[In same envelope as previous letter, dated December 31, 1921. The trip to France, referenced in the letter, was to visit their son’s grave.]
Worthing, Jan. 8th 1922
Dear Janet,
Here we are at Worthing. Rosa & Agnes thought their house & spare bedroom too damp for us, as their landlord wants to sell the house & does not want to put any expense on it; they also thought that if they took rooms for us, they would have more time to spend with us, would not have to be all the time “washing up.” So, they took rooms for us, such comfort! Nice front room for sitting room & comfortable bedroom, our meals brought in to us touch a button, dishes removed etc. etc. We wanted to start for France tomorrow but we wanted some more news of different graves, so mean to wait till Thursday. Then I don’t know whether we will stay in London till Monday or not, we don’t want to spend a Sunday in France. Worthing is a lovely place. We are so taken care of, I shall be glad when we get “on our own.” I have not heard from Amy since the great event. We were at church this morning, Jack laughed at his mother & Aunt May, so afraid we would come to grief on the 4 or 5 hours journey from Liverpool to London when we had come half across a continent and an ocean alone & safely. I do hope you have got quite well & Mr. Dickey. Dec. 18th was the last letters dated.
We go to Rosa & Agnes for tea each day. We have never tasted porridge since we left Amy’s. Bacon & eggs, for breakfast, lamb & mutton for dinner, boiled ham for tea, or tongue, is the usual thing, and good it all is.
We left all our best clothes at May & Edith’s, they will express them to York, we do not need good clothes either in France or London. I bought a brown velour cloak with raglan sleeves covers me all up, and my grey skirt is quite good enough to go around in. Papa has decent collars & ties & that big overcoat of Mr. Wrangham’s so he looks decent too.
I have got over feeling chilly, but wear a sweater all the time.
I believe Amy & May will come to Langbank in 1923.
I think we will go back in the “Vedic” first week in March.
Your loving mother,
Alice Cairns.
Love to Susan, Janet, Sadie & Amy. Sweetie is still headless.