Seward House
Badsey
9th February 1915
My dear Juliet
I am very sorry that it was not possible to arrange for you to see Arthur on Saturday. I thought possibly Kathleen might be able to make some arrangement, but can see that it was rather difficult. Arthur had business to do in town and until she met him she scarcely knew what his plans might be and if you could have met them for tea there would have been the difficulty of your getting back as just now London is not fit for a young girl to go about alone after dark. I am sorry for your disappointment, dear, but am going to cheer you up by a little bit of news which I am sure you will be pleased to hear; that is that you may become an aunt in August or September. I am so glad there are expectations and Arthur and Mary are both very happy about it. Arthur was looking so well, quite fat for him and was cheerful. Mary had a telegram from him from Havre and another this morning from Nantes; it is so stupid that he had to go there after all for the hospital is being broken up and they were all to move on elsewhere probably today.
So I never sent you Boo’s address. He changed again one day last week and is now at the Vicarage, Basing, Basingstoke, unless indeed they have gone to Aldershot which he expects to do any day and then I suppose the real move will be done.
I am glad you have got through the ordeal of Miss Lacey’s visit and hope as she has said nothing that she was fairly satisfied with your performance. Father has been in the house for three days with a very bad cold, it is better today and he has been out, but Saturday he spent mostly in bed. He did not get your letter till this morning and that often happens now; what time are they posted on Sunday? I see the postmark is 12.15 am Feb 8 and they ought to reach here on Monday afternoon, but the post is not working as smoothly as it used to and things are often delayed, so it is well to post as early as you can. This is an extra letter, it is really Father’s turn this week.
Much love, dear, from your loving Mother.
Eugénie N Sladden
