Chipping Norton
July 18th 1877
My Dearest Eugénie,
I was very glad to receive your letter on Monday and think it was very good of you to manage to find time to write to me when you had Fanny with you for a day only.
Last Saturday Miss Hougham came from Oxford to see me and we had a nice long chat for she came in time for lunch and did not return till the last train, I gave her our photographs and exacted a promise that she would come and see us, I know you will like her, darling, it seems odd that you have never met hitherto, I think I shall feel a particular pleasure in introducing my own dear little wife to my old friend.
Your telling me of the projected visit to England next month, or early in September made me very happy I am already looking forward eagerly for the day when I shall once more see my own Eugénie and, taking her in my arms, strain her to my heart.
Yesterday our rose show came off I succeeded in gaining first prize for tea-scented roses but was only third in the competition for the challenge cup, which went to my quondam friend H. Wilkins, this cup has to be won two years in succession before it is retained, next summer I must have a good try to take it away, the high winds damaged me very much and my blooms were not to be compared to my Evesham lot.
I like to hear you say that you think I feel I have your love, I do indeed, darling, most fully and am truly happy in the consciousness of it, I know you have a dear, loving, trusting, heart and your own Julius will always try and deserve the love he is so proud, so happy, of having gained.
Has Gus succeeded in getting the appointment he hoped for in Italy. I shall be glad to hear that he has something good, remember me to him and to Joe, also give my love to Papa.
I have just cut off a nice bloom from your tree and placed it with another by your photo I like to see it there.
I expect you will receive the vignettes this week, when do you think of seeing about the enlargements again?
You must excuse a rather short letter for I have no more time before post.
God bless you my own Eugénie and ever believe in the love of
Your own affectionate
Julius Sladden
