Badsey
Evesham
May 16/01
My dearest Wife,
Your post card and letter arrived together this morning. I am glad you had a pleasant journey although it was tiresome being delayed an hour.
Jack’s letter came to hand this afternoon so I will send it on to you.
The “book tea” went off well but I do not consider them very exciting functions, the Savorys and Mrs Taylor guessed most and Mr Gilpin got the prize for the best device, a pen and ink sketch (not of any merit) labelled President Lombah for “A gentleman of France”, I thought some others better, mine and Ethel’s were each guessed twice and Ethel got one vote as being the best.
Thanks for the bills, I shall be able to take the ordinary night express on 24th 9.46 from Worcester arriving at St Enoch’s 7.35a.m. on the Saturday morning, the return ticket 26/6 from Worcester available for return any day within 16 days of date. I am afraid it will be dark when I pass Chesterfield so I shall not see the crooked steeple but I almost fancy I saw it when I went to Bradford, however I should think it will be light when we pass the place on our return.
You seem to have fared well in the eating line on your journey.
I may as well enclose Juliet’s photo while I think of it, the little maid is quite happy, she began pretending to read your letter before I gave her your message “give love and kisses to my own little girl”. Ethel says Mr Rider Haggard is coming to the Idiens’ tonight accompanied by one Cochrane M.P. Scotch I think.
The sun is very hot to-day although there is a cool wind. Mrs Chevis has finished the washing, she has worked well at it. There are no servant answers do you think it would be well to advertise in the local papers for one wanted early in June. We have sent those things to Kathleen, I expect you have written to her and Cyril, of course I shall write to Jack on Sunday.
Give our love to George & Lizzie, ask the latter if a “topper” can be dispensed with on Sunday, you can explain that mine has lost the freshness of youth. Juliet sends a kiss and Ethel her love and with much to yourself
I am
Your affectionate Husband
Julius Sladden
