Victoria
24th Janry 1889
My dearest Kit.
The day before yesterday I wrote to your Mother, in it I told her that if I abused you, I would receive an epistle. I did abuse you, & this day your letter of the 31st Decr (your birthday) and finished by your Mother on the 4th inst. reached me. Thank you much for it, and for your New Years greetings, & good wishes. I am glad my letter reached you in time, & that the Mater was able to find something for you that you like. With Gods blessing I hope you may live long, & happily to wear your Bangles dear Kit.
It is very good news to hear that your dear Mother was looking so well that Mrs Greenslade had to remark it, & I am also glad to hear that the wee man looked so nice when at Ashleys. You say, in your dress suit, you dont mean to say that he has been promoted to an evening dress suit? — You dont tell me much about E.W. I hope there is not coolness. I know she is unmanageable. You have not told me a word about Lady T. I expected a volume from you on that subject — What you write, & what your Mother has told me about the Drummond Ward alliance sounds queer. Alice thinks all is right for her. Mr. Ward, in his letter to me, does not refer to the subject. I hope for Alice’s sake there wont be a hitch. — Bob Ward & Totty have gone to Southern California for a few weeks on account of his health – he has had a bad attack of gout.
I am very glad you have seen Mr. Shennan but you dont either of you say what he told you about Frank, he was expected in B.C.so Mr. Musgrave told me, but you say he is off again to B.A. How odd your meeting Mrs Foster, I saw her here, I think, the day before she left for Europe. — It is indeed a sad story you tell about Mr Watson – but I trust he was not so seriously ill as was anticipated. ——- Having so recently written to your Mother, I dont think I have a word of news to communicate. Yes, the weather has changed, we have had three very wet days – but it is very mild & spring like. The snow drops & crocuses are in blossom. Hick is better but still very weak, his appetite is bad, & he is careless about getting wet.
Your letter is a very nice one, I wish I could get them oftener. But I am woefully disappointed that there is not allusion to your returning to B.C. The time asked for you leaving England had almost come when you wrote, & still there is not a word to me on the subject. You say you hear that Mr Drummond was to leave London some time in Febry, but there is no reason given why you remain. Give my love to your Uncle & Aunts and to all friends Especially to Sir. M.
May God bless & keep you both
And with much love.
I am always
Your Affect & loving Father
P. O’Reilly
The Pinders – all at F.field – at Highwood and all friends are well.
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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.