Autograph letter signed by Florence Stoker to writer Douglas Sladen dated 1915

STOKER, Florence A[nee Balcombe], widow of Bram Stoker. (1858-1937) Autograph letter signed to Douglas Sladen. [December 1915].
 
Single sheet, 2 pp., on headed paper “6, William Street, Knightsbridge, S.W.1.”; stain from old adhesion on the reverse covering much of the page, but fully legible; overall about very good.
 
A cordial letter from Florence Stoker declining Sladen’s invitation to dinner on account of the winter cold, writing that “facing a train journey is beyond my courage.” Stoker adds a personal note regarding Sladen’s wife: “I am charmed with your wife, as you say, it is strange that I should come to know her through a third party! Give her my love.”
 
Florence Stoker, widow of the author of Dracula, was at this period the principal guardian of her husband’s literary estate, playing a decisive role in its posthumous management and reputation. Letters by her are uncommon in the market.