Mon cher Colonel
My gratitude for your invitation - I shall be pleased to attend your club
during the second week of the month. Despite the many social events gracing
the calendar this month, I regret that this will be my only opportunity to
indulge myself as other matters intrude unmercifully: there is still a
sizeable stack of regimental paperwork which I need to clear up, and my
doctor tells me that if I wish to rid myself of this regrettable flux of the
lungs, I must cut out alcohol for some time yet.
However, I look forward to your company and, of course, being introduced to
Mlle. Raiboute - your enthusiastic description of her over Mess dinners
during the campaign was nothing short of dazzling. I hope to bring my
companion along with me, but I must perforce leave that part of the reply
blank for now: there may be a minor surprise there, but please keep it quiet
for the moment...
Yours
Jean de Lacey
