls are not very much disappointed.
I was delighted with Mrs Head's letter! The vision of her walking among the leaves of Chamber C...... is too charming, but I don't think a brune mouche sounds nice - it suggests to me a sort of blue bottle pie.

We had an amusing cooking lesson yesterday. We made little tarts and an orange pudding - very good. It was very nearly an orange and crocodile pudding for a piece of half burnt crocodile skin fell down the chimney into the saucepan while Molly was stirring it and was only discovered by Miss Mossop when the pudding was almost finished. Of course we had to begin over again. How the crocodile got up the chimney I can't say. I am thinking of having it swept in case there should be any more lurking in its depths.

Papa came home at 3 yesterday afternoon and found us just preparing to go out. We strolled round the garden and he lighted an enormous bonfire by the racquet court. It burnt famously much to the babes' delight. It is perfectly heavenly today. We all went for a walk before lunch, the little girls have now gone out with Hunt and Papa and I am going later. This Belloved sun is bringing out the snowdrops in the garden and you can almost see the crocuses growing.

How thrilling about Lady Colley!! I think it's rather a good plan though I don't know Wentworth Beaumont.

I foresee the fates will take us to Westmorland this summer - well I daresay it would be rather nice and cheaper than Switzerland which would be a little nicer. Ever your very affectionate daughter Gertrude.