Essilmont
9 August 1883
My dear Chris
How nice to think you will be home so soon again. Do try and get a nice long leave. I have been waiting till you came home for my birthday treat which is either going to be a dance or picnic, I want the former, as you might guess.
How are you feeling eh? Have you passengers coming home?
Some lady asked us to the tennis club this afternoon but we were not allowed to play – had afternoon tea. We have not had much tennis on our own ground because it has been so wet.
Archie only comes home from Saturday to Monday, and that not every week. Bedford is feeling so dreadfully dull, everybody is going away for their holidays. We were all going to Lau??? this summer but somehow we never
did.
I wish some people would get up some dances, there is one at the end of this
month. I do not think there have been any picnics this summer, everybody goes in for tennis. We had Mrs ???, Mrs Reid, and Archie down last Saturday
till Tuesday. We had great fun. Mr Reid is such a funny little man. The last night they were here we gave them apple pie beds, peas in their beds, put
flour on their pillows, etc. Mr Elkin says he will pay me out for it some day. I must be quick, Mr & Mrs Hull are waiting to take it the post.
Maria (Mater ???) sends her love and says she cannot write and hopes to see you home at the end of the month.
Now good bye.
With much love from everybody, including myself.
I am dear Chris, your loving Sister
Edith Elmslie
My dear Chris
I don’t believe you will touch at Malta so won’t write. I am very busy with the ship going through her restoration. Will soon see you at home I trust. Will come and meet you at the docks.
Hope you are well.
Your loving Father
J A E