Letter from Laura Riddell, India, to her daughter Laura [in England]

English language and literature skills; need for intellectual stimulation; Mrs Donaldson’s complimentary account of Laura’s piano playing; suggestion of attendance at the Leipzig Conservatoire; regret at not gaining a better education; desire for Laura to fulfil her potential; Henry’s lack of musical talent; lack of musical atmosphere at the Darnells; wish to be with her children again; George Eliott; request for poprums; pudding recipes; ‘Vice Versa’; invitation to the Darnells; invitation from Mrs Stone for Laura and Henry to spend the summer holidays with her; possibility of visiting Mrs Kelso at the seaside; Major Crombie; Latin lessons from Mr Perl; visit by the Leemings; Mr Orr; Major Trevor; weather; dinner invitation from Sir Oliver and Lady St John; George’s violin performance; photograph of Mary Anderson

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