MS West Devon Area Record Office Ac 1092/351
My dear Charlotte
I have never thanked you for that kind note that told me so much and made me able to understand more of how the grievous scene went on, and how that dearest one was taken and now I am wishing to know whether you think uncle James or Mr Rogers had at all apprehended that all the distressing symptoms of some years past were tending that way, as I now suppose they did. I was very anxious about her last year, and only said nothing (except to Elizabeth Colborne) because I thought Mary could not bear to talk it over, and she certainly said things that shewed her to think that life was in a way over for her. How Mary is to bear up against all that must fall on her now I cannot think. I long to be of some help to her, and yet I fear no one can help her, Duke does more than anyone else. I remember last year dear Anne saying that when once Duke was in the house things seemed off one’s mind. I am glad Katharine is old enough to have a distinct remembrance of her aunt. I hope Helen will have the same – you cannot think how good and gentle she is to me now.3 how did you get through Sunday, I hope John Morshead came to help Duke. – I am imagining that the Organ must have been silent. It will be very hard to you to begin to play it. Whenever you can write to me I shall be very thankful, I feel as if I hardly knew myself without Anne to turn to and think of
your affectionate cousin
C M Yonge
Thank Duke for his letter I wrote to Mary yesterday when I found I could not come. I am better today, but I know he is right & that it is better not.