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Longmeadow, Street, Somerset.—Proposes to help pay for the education of his children.

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Transcript

Longmeadow, Street, Somerset
May 14th 1929

My dear Denis

We are sorry to hear of your disappointment over Hampshire: but it might have been a heart-breaking job to work under a set of reactionary or stick-in-the-mud authorities, as I hear these were. Anyway Shrewsbury, Shewsbury, Shroosbury or Shoosbury has its compensations.

This is to tell you that, in a year or so, when education may be beginning to be an anxiety to you, I intend—if my finances hold good—to make a contribution toward the training of your offspring. There is just one proviso which may stand in the way—though I hope not. If your Uncle Basil’s circumstances require brotherly assistance, he will have to be a first charge on what I can afford. But if that does not happen, I hope to be able to let you have £50 a year while your income stays as at present, and when charges for education begin to get burdensome. If you should come into any inheritance of family money to that amount or more, I should feel released. And of course, if my public began to pay as little attention to my writings as many of my relatives do, I should have to tell you of it and attend only to number one. But so long as my income keeps to about what it is now, and yours ditto, that is what you may look forward to. And if you will tell me when a move on in the educational scale is necessary, I will begin to stump up. I don’t know whether Shrewsbury School takes day boys, but I suppose not till the age of 12 or 14. Meanwhile, what will the stages be? And when will they begin?

I don’t know whether Gerald will continue to exercise his charm on me as he grows older—probably not; I expect it’s a mere flash-in-the-pan, due to tender years and lack of knowing better! but I hope he goes on being good and serene.

Our love to you all.

Your affectionate uncle
Laurence.

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Ruled paper.

Longmeadow, Street.—Returns a portrait. Asks about his new home, and describes Coronation festivities at Street and Shillingford. Discusses her own and Laurence’s health.

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Transcript

Longmeadow | Street
June 8th 1953

My dear Jerry

I have just come across the enclosed which you had asked me to return. So sorry I omitted it before, as you think it so remarkably like your Mother. But I just cannot see it except perhaps a bit like her smile, yet L. is inclined to agree with you. I do so want to know where you are, whether the move to the new home has been effected, and The Mount House sold satisfactorily. I mourne† that my memory of it must become an empty shell without you and Cicely there enjoying the improvements you had made to render it such a fair and well appointed home. I hope you will send me snap shots of the new abode, for of course I cannot visualize it at present. I wonder where you have been for Coronation festivities, for no doubt in either place you have been raked in as an efficient organizer. Street was not adventurous. A baloon† race and a good Concert were items, and the factory did well with many-coloured flood lighting very beautiful on the trees round about. Last week Gerald, Jay, {1} and Nicola came over. At Shillingford they celebrated with a pig roasted whole. Gerald gave the pig, and his help in the roasting. They got instruction from an expert within reach who yearly roasts a deer, and made a spit with a wheel to turn, and lots of wood was contributed, but only partial success resulted, for a strong wind was unpropitious so that the heat was not steady. However half roasted chunks were cut off and distributed to be finished in home ovens. Gerald brought in one which we had for Sunday dinner, and very good it was. Nicola is a beauty—such a lovely colour. She is now of the age to be rather a handful, wanting to get her hands into everything—cooking or coals. L. had a bad fall breaking two ribs some weeks ago. Otherwise he is all right, but for failing memory. My sight and hearing are going, and I am very tottery, but can still do household chores and gardening. Do write soon. You must have so much to tell. Much love to you and Cicely

Ever your affectionate
Aunt Clem.

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‘R. 12.vi.53’, indicating the date of reply, has been added at the head in pencil. Most of the marks printed as full stops resemble short dashes.

{1} Reading uncertain.

† Sic.