Dalmuir Hill 5 November [1851] My dearest Donald John McKenzie has just been here and he told me that you would call at his house on your way home. I am so glad dearest to have an opportunity of writing to you. What a bad character that Dane must be, after having behaved the way he did to think that he had the impudence to come and tell me that you had sent him in and that he was going back and that he would take letters. He also wished to get money but that I would not give for I was sure that if you wished him to get it you would have written to me to do so. I gave him letters and so did Mrs Williamson. He only went as far as Mr Barton's and he left the letters there saying that he could get no farther his feet were so sore. I suppose he never intended to take them on to you. He only wanted money. The letters have come back but I shall not send them by John as at the time they were written I was in very low spirits about poor Mama as she was very much worse. I am delighted to say that she is now a good deal better since the fine weather has commenced. My dearest husband how thankful I should be for such a blessing. Dr Featherstone says that he is quite surprised to see the great change in her within a few days. I hope she will be soon well enough to go down to the cottage and as I trust you will be home by that time I shall be happy. In the letter I sent with the Dane I told you that I am staying here altogether now. Mrs Paul kindly sends one of her servants to sleep at the cottage. I am sure I never can forget the kindness of Mrs Paul to dear Mama and me. She often comes up and sits with us and it keeps up my spirits so much to have her beside me, indeed every one has been very kind. If you should hear love that I have been ill do not believe it. I was rather unwell for a few days but I am now in as good health as I was before. There was nothing wrong but grief for dear Mama's illness. I should not have mentioned it but I was afraid you would hear it and you know that people always make things appear worse than they are so you need not be uneasy about me. I have not made much progress with your slippers. I have been so much engaged with Mama but I know darling that you will not find fault with me as I have been attending to her. I must ask you my darling to forgive me for writing such a short letter but I am so hurried. I am sure if you can understand it. It is a wonder for I am sure I have got up about a hundred times while writing it for Jessie is at the cottage washing and I have to attend to Mama. Mrs Paul, Mrs McDonald and the Doctor have also been in so that I could only write a little bit now and then. If I have not written sense you must excuse it for I have not time to read it over as it must be sent to John immediately. Mama and Papa both send their kindest love and they hope to see you soon. Papa has not time to write. I hope you will not be much longer away my own Donald. I weary so for you. God bless you darling and believe me your ever affectionate wife Susan D McLean I got all the letters you mentioned in your last letter in one in which was enclosed £3.