May 6/04
My dearest Wife,
I must write a letter this evening to post in the morning or you will be without news of us till Monday.
It has been fine here to-day, although threatening rain at times, so I hope you have had nice weather for your trip to Ash, I suppose at the present time you are making one of quite a large family party at Delf house. I was sorry you could not give a more cheering account of John, it is I fear too evident that he is in a very grave condition, you must tell Charlotte how much we feel for her in a time of so much anxiety.
Edith and Doris Idiens came to tea to-day and had some tennis with Ethel and the boys, over the way. To-morrow I shall take Ethel and Cyril to Stratford and George will keep Juliet company at home as he has been twice already. I think I shall get George to choose a tennis racket in Evesham to-morrow for Cyril’s birthday, the others have not yet quite decided what to give him. I think he had better start by the usual train on Monday as I do not care to ask any favours of “Jimbo” just now as of course I must be giving him notice.
Griffiths has done the Pod garden up nicely so it looks tidy once more. I hope there was a case about the size for the books which could conveniently be spared, of course they must go by goods train. I should think you could manage to bring the other things with you but do not run any risk with the china, have it properly packed if necessary. I expect you will have quite a busy day dividing out the things. We think you need not hurry back too early next week, if you care to stay, as Ethel will not be going to Weybridge so soon as she expected it is rather a nuisance that Fanny cannot have them this month.
I wonder if John could fancy a little asparagus if I sent some, you might find out. I suppose aunt George is away from home on her projected visit to Cornwall.
Juliet is quite well and beginning to look forward to your return. They all join me in best love.
Your affectionate Husband
Julius Sladden
My kind love to Charlotte & John
