Victoria
1st Janry 1889.
My dearest Wife.
I cannot do better than commence the new year by having a chat with the dear one. May it be a happy & blessed one to us all.
Yesterday being our dear Kits birthday, I wrote to her, & also finished one to Joe – so that I have not much to tell you today – it is, however always a pleasure to be able to scribble to you – only second to the enjoyment of receiving your letters. I am always hoping that you, & our dear ones are enjoying yourselves, & I do most earnest trust that you are doing so today. What would I not give to be able to surprise you, that cannot be but I dont think I will again be willing to allow you to be away from me – life is too sort for us to be so long separated. You must therefore make the most of your time, & have your fling while you can. —-
Last night at 10-30 my guest took their departure. The Earl had been here a fortnight. he thanked me greatly for my kindness & hospitality &c &c. he has been very nice the whole time & I enjoyed his visit vist much., we go on well together. Capt Wyndham has been at the club for three or four days as he likes his game at Whist. he dined here last night. he said he would hunt up Jack at Uppingham. I am again all alone, with Hick in attendance – he is very faithful & is always ready to do his best cheerfully. I could not go to F.field last night, I go there to keep Kits birthday, today instead. John & Zoe have a grievance against Willy & Annie. but I think I told you this before. Tomorrow Lizzie Deasy is to come & pack up the things, so that they may be returned to Fairfield at once. I have not been to call anywhere. I preferred to remain about the place for I have seen but little of it of late. I have been asked to dine by the Creases, Charles, Ebertz, Wards, both families, Jacksons very often, Dr. Matthew, Sir Matthew &c but I have not been able to accept any. entails some expense. Dont forget to let me know in time when to stop writing to you in England. I had a letter from E.D. today. they are evidently away up “I ? he says receives on N.Years day, as Lady Mac cannot.” He says I must pay him a visit but does not say when, or under what circumstances very vague. When am I hear again from Jack? he is not behaving well to me. I wish he would learn to date & No. his letters. I have asked Joe to help to find out what he will be best suited for. I wrote to him Jack a few days since to Puss yesterday & to Frank about a week since. I must stop this unsatisfactory epistle. My fond love to Kit & Jack. Always your devoted husband
P. O’Reilly
I hope you call on Mrs Ellis
& on the Dr. Matthews sisters.
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This collection of letters has been digitized from an earlier transcription project and is for informational purposes only. This transcription has not been verified against the originals. Researchers interested in these letters should consult the original documents housed at the BC Archives.