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Bandarra
11 October 1900
My dearest Chris
I received your letter this morning. You need not talk about how many times you read mine. I sleep with yours under my pillow every night. I have to be careful not to forget to remove them in the morning. I can hardly believe that I am to have you again so soon. I don’t know what to do to make next week pass quickly enough.
I am still very busy returning calls and heartily sick of it.
We have had some scorching days hot winds enough to frizzle us all up. Poor little baby is not very well, he has had diahorrea for nearly a week – all the children about have had it. I think it is from the heat and his teeth. He is looking very pale but is bright enough. I gave him a dose of castor oil last night and he seems better today.
Worden has not been very well – she caught a chill getting up too soon I say, and they are not to go to Croydon after all, but to Rockhampton. Hart is down in Brisbane for a couple of days – he came over here yesterday with Alec and was so nervous. He is staying with Alec and Mary and goes to Rockhampton on Monday.
Worden is coming back with Mother to stay over Christmas. How would you like me to leave you like that? I expected Mother back next week but as Worden has not been very well I don’t suppose they will be down so soon.
We had a great shock today – had a wire from Sydney today to say Aunt Taylor died last night. I think it must have been sudden. I feel awfully cut up about it and have lost half of my interest in the thought of going to Sydney now as the home at Kirribilli will be quite broken up. I believe the house is to be sold at Auntie’s death. I was very fond of poor old Auntie and feel so sorry to think I have not even seen her since I have been married. I don’t know what poor Winney and Tom will do. I am hoping her death will bring them closer together, but I fear not.
I hope you are bringing those birdies with you, the little pet is still talking about Dadda bring ???? birdies. We shall have to buy him some here if you don’t.
I wrote you a letter and think it went by the Eurimbla so doubt if you will get it.
I have not been feeling A1 the last few days. I feel rather knocked up and do wish I had not to go out every day to call.
We are going to see ‘Pinafore” tomorrow night. Mr Lorsberg came over this morning to say good-bye – he is removed to Winton. My ticket for the “Cup” came ???? CT Elmslie so I suppose if I miss 7000 you will claim it. I am glad it is in your name though, as mine has no luck in it.
A note came for you from the town clerk at Townsville saying the matter you wrote about would be seen to.
I hope you will have a nice trip down dear.
I have several letters to write to Sydney now so will close this.
With love and kisses from both.
Your loving wife,
Katie