9 October 1954

Dearest darling Mamma,

We have had great surprises. On Friday the two furniture books came for which I thank you very much. I am busy reading them, though I do not think I shall get much chance to use the knowledge in my dealings with antique dealers. But Linda's trunk finally came, and we are very excited. The records are wonderful, but my new shirts are superb. I wore the Dacron one to a coffee party that night, and it was grand. I now must buy a charcoal grey flannel suit to go with my pink shirt. It will be superb, in the latest style. I shall have to wear brown suede though and I do not really like them. The socks are glorious, mine are all nylon and getting old, and these new one's are magnificent. They feel very good. I shall be very smart in a little while.

We are almost through with the kitchen. The wood work is painted. The mess will be cleaned. The Stowes came for the weekend. They are great dullards. The are only interested in sex, intellectually of course. Good thing they are off in the provinces.

Thank you for the back issues of Road and Track. They sent me a refund of four shillings. It is not too good a magazine and the older issues are better than the new ones.

I must get back to work after a week of painting. I am a bit tired of Cambridge and would like to go away. I do not know when I can.

I am glad to have Linda here. She is great fun and very nice. She works at home very well. I hope she learns as well. I shall try to encourage her.

Many many thanks, dear Mamma, for all the wonderful surprises.

Much love,

Peter