From Patrick and Geoffrey Monday 19th April 1976
Dearest lads,
With a heigh and a ho and a heigh nonny no! Nugent (and Pemberton) he has spent the last 2 hours imbibing at Jean and Collier. Now I have to try and write a sensible letter to you both.
You have been on my conscience for so long that it is now almost difficult to sit down and write at length. Quite frankly, it is quite impossible to write to anyone during the week. The pressure of work at the office –day in and day out, without any sort of break – please me shattered and exhausted at the end of the day. I come home, have dinner or am fit for nothing for the rest of the evening. It is a problem with that an answer, for the chances of obtaining a lucrative job around here are nil. The only good thing is that I enjoy my work, although I almost pray for a short respite, the pressure is unceasing.
Ye gods! I have before me three letters from you to answer the first going back to the 18th of February. Anyway, let’s start with the last one first, which contained the news that Stuart is joining you on your trip. You write as if we did not know him –but we have met him on the two occasions that we were lucky enough to spend Christmas at 4824. Actually wicked old Nugent thinks he is very attractive, but I will tie a knot in it, keep my hands to myself and behave in a perfectly decent English fashion – unfortunately!
Dollies, we must remember that none of us (even Geoffrey!) Are as young as we used to be and we feel that Stuart may find himself overwhelmed by the “older generation”. So, with this in mind, we have contacted a young friend of ours in Sudbury (Keith, aged 20 to) who is quite enthusiastic about showing Stuart the sites and places frequented by the younger generation. Keith, although gay, mixes a lot with the straight young set – so all will be well on that score. Incidentally –a useful point –he runs a car!
Sleeping arrangements will really be no great problem as we have a spare folding bed which Stuart should find quite comfortable during the time that Sophie is with us. (obviously, he will occupy the small bedroom during that time he is at H.H. and Sophie is absent).
Note to the one subject which is worrying me greatly over your visit –and that is the subject of catering. I think for by now we know each other well enough to speak our minds and yet not cause offence. To be honest, I am too shattered in the evenings to come home and prepare a meal for four or more people and I have gone over this problem in my mind again and again during the past few weeks. The first weekend should not be too much of a problem as I shall be at home, including Monday 31 May, which is a our “Spring Holiday”. Moreover, Sophie will be with us for the first week and I have a “gut feeling” virtually will not be far from the kitchen!! The real difficulty is the weekday evenings. Do you think we could (when you arrive) sort out some plan of action for the evening’s? You will never know what a relief it was last year when I came home and found that Edwin “concocting” in the kitchen or when we went out for a meal. On the other hand, you’ll never know how I felt when I came home and was drinking one of your generous martini’s and was conscious of eyes upon me saying “what’s for dinner”.
I hate having even to suggest that a certain amount of self catering may be necessary, for it goes right against my ideas of what a host should be –and going out to eat their these days almost needs an expense account!! Moreover, I have a nasty feeling that it would end up with Edwin in the kitchen –and after all, it is supposed to be his holiday.
Then now, I’ve said it all and feel better for having done so. I’ve worried myself sick, over it. The only hope is that you will not take offence.
Me thinks you are going to have a busy busy time while you are here. Geoff (and/or I) is/are attempting to line up all people and things requested. We cannot yet promise a carpenter for the first week in June but every attempt is being made to pin him down. You will learn that Suffolk people cannot be hurried and there are times when this is particularly frustrating to “townie” like ourselves. Only the other day one of my fellow commuters was telling me of her attempts to fix up for the builder to come in. She phones him regularly every Sunday morning. This has been during for weeks –but no firm date for the start of the work has been fixed!! Re the Datsun. The fifth have the (very useful for server same) and we have called on him already. A visit by you both &G. is already planned.
One other worry I have. Can we ensure that the four of us have plenty of time to get together to discuss so many many things re. your moving & our moving out of Hall House. Unless we thrashed everything out in advance I can foresee an awful lot of tooing and fro-ing correspondence wise –and it all takes so much longer by letter.
Now I must close. I would go on and on the much can be left until we meet. Incidentally, can you, when next writing, let me know exactly when you arrive? You write of may he 21st (which is a Thursday). That is the day you leave, thereby arriving in the morning of Friday the 28th? Whenever you come I shall try and meet you at Liverpool street, as last year.
Just to cheering bits of news to welcome you. Our train fares have gone up 90 pence and since last year and – even worse –our budget the other week for another 32 pence on a bottle of spirits. With those cheering items I will now sign off!!
All, but all, our love,
Patrick / Geoffrey
PS. We were delighted to receive a letter from Betty. Please do thank her. P.
