Maria and the Bellasis Family 28

I am enjoying my work with the Royal Embroiderers. I recently met a very interesting widow, Mrs. Henrietta Grace Smyth Baden-Powell. Her husband  served as the Savilian Professor of Geometry at the University of Oxford and died in 1860. They had seven  children (he had three from two previous marriages) so she brought up the 10 children more or less on her own. She is a gifted musician and artist. 

She spends a lot of time talking about her favourite son, Robert. He is in the army, went with his uncle to South Africa where he made a very good impression. Then his uncle  was sent to Malta in 1889 as the army’s Commander in Chief and Governor of Malta.

and  the recently promoted Major Baden-Powell went with him.  

Robert apparently does silly comedy sketches for his colleagues. .

One performance which seemed to stand out from all the others and for which the Daily Malta Chronicle reported Major Baden-Powell convulsed the house, as usual was the final number Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay, which they concluded in rather superior tones: “We must confess much disappointed us; for it has an important blemish. It is very silly.”

His governor uncle who is serious and ultra-cautious took a dim view of his nephew’s frivolous performances on stage; however, his wife, Lady Smyth, (sister-in-law to my friend) who is 21 years her husband’s junior, took a more relaxed view. Aunt Constance is by contrast to her husband  warm-hearted and something of a tomboy. In fact, it was Robert Baden-Powell who kept a watchful eye on his aunt in an effort to avoid social mishaps, such as ensuring that the bootlace she frequently used to secure her diamond necklace was not on display.

But Robert really wanted to go somewhere there was conflict, so resigned from his position as military secretary in Malta in 1893 and rejoined the thirteenth Hussars in Ireland.

Henrietta tells us that she educated her children in the outdoors. Through long walks in the country, she taught them about plants and animals. They were also allowed to read books from their father's collection on natural history. Son Robert  won a scholarship to the Charterhouse School in London. As a schoolboy, he did not excel either academically or athletically. He was mainly interested in the outdoors and theatre.  He was denied admittance to Balliol College in Oxford, where two of his older brothers had attended. Without much forethought, Robert decided to participate in an open examination for an army commission.  

In 1884 his regiment returned to England for two years. During this time he published a book called Reconnaissance and Scouting. He also worked as a spy, travelling to Germany, Austria, and Russia to learn about their latest technological and military advances. 

As fascinating as his history is, and one wonders what he will be doing next, our group’s next project is to have a grand sale of goods for charity.  I have thought long and hard about my bedroom  which is full of the handiwork of all of my 70 odd years. I think I will donate it all to the sale.  I have decided that since I can’t imagine my sister, who will have her own similar collection, or any of my nieces wanting it, I will be happy to know that the work that I got such great pleasure in doing, will please another owner, as well as contributing something to a worthy charity. 

One never knows how long one has to live, and now that I am feeling properly old, I wonder what shall happen to this my diary, my confidant and best friend for the last 60 years.  I think I should like it to go to my youngest niece, Edith Mary, Lewin and Kattie’s daughter. 

 I have made a will and John Onwin Charlton, who is a solicitor in Newcastle  has dealt with it for me.  He is another Bellasis relative, his mother being Mother Francis’ sister Margaret. He has been called on by most of our family for this service.  I am leaving  my money to the convent.  I will leave my sister Edith the items that Father left me, and any of the furniture she might want. She is, as I was, well provided for.