Marshgate House
Richmond
Surrey
29th June 1915
My dear Eugénie
I had been wanting to write to you and express my sympathy in the extra anxiety you must feel now Cyril has gone to the Dardanelles. I hope you will have the joy of welcoming both him and George home in safety when this terrible war is over. I know you and Julius do not grudge them to their country but it is a very anxious time for such numbers of parents. I am glad you are going to Eastbourne and Folkestone for a change and I hope it will do you ever so much good. I enclose a cheque for £3 towards schooling fund for I seem to have forgotten it in March. I am sorry I did but my memory does not improve. When you write, kindly tell me if that makes it right. Mrs Lambert, Edwin and I had a very nice visit to Tunbridge Wells, we met such nice people at our very cosy little hotel. We saw a good deal of Harry for a week which was very nice but before we left he had to move on to Bexhill where he is on coast defence, he and others of similar age being told off for that whilst others were sent to trench digging – they are to return to Tunbridge Wells and afterwards go to the Front. Harry is Quartermaster, the Colonel was over him before and Major Leicester Pennyham seems to regret him and his work was thought well of both in command and as Quartermaster. Tunbridge Wells is a lovely spot and the air delightful. One afternoon we drove to Penshurst Castle and visited that and the very ancient chapel (11th century). Edwin came back here with me on Thursday but went to sleep at Pembridge House yesterday as Laura would be home for the weekend; they may come to tea this afternoon. Charlie went for the weekend to Bognor for Fanny is staying there till Friday with the three girls. Fred and Florence came back from Hardres yesterday, they have been staying with the Robert Gardiners for nearly a fortnight, I am so glad to have them back again for I should be very lonely without them now Harry is further away. He wants me to go and see him at Bexhill. I may later on but at present I shall be busy at home. I was in bed yesterday with a bad head. I am better today but have not ventured to church for I feel a quit day will do me good. Charlie Hodson has been found. He enlisted in Kitchener’s army in February and is a Private. Fred dare not tell Annie for the Germans might make them suffer for his having escaped. However, they will be glad to know he is safe in England, he wrote such nice letters to Fred and is evidently very fond of him and Fred is going to see him at the fresh quarters he has moved to. Since I returned, Cook has told me that she is engaged to a widower so will be leaving later on. I am very pleased for her, she knows him very well may be sent to India. I found out which church dear mother was married in at Tunbridge Wells. Much love to you all. If you hear of a Cook likely to suit me, please let me know.
Your loving sister
Mary Anna Robinson
