Ponsonby
July 13th. /81
My darling Lucy,
It is your turn for a letter I think, so I will try & write you one. We have moved, as you have no doubt heard from Sue and when we are quite settled we shall be nice and comfortable. Of course it is beginning life again, and we can expect to be as comfortable as we were in Forth Street. It takes time but we do not think much of that as very few friends ever come to see us on account of poor Father so that we are left to our own devices which we prefer. When Fred is able to get regular work we shall get on nicely. I am sure we shall get on. The Lord will provide in some way or other. If only dear Father was better, just now he has a bad cold caught from Fred who has a nasty cough. I fancy it will go through the house. Susie has taken it but at present only in her head. Fred has not been looking well lately. I fancy he feels his responsibility rather. No more work coming in at present. The winter is passing so I hope there will be more work soon. We got Father to start digging for a garden and we will grow our own vegetables & potatoes for there is plenty of room. Fred was doing the gravel path in front this afternoon. There are a few nice flowers in front though nothing particularly choice.
We have had Cousin George from Hobart Town. He is very kind & sympathizing. I was not able to see much of him for Father was not inclined to go round to Vincent Street but we met him in the street accidentally and he was so kind that I think Father quite took a fancy to him & when he returns from the Waimate will I believe be glad to see him. I was glad to let Sue go & be with Minnie & Grace as much as she could. They seemed to appreciate her so thoroughly that I was delighted & think them sensible girls. They seemed to prefer Sue to any of the girls up here, & gushed over her in fine style. Dear old Sue – I don’t know what I should do without her – she is so cheerful & works away so heartily, never an approach to a grumble. We went down twice on Monday to meet Mrs Geison but she was not on board. Auntie said she was coming, we arranged to take her in as it would be only one night. Father would be pretty well before her probably for that time. Mr Campbell Thompson took tea with us twice & says he would not have known there was anything wrong with him. If Fred’s things could be sent soon it would be well as he really needs them. I should have been glad of the other green curtain only one came & I am getting it fixed to cover boxes with. Also there were only four kitchen towels & one of those is Emma’s. I only mention these things so that if Fred’s things have not left they might be put in, otherwise it does not matter at all for we shall do quite well without. Now darling I must say good bye, don’t distress yourself about that letter you wrote to Father, he was not offended exactly but he fancies people treat him as if he was childish. I am sure he has forgotten all about it long ago. Give my very special to dear Arthur & E. Thank dear old E for her last letter. I cannot answer it tonight. Father sends his love to you all. Now my darling the Lord bless you & keep you is the earnest prayer of your loving old
Mother
I think most decidedly you should not waste your time & A’s money by remaining at School any longer. Father is of the same opinion.
[Note: Lucy will turn 15 in December of 1881]
1881-07-13Sa_ElizaNut_toLucyNut