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Transcription of Letter
From
Mrs J.R. Derbyshire
62, Friars Avenue
Delapre
Northampton
England
To
Mr John Derbyshire
126, Stevens Avenue
Valhalla
New York 10595
U.S.A.
April 9th
My dear Son,
lovely to get a letter from you, darling, I didn't mean to be nosy, just put it down to our love
& concern for you, I can't even remember the questions. Poor girl, I really feel for her & think she deserves a
better deal, good luck to her
& the children. When Kathie goes to St Johns ask her to find out for
me if Mrs
Kettenring — the Director of Nursing
is still there — Please. I hope her ex-husband doesn't pose any threat to her, children or you. You're very
precious to us. I hope
everything turns out well. Of course it was lovely to talk to you & the "Choir" was very touching, &
a very nice thought.
My club went to Henley & Windsor on Easter Tuesday, it poured with rain all day, so we had to
stay in the Coach most of the time. I sent Kathie & children cards, I hope they got them. We went to Judy's Easter
Sunday for lunch, & I got
a large chocolate Easter Egg, fatal, I have put on 14 lbs since I saw you last.!! I do keep trying, but its so
difficult, I'm not so energetic
now.
I'm glad that Mary has recovered & that Jay has been back. What was wrong with
Thurman? Not much I hope.
Tess's gerbil died at Easter
but had a very impressive funeral & is buried under the honeysuckle tree with many tears, but reassurance that he
would sleep very happily there.
She is such a tender hearted little girl. We talk about you & she is very anxious that you come either before or
after she goes to Hawaii, which
is July 24th. I hope to go & have a few days with Mary at
Snettisham either the first week in May or the second.
The weather continues cold, grey & windy. Last Sunday was sunny & Tess & I walked in
Delapre woods. She found a bed of wild violets
& we got some celandines &
"sticky" buds. There's a large golfing complex now from the old Abbey across to the new motorway at
Hardingstone, & we go to Judy's in
a matter of minutes across the old river bed. There's so many new roads, you will be surprized. Judy bought us a nice
joint of pork this week-end
& we've just scoffed most of it, it was good. I expect Dad will be writing his usual advice love, but he means
well, he knows you won't take any
notice!! I have your photograph smiling in front of me & I often "talk" to you. Take care, my darling,
come soon. Love to Kathie,
children, Mary, Jay & regards to anyone else I met. Nearly two years,
how the time has flown. Think
of you. Love you
As always
X X X X Mother