Marshgate House
Richmond
8th October 1880
My dearest Husband,
I will sit down the first thing this morning & tell you of my journey yesterday. I was in a very comfortable carriage & at Oxford managed to get a corner, which enabled me to have the window a little way open, we had been all shut up before. The country was very much flooded till we got to Reading, we seemed to go through miles & miles of water. I had to wait about half an hour at Bishop’s Road & found Fred awaiting me at the Richmond Station. They are all very well & seem pleased to see me.
We had thunder last night & it is dreadfully wet this morning, I don’t know whether we shall be able to go out later on.
How are my darling pets? Give them both a good hug from their Mama. I wonder if Jacky came along to your room this morning; did you think of his sweets? you might leave some with Ellen when you come up, so that he may have one or two when he is a good boy. Polly & Fred are both pleased with dear little Baby’s photograph & call her a pretty little thing.
I hope it is finer at Evesham & that you are able to go out shooting today; how are you getting on without me darling? I hope the girls make you comfortable; you must try & come up as soon as you can next week.
Polly & I think of venturing as far as Papa’s presently, notwithstanding the rain; it appears he intends to give us a grand family dinner party at his lodgings when you are up.
My journey came to 12/2 yesterday, all told, not very formidable is it? Did you thank Mr Ridgeway for the rabbits & grapes? I suppose he will dine with you Sunday.
Now I must close & write a line to Mrs Bliss, please send me Lizzie’s address, I must write to her.
With much love, dear Julius, & kisses to yourself & the babies
I remain
Your loving wife
Eugénie N Sladden
I forgot to give the girls our address for writing & forwarding letters, will you do so please?
