19550331 Henriette

Manor Farm,

FRAMPTON - ON - SEVERN,

Gloucester.

SAUL 267.

Mar 31st

Dearest Aunt Violet

We were all so terribly sad to hear of poor Uncle Gerard’s death & particularly sad for you who must miss him so dreadfully.  It was a great shock to Mummie who was so looking forward to coming to stay with you both & longing to see Uncle Gerard again  –  I feel so sad they could not  have met once more.    For  Uncle  Gerard it was splendid to have died so peacefully  but I’m afraid all the  more  sudden shock for his family to be  left  without him.  You have much sympathy from
 

from Peter & me.  I always remember how kind you both were to us at the beginning of the War when we were first married during that awful crisis.  I am sad not to have seen Uncle Gerard again.

Peter & I took Mummie & Jack down to their boat at Southampton on Tuesday.  It was a lovely ship but we thought most of their fellow passengers looked a bit queer & we wondered if Mummie & Jack would not be thankful to leave some of them when they land in South Africa !  I do hope however that they will have a lovely & peaceful voyage.  Mummie was very tired when she left – I always wish she had a living-in maid at the Court; there is too much for her to do.

With best love     Henriette