Haven't done a lot of research this week, but one interesting fact from my story's view point, was that the STEDELIJK MUSEUM was opened in Amsterdam in 1895, as a place to exhibit modern/contemporary art.
"Dear Miss Lillian,
" My darling Effie,
images on my page; "Harbour at Dieppe" by Mauritz F. H. Haas
Photos look a bit scruffy due to my having to close the blinds because the sun is so bright today :D
"Dear Miss Lillian,Oh my! I have had such a strange week. Rather unsettling actually. I told Richard what you said about getting a nurse for me. He asked to read your letter, as he does not consider himself adept with "female matters". He went ever so quiet, hardly spoke for days, just sat watching me. Then, as we arrived in The Netherlands for the opening of the new art museum, he arranged interviews. My new nurse is Miss Francesca, formerly a midwife, and comes highly recommended. She is very sweet, smiles all the time. She even sings lullabies while I am napping. I feel safer now. Not that I don't...(oops sorry)...oh gosh, sorry again...I am in such a fluster. Did I mention I am expecting a baby?
Richard cried, and smiled and positively jumped for joy...then he ran outside and set fire to my corsets!
Yours affectionately Effie XXX
p.s.sending you some glorious tulip bulbs. I could not choose a colour so they packed a mixture for me."
" My darling Effie,I am swooning with delight at the joy your postcard brings. As you know, I have no children of my own, so when your sisters and now yourself announce a new arrival, it thrills me to the core. Your new nurse sounds perfect. I am sure you will get on famously.
Will you be returning home soon? I just want to give you a big hug. I am certain Sir Richard will send you home soon.
On a sadder note, do you remember the theatre entertainments I used to take you to as a child? They were run by Mr and Mrs German Reed. Well, Mrs Reed passed away on the 18th of this month. Such a shame we will not be able to share these lovely excursions with your baby.
Your ever-loving Governess
Miss Lillian xxx"
images on my page; "Harbour at Dieppe" by Mauritz F. H. Haas Photo of Mrs Priscilla German Reed nee Horton, who was the most sort after theatre actress in the 1800's. When she married, she and her husband set up their own theatre shows geared towards family outings as she had become disillusioned by the smuttiness of the burlesque style.
"La Bercuese" (aka Lullaby or Woman who rocks the infant) by Vincent van Gogh
The frontage of the Stedelijk Museum
Photos look a bit scruffy due to my having to close the blinds because the sun is so bright today :DBlessed Ostara to you all (spring equinox) :D XXX
