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Susan Horner Diary, extracts for May and June 1862
1
The month begins with the sad news of the death of Susan’s niece. Carriage rides and visits to the
Uffizi continue around the equally sad decline of Susan’s mother who dies on 22 May. Mary, Susan’s
eldest sister, and her husband Charles Lyell, arrive on 29 May.
Susan’s entries in May and June become shorter, and the images pasted into the diary become fewer
and bear no direct relevance to the text where they are pasted.
Thursday 1 May
We telegraphed to Berlin – in suspense and anxiety all day – I have little or no hopes that
the life of my darling little godchild will be spared.
Friday 2 May
Dearest Mamma woke us at five with the telegram announcing the death of our dear little
Lizzie. Joanna and I went out to buy mourning. We feel so much for our darling Nora and
dear George. In the evening Papa and Mamma drove in the Cascine. Papa feels it much, but
employed himself with his translation of Savonarola and does not give way to sorrow which
is unavailing. I painted the photograph of my precious Lizzie. I thought once she could be
next to a daughter to me the darling shewed me such affection, but that is over now, and I
feel more lonely than before in the world. But I must think how much pain and sorrow she
has escaped by her early death. I believe her happy now. Mamma very well today.
Saturday 3 May
I woke very weary and went to the Uffizi to draw, by dearest Joanna’s advice. She says she
cannot yet realise our loss. I feel too well I do. Mamma was so well yesterday but today is
drowsy and feeling sick. We thought it was only the effect of medicine, but on my return
from the Uffizi I was alarmed by her looks, and we persuaded Papa to send for Zanetti; but
he went first after his coffee to the apothecary with Mamma’s prescription to ascertain that
they had sent her the right medicine, as she looks so strange we feared she might have had a
wrong medicine. We bathed her forehead in Eau de Cologne and water. Her pulse is quick,
but she is drowsy and feels a sinking and dislike of moving with nausea. She is very hot; we
gave her some wine, which was not perhaps the best thing, and afterward tea with camphor
in it, after which she became cooler. I shewed her pictures, and we danced baby to her, and
Joanna and Annunziata rubbed her feet. She is always delighted with Baby, and this roused
her in spite of her drowsiness.
As the day advanced we became so anxious that I went myself to Zanetti, but found he had
left Florence for the day; I then went to his assistant Rosati, but he was likewise out, and
lastly to the apothecary, who is sure he gave the right medicine. I returned home, and went
up to the Gonzagas to ask them the address of their physician, and if they could remember
the name of Bartolozzi who spoke English. Don Dall’Oca came down and offered to
accompany me in search of a doctor, but just then Mamma ran out of the drawing room into
the Hall, saying she felt so much better she did not want one, and would see no one but
Zanetti. Mamma’s tongue is not bad this evening, and we begin to think this may only be a
feverish infuenza-ish attack from a cold caught yesterday in the Cascine. She has no
headache, but her legs ache. She walked quite strongly to her room, and I trust she will be
well tomorrow.
Sunday 4 May
Zanetti called. He told me privately that dear Mamma has just turned the corner of gastric
fever. It is probably the result of the over fatigue on the day at the Demidoff Villa, from
which we may date first exhaustion, and then that singular affection of the eyes. The fever
has however passed off, and Zanetti believes yesterday to have been the crisis. We were
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Susan Horner Diary, extracts for May and June 1862
2
wrong to give her wine yesterday. Her pulse is very strong, and her tendency is to over
excitement rather than debility. Her voice is quite strong.
She lived today on soup and Lemonade, as the nausea still continues a little – She called out
to us from her bed to bring her Baby; Zanetti forbids all medicine, not to irritate the
stomach. The pulse is calmer. She has lost that heavy look which frightened us yesterday,
and looks so well in bed. Zanetti said he would call again in the evening when she remarked
“Mais je ne suis pas malade” – “Non vous n’êtes pas malade, mais je viendrai vous saluer” –
he answered laughing. He is very kind and gentle, we all like him. He listens quietly, and
explains clearly. Florence is singularly rich in eminent physicians and surgeons. We are so
relieved about dearest Mamma. I read prayers to her. We think of dearest Nora. I cannot
help shrinking from the idea of our meeting this autumn, and my little darling not there, I
think I shall remain behind a little later with the Pulszkys in Turin, and follow Papa and
Mamma and Joanna.
The weather is now very cool again, except in the
middle of the day, and Papa and Mamma rather more
frequently complain of cold than of heat. We have to
avoid the midday sun, and the contrast of the cold in
the by-streets. We have a good deal of breeze, and
north and east winds blowing. Zanetti came again in
the evening and found Mamma decidedly better, her
pulse gone down. He is surprised she is not more
thirsty and has ordered her ices. He says she must keep
quiet for a couple of days. She has not mentioned her
eyes all today. She saw objects in the distance rightly
again in the room, but she has still the glazed feeling.
She has no headache, and liked her soup, and
strawberries. A pain in her side came on which Zanetti
thinks rheumatic, and attributes to her lying too near an open window when in her fever.
He prescribed linseed poultices.
Joanna and I went to the confectioner Castelmur for ices for Mamma, whilst she was asleep,
after dark, Massimo escorting us. On our return she was quite cool. A day of bed has made
her feel weak, but it is more nervous weakness than anything else, as her voice was quite
loud and strong when directing us where to look for the smelling salts.
The nightingales are singing so sweetly in the Boboli gardens, but it is too cold at night to
have the windows open. The Princess Gonzaga called, and sat a little with us in the evening,
and Papa went up stairs to them to hear an interesting letter from Volta describing
Garibaldi’s visit, written to the Prince by his steward. Numbers came over from the
Austrian frontier to see him.
Monday 5 May
Mamma is much better this morning and wanted to get up, but we kept her in bed until
Zanetti came. She has still a pain in her side. We tell her she must be kept quiet and stupid
for a couple of days, but she rebels against such a prescription, but we assure her that if she
will be obedient she will soon be able to drive out and enjoy herself again. Papa went to pay
Professor Villari a visit. Mr Zanetti found Mamma much better. Her tongue is not yet good
enough to allow her to take solid food, but she got up in the afternoon, and we procured
fresh strawberries for her which Zanetti recommended. Though a bright sun the air is so
text and images©British Institute of Florence
Susan Horner Diary, extracts for May and June 1862
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cool we had to put on warmer clothing. Joanna and I called on Mrs Wadsworth late in the
evening after Papa had returned home. We found her out.
Tuesday 6 May
Joanna and I went out late, and again called on Mrs Wadsworth. As she was out we waited
for her and then sat with her and her nieces at their tea, she recommended a governess to
our charge. Mamma was not quite so well.
Wednesday 7 May
Mamma suffered a good deal from the pain in her side. We applied linseed poultices and
tried gentle rubbing.
Thursday 8 May
Mr Zanetti was called to Siena, so could only come in the evening. Joanna joined Mrs Zileri
and Baby in a covered alley in the Boboli Garden. I was at the Uffizi. In the evening the
Marchesa Torrearsa called and sat with us.
Friday 9 May
Mamma a little better. Joanna and I went in the evening to Romei the jeweller, and then to
the sculptor Giulini in the Via de’ Malcontenti. Don Dall’Oca called, Mamma on the sofa in
the drawing room all day. Mr Zanetti called morning and evening.
Saturday 10 May
Mamma somewhat feverish. We had Papa’s bed moved into the farther little room to
prevent his nights being disturbed, and to enable us to be more with Mamma.
Sunday 11 May
Thundery weather. Mamma is better. Joanna went to the Chemist in the Piazza della
Signoria for medicines. I took Mrs Zileri and Baby a drive in the Cascine. Mr Zanetti called
twice. The Marchese Torrigiani called in the evening.
Monday 12 May
Joanna helped by Massimo arranged the boxes to be sent home with our things by sea. She
and I went to some shops, and to bid goodbye to the Countess Karolyi who is starting for
Leghorn. The Marchese Capponi called, a violent thunderstorm.
Tuesday 13 May
Joanna took Baby to be photographed in the Via della Scala. She took Mrs Zileri through
Sta Maria Novella. A great deal of rain fell. Afterwards I went out shopping with Joanna.
Mamma not much better. We got Assunta to sit up all night with her.
Wednesday 14 May
Mamma somewhat better. Warm, violent rain and thunder. In the afternoon we took
Mamma a drive to Bellosguardo, Massimo suggested a new way home, which was farther
on than we were aware of and Mamma was a little too tired.
Thursday 15 May
Mamma felt pretty well, but nervously weak. Joanna with Mrs Zileri and baby called on
Countess Cottrelll to inquire about someone to sit up at night with Mamma. In the
afternoon I took Mamma a drive to the Poggio Imperiale with Mrs Zileri and Baby. Much
rain fell, and we thought it imprudent to expose Mamma to the damp, but she was so much
disappointed that we reordered the carriage which we had dismissed and went. She did not
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Susan Horner Diary, extracts for May and June 1862
4
like a close carriage, but when the rain fell again in a heavy shower she agreed it was more
prudent. Prince and Princess Gonzaga called as well as Mrs and Miss Powers.
Friday 16 May
Mamma better. Joanna went out early to buy strawberries near Or San Michele. I went to
the Uffizi to draw. Papa took Mamma a drive in the Cascine. In the evening Joanna and I
went round in a cab to Bartolini’s studio, and to the Via della Scala to get Baby’s
photograph which is frightful. Also to some shops. Mamma says we must get her
photographed by Powers, and she will help to pay for it.
Saturday 17 May
Dearest Mamma not quite
so well. Joanna took Baby in
a carriage by herself to the
Spezeria of St Mark to the
photographer
etc.
Mr
Zanetti called three times.
We felt a little anxious, as
we fear she has caught cold.
Sunday 18 May
Mr Zanetti again came three
times. Mamma a little
better, I had a bad attack of
toothache. I read to Mamma
some of Chambers and tried
to make her laugh, but she was annoyed with phlegm and said she did not feel inclined to
joke. I offered to help her to arrange her trinket box. Soon afterwards I found her door shut
and she and Margaret arranged and put by her trinkets for England. Joanna went late in
the evening to the Chemist with Massimo. A lovely day.
Monday 19 May
Mamma is better. I went to the Uffizi. After dinner Joanna and I took Baby in the carriage
and drove to some shops, and to San Ambrogio, to see the church, and saw the Borgo
Allegri and Cimabue’s House.
Tuesday 20 May
Mamma better decidedly. Mr Zanetti called as usual. Mamma wished to go out. She was
sitting in the armchair, and was weaker. There was a heavy shower falling. Mr Zanetti said
– No – you are convalescent now, but a cold would be dangerous. She laughed, and said I
was a better doctor than he. He urged her to be obedient just now to us, and not run risks.
Joanna took Mrs Zileri and Baby to Powers, as Mamma wished, and had the latter
photographed. A thunderstorm.
Mamma felt weak and wanted air, and desired the window to be opened. Joanna covered her
well up, but a few minutes afterwards she threw all off and a fresh cold followed. Zanetti
found her again annoyed with phlegm on his return, and was distressed at it. We did not
take in how serious he thought this return of what I believe now was congestion of the
lungs.
text and images©British Institute of Florence
Susan Horner Diary, extracts for May and June 1862
5
Wednesday 21 May
Dearest Mamma had not a good night. Joanna and I were called up in the midst. I felt very
faint, and had to go to bed again. Joanna passed the rest of the night in her room and Mrs
Zileri sat up.
In the morning Joanna advised me to go to the Uffizi as usual as a rest. I was not easy.
Soon after dinner Joanna and I went in search of a sick nurse, as we thought her illness
might last many weeks, so little did I, at least, anticipate danger, and I felt Joanna had not
strength to sit up at night, nor Mrs Zileri neither nor myself. We called on the Marchesa
Torrearsa. She was at dinner but came out to me in the passage, whilst Joanna sat with
Baby in the carriage. We drove to a woman she recommended, but she was so ugly that we
thought Mamma might not like her face, so determined to have none for this night and that
I would sit up.
She continued all day in bed, and suffered much discomfort from the difficulty in
expectoration. Dear Mrs Zileri was the greatest comfort, and Caterina and Annunziata did
their best, whilst Assunta who Mamma likes, is all gentle kindness. But none are like Mrs
Zileri.
Zanetti told Joanna in the evening it was very serious and thought he had sufficiently
alarmed us. But I looked on it as a crisis which only required careful watching and nursing.
I was therefore much startled when Massimo told me Zanetti had told him there was no
hope. I thought it an exaggeration. Joanna was crying and said she would not go to bed,
though I tried to persuade her to do so, and leave me alone.
We did not alarm Papa who went to bed, with the servants and I was happily not alarmed.
Assunta sat up with us. Joanna took a long sleep on the sofa in the drawing room which
Mrs Zileri had made up for her. I read a pamphlet Migliarini had given me, and was
constantly in and out of Mamma’s room listening to her troubled breathing from the
phlegm, and washing her face with rose water, and one or other of us helping her to
expectorate or giving her nourishment. Before she settled in for the night she bade me read
her a hymn.
Thursday 22 May
In the middle of the night we sent to Zanetti to send us some emetic or something to
produce relief, but whilst Massimo was away our darling mother passed away suddenly, just
after speaking of visiting Leghorn for the recovery of her health, before our return to
England.
Zanetti arrived early in the morning to confirm our fears. Our dear friends the Marchese
Carlo Torrigiani and the Marchesa Torrearsa came to aid and console us, and later on the
Marchesa Fransoni, also the old Marchesa Feroni, and Mr and Mrs Hall.
Friday 23 May
Mr Zanetti called again. We all felt ill with headache. Dearest Papa very patient and kind
under this dreadful trial. I took him a drive and we visited the Cemetery. Our dear Mrs
Zileri helped us to arrange flowers over the remains of our darling mother.
Saturday 24 May
We laid her in her grave. Mr Hall performed the service. Our dear friends Torrigiani and
the Marchesa Torrearsa and Mrs Hall and Massimo accompanied us. Mrs Zileri staid with
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Susan Horner Diary, extracts for May and June 1862
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Papa. I do not know what we should have done without her and her excellent husband. The
sweet baby in her black sash with her innocent face was like a little angel with us. The
Marchesa Torrearsa came again to us in the evening.
Sunday 25 May
Dearest Papa, Joanna and I read prayers. After dinner we went to see the Marchese
Capponi, who kissed Papa’s head often and only said he could do nothing for us, but his
tender sympathy was everything, for what could anyone do to make up for what we had
lost, but we feel hearts full of gratitude to our dear kind friend, and still more to God for
dearest Mamma being spared so much pain as she might have had.
Monday 26 May
We received letters from London. Joanna went with Mrs Zileri to Dr Davenport about the
dear Baby who is ill. Countess Cottrelll came to see us, and the Marchesa Feroni, who took
us to Romanelli, about a monument to dearest Mamma.
Tuesday 27
Anxious about dear Baby, again at Dr Davenport’s. Papa and Joanna went to the Cemetery
and found a bunch of white lilies placed there by Massimo and his wife. Drove to
Bellosguardo with Papa Mrs Zileri and baby.
Wednesday 28 May
Baby still ill. I went with Mrs Zileri to Dr Davenport and not finding him, to Countess
Cottrell to consult her husband.
Thursday 29 May
Joanna walked out early with Mrs Zileri and Baby and called on Dr Davenport. Baby still
unwell. I went to the railroad to meet Charles and Mary.
Wednesday 4 June
Joanna went to the Boboli with Mrs Zileri and Baby and dined quietly with the Cottrells.
Thursday 5 June
Charles and Mary and Joanna went to the Marchese Torrigiani’s and saw his head of Dante,
visited Dante’s house, and went in the evening to the Torrigiani Gardens.
Friday 6 June
Papa, Joanna and I with Lisa and the gardener of the Marchese Torrigiani visited the
Cemetery to arrange about roses to be planted on dearest Mamma’s grave. We met the
photographist Semplicini, and desired him to make a photograph of the spot. Called on
Countess Cottrelll and on the Marchesa Torrearsa and bade them a sad goodbye. Met Mary
at the Accademia. Went with her to the Badia and looked at the picture and Luca della
Robbia we had so lately admired with dearest Mamma. Walked across the Ponte Vecchio
home. In the evening dear Papa and we drove along the Mugnone.
Saturday 7 June
Mr and Mrs Hall left Florence. Mary and Joanna went to the Pitti. I drew daily early in the
Uffizi before anyone came by a special leave of the Marchese Feroni to finish the drawing
dearest Mamma saw begun.
Sunday 8 June
Very hot.
text and images©British Institute of Florence
Susan Horner Diary, extracts for May and June 1862
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Tuesday 10 June
Papa and Mamma’s wedding day. We all went to the cemetery and planted roses on her
grave, with our good servants. Drove afterwards to Fiesole, taking Mrs Zileri and Baby. A
lovely evening.
Wednesday 11 June
Called once again with Joanna on the Marchese Torrearsa and paid some farewell visits.
Thursday 12 June
Went to some shops and to the Uffizi with Mary and Joanna. In the evening we went again
to that dear grave – Joanna and I called on the Fransoni’s, and sat in their garden with them
– a lovely evening – The Marchese Torrigiani and the Marchesa Torrearsa called to bid us
farewell.
Friday 13 June
Joanna and I walked in the Boboli. We finished packing, and when all had gone to bed, we
two stood in the window of dearest Mamma’s bedroom long looking at the large moon over
the dear Boboli gardens, and shining into her room. How I wished I could have seen her
spirit. How sad I felt then, and how sad now. I have never felt so light hearted since those
days, and as I felt then I feel now that my happiest day however shaded with melancholy
will be that when we see Florence again.
Saturday 14 June
We left dear Florence. Slept at Covigliano. I had a terrible headache.
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