9th Jan 1958

Typewritten on HSBC Calcutta airmail letter.

Dear Mum, Dad and Alan,

Many thanks for you letter, I am a little late in replying but we have been enjoying the New Year both in the office and outside. The tie arrived safely and is just the thing. It looks very smart with my new suit. Christmas went off in fine fashion with the usual customers calling, although there was very little whisky this year. Caroline had lots of presents including toys which work off a battery, bricks, books, dolls etc. etc. and once she realised all the packages were hers spent a grand time opening them all. But in the end finished up playing with her favorite toy which is the current tin of talcum powder. She went to a childrens dinner party on Christmas Eve and astonished everyone by polishing off a large plate of turkey etc meant for older children. She feeds herself and drinks from a cup without any trouble now, in fact, the only trouble comes when one tries to feed her which we gave up doing some time ago, and she is getting fatter all the time. New Years Eve was spent at Tollygunge as guests of John Sawtells boss. A lovely evening and we had a great deal of fun. There have been a number of parties since and there are still a few to attend. We gave a small dinner last night which went off well and are now preparing for the Christening on the 2nd. February for near 50 people. After that Margo will be packing for her trip home in now less than two months time. You will be glad to see the children. Adrienne is in very fine form now. The cold has gone and she is sleeping better. She can see now which is an improvement and is still feeding well and putting on weight. Her slightly dark colouring is still apparent and with any luck it will remain. It is still hard to say whether either of them take after one of us and my original opinion remains that they are both a good mixture. Caroline for instance definitely has Margos finger-nails and Adrienne I think will have hazel eyes once the blue goes.

Soul has arrived to take over from Milne-Day who is going on leave next month. By the way Bob Farrell brought the Elephant safely. MacLeod arriveds to take over from me at the end of this month when I shall be taking over Drafts again. Caroline is still not speaking properly yet and I am relying on you to teach her as you taught me. You will see them both grow up through most interesting stages during the time that they are home. I am choosing my car now and have decided on a two pedal Anglia. Same as the last car I had but because of the children only two doors. A light cream in colour and no clutch. This has been written in a rush as I have work to do but at the same time realised that a letter must be sent off or you would be wondering what had happened.

Cheerio & Love
Peter.