Gloucester House
Surbiton
15th December 1881
My dearest Husband,
The party last night went off very well & I enjoyed it & had quite as much dancing as I cared about. I got your letter this morning & was glad to have good news of the dear little ones, I am longing to see them & shan’t be at all sorry when the time comes to go home.
Jack is getting more accustomed to the nursery now, I find the best way is for him not too see me much, & then he does not think about wanting to be with me. He was much amused at watching me dress last night, Fanny came in before I was ready, in her blue satin, I said “Jack, what a swell Auntie is" so he said “Mamma must be swell too;” then he informed me I had got no stockings on, as they were pink & very thin, I suppose he thought I hadn’t.
I have already got engagements for you for every day next week, I expect you will go shooting on Wednesday. Tuesday I believe we are to dine with Papa. Fred actually came to the party last night, I set upon him for not allowing Polly to come to Badsey.
Excuse any mistakes, Evey & Frank are playing in the room & keep on appealing to me.
Kiss dear little May & Baby for me, fancy the latter sleeping right through the night.
With fondest love, dear Julius
Believe me
Your loving wife
Eugénie N Sladden
