Badsey
Evesham
Jan 4/85
My Dearest Wife,
I must write your letter first this evening but it will not be a very long one as I have several to write, Mr Hunt asked me to come into supper after church but I declined for that reason, to-morrow I have accepted an invitation to dine at the Savory’s. I hope you are feeling better again, and picking up strength, are you taking some stout?
I am glad to hear the little ones at Gloucester House are better, has Fanny been to Dr Priestley if so I hope he will find means to improve her health.
I am hardly surprised to hear about poor Martha and can only hope she may be spared much suffering if it is really cancer re-appearing I doubt if another operation will be of much use, poor thing! One must feel pity for her in her lonely state. We have had our turkey to-day, a very good one, but such a monster, 18lbs, so we shall not want much else at present, the children’s appetites were not very keen but they enjoyed their dinner albeit it was not so nice of course as if you and Kit had been at home, we are all looking forward to the time when you will be strong enough to return.
The colds are all better but must of course, run their time, Phyllis nurses them well up with tallow plasters etc and has had a fire in the night nursery, Jack who was the first taken has quite recovered his usual spirits. What are Phyllis’ wages £3 I think. I will now ring for supper and write other letters afterwards. The chicks all send kisses and love, Ethie often says “see my Mamma”.
With fond love I am ever
Your affectionate Husband
Julius Sladden