The Steam Brewery
Evesham
Dec 15th 1881
My Dearest Wife,
Your letter this morning was the first reminder of its being the anniversary of our wedding day, I am glad to think my little wife is none the less happy after four years of married life and for myself I know that a short absence tells me how much the presence of my dear Eugénie contributes to my happiness. May is such a good little pet, notwithstanding the weather keeps her in, her arm seems to give her but little trouble, in fact there is some difficulty in preventing her from trying to use it and in keeping it in the sling, last night when she said her prayers and came to Jack’s name she would hardly repeat it but kept saying he had gone in the train. Baby is quite well and generally good. To-day I went down to early dinner, having an evening meeting to attend, and had them both down for a little while and very good they were, May gave me three kisses – this one mamma-this one Jack-this one Auntie Fanny. Coming up this afternoon I just called at Aldington and in reply to enquiries Mrs Savory sent her love to you and was going on nicely. I hope to have a good account of the party to-morrow morning. Will bring the things you mention with me on Saturday. Sorry Jack is somewhat troublesome, he shall not stay on if he is naughty, tell him so, also that I shall have to come and whip him, I hope that he was made to go without his dinner till he would eat it in the nursery, whatever you do don’t let him be given way to. The enclosed came to-day, I think you might accept the offer, not for Jack of course, unless you think they have made any arrangements at Ash which is hardly likely, if you do accept it will be well to drop a line immediately either to Mother or Charlotte. I am busy so will write no more. Give my love to all at Surbiton and with much for yourself and a kiss for Jack.
Believe me ever
Your loving Husband
Julius Sladden
