Gloucester House
Surbiton
2nd January 1885
My dearest Husband,
I ought to have written to you yesterday, but was not feeling very grand & wanted to keep myself up for the evening when Polly & Fred & Colonel Gowen dined here. I am not feeling quite so well this morning, the discharge has come on again, but it may be only my period & if so I shall be better in a day or two I hope, the Doctor also thinks I have got a little indigestion.
Lily is a great deal better, though still in bed, & Frank is improving. Fanny has decided to go up to Doctor Priestley tomorrow, I hope she may not change her mind, as I think it would be far more satisfactory to her & Charlie.
We have had bad news of poor Martha this morning, she seems to have got two tumours (cancer, I expect & is very ill); Charlie with his usual goodness wants to get her the best advice, & I think would very likely pay for any operation that may be necessary.
Tell Phillis I think if Jack has a little cough she had better give him a dose of medicine, especially if he has not had any lately. I hope the others are all quite well, give them my love & lots of kisses.
Polly has just come over to see Papa, she sends you her love & says your little Kitty is quite well, she had just come in from a run with her hoop which she begins to bowl nicely Polly says. I meant this letter to have gone by the early post, but they have all been chattering in my room & I can’t get on.
Phillis’s wages were due yesterday. I hope you will enjoy the turkey on Sunday & I wish I could be with you.
Now darling, I must say good bye as I want to have my nap, with fondest love to all at home
I remain
Your loving wife
Eugénie N Sladden
