Sepia Saturday; Love means never getting your feet wet!

I can't resist sharing these postcards for this week's Sepia Saturday. They just seem to suit the theme of couples, clinches, crossings and hitching a ride.  I originally shared them on my book and postcard blog but that was back in 2012, so I'm hoping most of you won't have seen them before.   

The cards were produced by Raphael Tuck as part of their “Oilette” series. As I understand it “Oilette” is a trade name used to describe cards reproduced from original paintings.

The cards were posted in December 1904 and January 1905. These and another set also sent to 'Maudie' have been in my collection for a number of years. I purchased them from an auction so sadly there is no history attached to them.  All I know is that Miss Maudie Anscombe was living at an address in Hove, Sussex at the time and that Charlie was obviously very fond of her.  

Once on board the lugger, and the girl is mine.

Dear Maudie,

I know this set of cards will suit you. I went to see your Darling **Lewis Waller in His Majesty's servant yesterday. 

Love Charlie

**Lewis Waller played the part of Geoffrey Mohun in His Majesty's servant written By Sarah Barnwell.

Photograph of Lewis Waller as Geoffrey Mohun here

The Lass that loves a sailor.

Dear Maudie, 

Did it feel grand, then at being able to crow over ones learned relation? Don't say you did not! I hope your pink dress is finished and that your green dress suits you and that your friends like your blue dress and that your yellow dress is not too thin for the cold weather and that your purple dress will be ready in time for the ball. (I hope you appreciate my delicate cynicism!) 

Much love, Charlie

The course of true love never did run smooth.

Dear Maudie, 

Your irregularity is simply disgraceful!!! 

I'm in the eighth heaven of delight. Bert has a cold; Aunt May has a cold; Vera has a cold; Metcalf has a cold; the driver of the G.M.C has a cold, and I have not! Metcalf and I are busy thinking out grand Xmas decorations so you'd better dodge along again and help us. 

Much love, Charlie.

Two is Company.

Dear Maudie,

Below is own interesting programme on Wednesday last;
2.15pm arrived Waterloo. 2.25 Coliseum - House full. 2.30 Prince of Wales House Full (this continues with a list of other theatres also displaying house full signs). 3.00 stop for refreshments. 4.00 attended evensong at St. Paul's. 4.35 left St. Paul's at beginning of sermon. 4.40 tea at A.B.C shop 5.30 arrived at Drury Lane theatre, outside. 7.00 Drury Lane, inside.
Remainder of day is oblivion owing to exhaustion. Only just recovered.
Much love, Charlie.

The old, old story.

Dear Maudie, 

Are you deceased or diseased? 

Please relive my anxiety at once, as it is preying on my mind. Shan't tell you any news, as I don't wish to waste my time on a corpse. 

Much love, Charlie.

The harvest moon.

Dear Maudie,

Thanks for relieving my anxiety. 

I have had a ferocious cold this week - hence the lateness. You had better come and say farewell to the Clarke's as they are departing Tues or Wed. Lamentations going on all around. 

Much love, Charlie.

This is my contribution to Sepia Saturday number 254