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Essilmont
9 May 1885
My dear Chris
Now for a few lines to you. You must know you owe me a letter really but I will look over that and send you another one, to show you I quite forgive you.
I ought to have written before dear, but I have put it off and off – my usual way, you will say, but I will try and make up for it now.
How are you getting on? I hope your health keeps all right Chris. It seems such a long time since I saw you. When will you be coming home for a holiday? I suppose not for three or four years. You saw Papa and Archie I hear. Did you think them looking well? Archie is getting on, is he not? Fancy – 2nd Mate.
We did not have any skating this year. Once or twice we thought there would be some, but it did not appear. And dances here have simply been none. Generally we have about one or two dozen, but this season there have only been about 6 or 7. We have been having lovely weather – it was really more like summer. We left off fires and put lighter clothing on, but I am sorry to say it has come on very cold again. We have half of the spring-cleaning done. It is a pity it has always to be done, because it is such a bother, but it has to be done.
It will not be very long before Papa and Archie are home again, I suppose about the end of this month. I had a letter from Archie the day before yesterday. He seems well and happy. He says there are some very good dances on board this time – ladies, especially one little girl. He always seems to pick up somebody every voyage – dreadful boy.
A month or two ago one of our cows died. Yesterday a calf died. We are quite unlucky – poor gardener is in a dreadful way – afraid that Papa will blame him, but he could not help it. The poor things must die sometimes.
You know those two birds you gave Alex – well one flew away a little while ago and the cat, horrid old thing, pulled the other one out of the cage and ate it. Poor Alex was in such a way when he came home from school and found it gone. Alex won a prize last term – he is in Mr Dymock’s class now, one from the top. He was moved up this term.
Jessie seems to like her place at Mrs Hart’s very much. They are very kind to her which is a very good thing. Jean is going away in the summer to Germany I think.
Mama seems to think she will go to sea next voyage. She would take the four little ones with her.
Our garden is looking very nice just now. I think we will have a lot of fruit this year. Last year we had very little indeed.
We are all well at home. Essil was ill a little while ago, but she is all right again now, and getting a most cheeky little monkey. A dreadful little flirt, she is beginning early. Coral, Boysie and Dottie go to school. I think I told you in my last letter they get on very well indeed. Coral got a prize for drawing last term. The others are getting on well at school also.
Bedford is quite changed now, a number of new roads, and any amount of new people, too many I think. Mabel Shipwith is engaged to a Mr Leslie, it is not a very good match so I hear. They are to be married next month. I am to say Walter has heard of nothing to do yet. I do so wish something would turn up, but there does not seem to be anything to be had. I only hope he will hear of something soon. I can’t say how thankful I should be when he does and I am sure he will. Poor old fellow he tries hard enough.
I believe Papa means to either let or sell this house this summer. There are one or two people that want it very much indeed.
Now dear, I think this is all the news I can find. I will try and write again soon. Write to me soon Chris, I want a letter from you awfully.
Goodbye for the present, all join me in much love to yourself.
Believe me, Dear Chris
Your loving Sister,
Edith Elmslie