Marshgate House
Richmond
Surrey
2nd April 1915
My dear Eugénie
Thank you very much for your letter telling me of George’s departure for France, you will of course be very anxious but our prayers will be offered constantly for him and I hope by and bye you will have the joy of seeing him safely home again after this dreadful war is over. I expect you have hardly been out this week, I think last Monday was the coldest day we have had all the winter. How very sad it is that Fanny has lost Charlie in such a sudden manner, when she was already so anxious about Fred. Charlie will be greatly missed by many, he was so kind and good, Fanny was able to go to Gwen for 2 days in her great grief, she has lost such a devoted husband and it was very nice that Fanny could go to her dear son’s funeral, May Capon said it was a beautiful service. I am glad Fanny is at East Clandon with Evie and Herbert till Tuesday. Myfanwy is staying with me, she will have been here a fortnight on Monday, they are having their house painted outside and wanted to get her away from the smell of the paint as she is not very strong and it might have upset her, so she came to me, she is such a very good contented little girl, she is 7 years old and amuses herself so nicely when I am busy. Fanny came to see us yesterday and Miriel is very poorly indeed with a chill, Fanny may look in again today, but if she does not I must get Cook to telephone later on to enquire how she is. Edwin goes daily to a College in London that his father went to formerly, they can look after his health better having him at home. I am thankful to say he is much better than he was some time ago. Lance got much better when he was with us after the measles and is now having his holidays. Charlie, Edwin, Eleanor and Lance are going tomorrow to spend the weekend with Mrs Walton. Harry’s address is Lieutenant H Dalgarno Robinson, 2nd 6th Battalion East Surrey Regiment, Headquarters Windsor.
He came home last Saturday week in time for early dinner, stayed till Monday afternoon, we went to church together on Sunday morning and in the afternoon he went to the confirmation at the Parish Church, when 4 of his Lads were confirmed, he looked so well, soon they will be in tents instead of billets and I think that will be better for of course it must be away from the town and there will be more air. I daresay you have heard that Archie’s wife had a son born last Sunday and Mrs Frank Butler had one on the 24th. I hope May is enjoying her visit to Mrs Fellows.
Mary has her old friend, Ada Barrett, staying with them for a few days. I hope you will find your new plan of one servant and a charwoman now they sent you. I expect Juliet has a nice long holiday which you will enjoy. I am expecting Fred and Florence the week after Easter week. I hope Fred may succeed in finding out where Charlie Hodson is.
With my love to you all.
Always your affectionate sister
Mary Anna Robinson
