Chipping Norton
August 5th 1877
My Darling Eugénie,
Although it is somewhat late I will at least begin my letter to you this evening even if I leave the finish till morning, I should have begun it earlier but went into the vicarage after service to supper.
Your letter which I received yesterday contained a most pleasant surprise in the news that you were coming over earlier than expected, ah, my darling, how much I want to see you, to be with you, and how delightful it is that such a happiness is soon to be, do if possible arrange to come on Saturday 18th for then I could come up the same day, whereas if you waited till 20th I could hardly get away, at this time, till the following Saturday and it would be tantalising to know that you were so near and yet that I could not see you for some days after your arrival.
I seem impatient to clasp my dear Eugénie in my arms again and tell her once more how precious she is to me!
I was glad to know that the roses arrived safely and that you were pleased with them, it was nice of you, darling, to tell me you were going to wear your rose, do you know I imagined you would before you wrote, the rose you ask the name of is “Homѐre” it is very distinct in colour and certainly pretty.
I have thought of you to-day as having Fanny with you, I suppose she will stay the week, please give her my love.
I think Grandma will be delighted to receive the vignettes I am glad you sent them as the dear old lady likes to be remembered, I often hope she may live to see us after we are married.
I have not said anything about our church because it is not actually settled however there was a sort of compromise proposed in court which will I suppose be carried out and then I think the gallery and old pews will come out at last.
I am afraid I flirted dreadfully with Miss Cruso the other day and she asked me to come with Mr Rawlinson on Tuesday to have a game of croquet and said she would invite Mrs Burrows also, Miss C you know lives with an aunt, Mrs Tilsley.
So you like to tease me by telling me of the curate’s attention! well, my love, I think I have too much faith in you to feel very jealous!
I shall think of you on Wednesday in your infliction of a dinner-party, how shall you like the prospect of our first?
I wrote to George the other day and told him to be sure and get home in time for the wedding, we must begin to talk about the furnishing of our house, dear, when we meet, though I must have a little time to spare, but then you know I always do that in a rational manner.
I may add a few lines before I post this to-morrow, but now, my love, good-night, ah, how I should like one kiss from my darling’s sweet lips before I close my eyes!
Monday Morning.
I am afraid we shall have more wet to-day, I hope it will be fine in the evening as I must get on with my rose budding which ought to be finished this month.
I was sorry to hear that Gus was disappointed about the appointment in Italy I hope he may soon fine something to suit him.
I shall be anxious to hear that your visit is fixed for 18th, I hope, and then how I shall count the days till we meet, I know I have your love, dearest, but I must have your presence to complete my happiness, there seems now a vacant place which none but you can fill.
Good bye darling Eugénie and ever believe in the fond love of
Your own affectionate
Julius Sladden
