Rosie appears to be living with a Mr. and Mrs. Islitt. My guess is that she is a boarder there while she attends school in London. Her parents are likely back in Hong Kong — a common practice in the day and repeated with Sydney’s children. From the age of 13, Frank, the eldest, was left for years at boarding school while his parents lived in Japan.
Thursday, 12 Dec 1895
My darling Rosie,
I got your two letters. I was so sorry I upset you, but you were waxy with me too, were you not? Anyway, we will not mention anything more about it, although you say you have not quite forgiven me. But I know what that is trying to tease eh?
I am so sorry Mrs. Isitt has been ill. You must do all you can for her and get her well again. Let her have rest. Remember me very kindly to her and also Mr. Isitt. Is he Well?
You never mention your aunt in any of your letters. How do you agree with her this time? [meaning(?) how are you getting on with her now?] It is unfortunate not being able to come down to you this Christmas, isn’t it dear. But you must come up to town to me if your good people can spare you. I will not mention any particular day as Christmas comes on a Wednesday so shall leave it to you to come either Monday or Tuesday. The Mater will be pleased to see you any time but let me know well beforehand so that I can meet you at the station. I can arrange to be out anytime between 12 and 3 o’cl;ock.
Well dearest girl, have you quite got over the “upsetting” I caused you? I did not mean to do it, you know that dear. But I am afraid I am a bit thoughtless. On the other hand, I had no idea it was so long since I wrote you. Well, forgive. Will you not, I shall have to give you some extra “Christmas Kisses” to make up for it, shall I not? Can I give you more than I did the last time you were here, do you think? I don’t think so as I shall not be here all day to bother you as before.
I went over to see the poor old Guv. last Sunday. He’s just about the same when we went over (Eva and I). He was in the porter’s room sitting [in] an armchair [near] the fire as comfortable [as he could be]. Altho’ perhaps it may seem strange to you, I had to do a small grizzle as I said goodbye to him. He asked Eve when she was coming over to see him and said “Your Ma will always be glad to see you.”
Well, good night dear love with heaps of love and kisses from your everlasting
Sid