Gloucester House
Surbiton
24th December 1884
My darling Husband,
I must wish you a happy Christmas, though I fear it will not be quite as happy as I should wish, as you will miss your poor little wife, I also shall miss you & the dear little ones, but we must hope to be together again before very long. I am writing from the sofa on which I got before tea, I am getting on all right & feel pretty well except the first thing in the morning when I have a bad head-ache, I daresay that will disappear when I am stronger.
Fanny-Joe has been over to Richmond today, she says there is a most alarming heap of presents for all the children there, I expect Kitty will come in for her share.
And now, dearest, with fond love
Believe me
Your own loving wife
Eugénie N Sladden
