Sydney is anxiously looking forward to the wedding in two months time. More petulent behaviour between the two. As well, we discover that Rosie’s brother Gus lives in London too. Likely, he too is attending school while the parents live in Hong Kong. Syd seems to greatly enjoy Gus’s company, and that their get-togethers are full of raucous good times. And again, it is evident that Syd loves his Rosie to bits.
8 Grove Road
7 Jan 1897
My own sweet girl
I received your letter the night before last and was so pleased to hear from you. It does seem such ages since you were here dear. If the time is going to drag like this up till the happy day, it will seem endless. I am glad you arrived safely. What a hurried parting we had dear. That train time has been altered. What a pity Mr. Isitt is set so much against Gus coming down to the wedding. It will disappoint him. I have not seen him yet. I do miss you dearest girl and long for the time when we shall be together for always and I expect you miss me as well down in that dull place.
I suppose dear there will be a good number at the church, will there not? Do you think Mip Jarman will play the wedding march for us? I wrote Mr. Jarman last night to tell him about the almanac, etc and I also asked him about giving the information at Tip tree. I had thought of that before you wrote and intended asking Mr I.
Since you have left I have been thinking so much about you darling. I ‘m afraid you must think me very unkind to treat you as I do sometimes, especially on Sunday going to Gus’, although it happened for the best. But sweet, do not think I have a sulky temper and likely to be always like that . I only did it for a bit of fun and did not think you would take it to heart. I am so sorry Sweet. You will forgive me, will you not? We were very happy together at Christmas, were we not Sweety? These happy holidays will always be impressed deeply in my memory. I can remember almost all we spoke to each other in that brief holiday. But soon, ah, only a matter of weeks now darling and we shall be together again.
I spoke to Aunt the other evening, what you said about her going with you to buy your dresses. She said that she would be delighted and suggests that you should wait as long as possible and then the spring fashions will be out – when you come up to see the doctor would be the time. I should say now dearest girl, do not be long in making up your mind as to which day is to be the ‘happy one’ as I am all excitement to know. I have an awful sore throat and do hope that it will soon be better. It is wretched, cannot smoke with any degree of comfort. I hope you are well dearest and free from colds etc. Take care of yourself, won’t you, for my sake.
Good night my own sweet girl, with fondest love and heaps of loving kisses from
Your loving Sid