Chipping Norton
Sept 10th /77
My Darling Eugénie,
I hope you received my somewhat hurried note this morning, I must now write a few lines, and then pack the roses last thing, before post, I have cut some very pretty ones and as they are mostly young I hope they will travel well, perhaps the better way will be to pack them up box and all just as they arrive and then put them in water when you get home for I conclude you will not have much spare time in the morning.
And now, my darling, let me wish you a safe journey. I hope you will have a good passage across the water. I shall be wishing that I could be there to look after you, be sure that I shall be thinking of you, dear, a great many times during the day.
It will seem strange to me when you are once more so far distant but as you say the weeks will soon pass and then how happy I shall be to come and see you, I like to think now that we shall have but one more parting, it seems harder to say good-bye to you each time.
I was thinking just now how strange it must seem to you leaving England this time and going home, because next time you come to England it will be coming home, to a happy home I trust, darling, with one who longs to devote his days to loving, and being loved by, you.
Good-bye my own Eugénie
God bless you my love,
And ever trust in the deep affection
Of your own true lover
Julius Sladden
May I look for a line or two on Thursday announcing your safe arrival?