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Transcription of Letter
From
Mrs. J.R. Derbyshire
62, Friars Avenue
Delapre
Northampton
England
To
John Derbyshire
14, Legion Drive
Valhalla
New York 10595
U.S.A.
Jan. 11th.
Darling,
just got your letter, lovely as always & glad you had a happy time. You should have got my
letter by now telling you about our Xmas. This is in a hurry my love, to let you know I have to go to the Town Hall on
this Friday about your
B.C. copies.[1] It will take a few days they tell me, & will
cost about £3 each
one. I will send them by registered post as soon as I get them.
Now, love to practicalities, don't worry about me coming if you are coming home.
Mary & Jay will
understand, I can come next year
perhaps. On enquiry, a flight to U.S A in July & August would cost me nearly £200 & quite frankly
love, I really can't afford it
& it has never been my way to impose on my children. You will have enough expenses of your own to come. If you
could bring
Louise with you & Jonathan too, that would be lovely. We could have
a family get together. We
would all love to see you. You know my financial position love but here again, I don't want you to think I'm begging or
pleading
"poverty" that is not my intention. The
£1000 in Government Bonds is tied up & is for you at my death. I have about £700 in the
Halifax B.S. & about £650 in Index Linked Certificates which are 2
yrs old & I want to keep
in another 3 yrs when they should reach £1000. I rely on the interest of nearly £100 yearly on my
£1000 Bonds & about £45
yearly on the Halifax money. This pays bills which are very heavy for 6 winter months — that is gas &
electricity. My Hospital
pension goes into the bank too for this purpose & for clothes holiday & any household replacements. Shoes,
coats etc are very expensive, so
is household linen. However, we manage very well, its just that we don't know how long we shall live & I want to
remain independent. Any monies
you have sent go straight into the bank as this boosts the interest. You know I love you dearly & your happiness
& security is mine too. Its
very cold, Dad feels it very much, but we keep reasonably warm with electric fires. Have nearly finished your Arran
Sweater, will keep it till you
come, it would cost the earth to send!! Love you. Love to Louise all who care, Mary, Jay etc. No news from
Ginny.
X X X X
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Hope you understand all this drivel!!
Baby due any time!!