10th Dec 1939

Postmarked COLNE LANC 715pm 10 DEC 1939
addressed to Lieut. R. Helme, A Coy 1/6^th D.W.R., Church House, Norton, Malton. Yorks.

Albert House, Colne, Lancs.

10^th December.

My dearest Ronald.

Here I am safe and sound, back in Albert House – I was a bit worried about you driving back to Malton in the dark, but I expect you did get back all right.

I arrived in on the dot of time, and Winifred insisted on escorting me right to the front door. I didn’t tell her about our engagement last night because of the chappy, and the crowd of stiffs in the compartment. Then we had to escort an old chap up the road who has missed the last train to Barlick – through slipping into the urinal – as he so crudely put it. Anyway, I was down at Tubbs this afternoon to ask Winnie if she would go to the concert with Daddy and Granny in Mum’s place, (It was pop’s idea) and both she and her mother were very pleased. Winnie said you looked very handsome in your uniform. The ring was much admired.

The family all like the ring immensely, so we have chosen well. I find it nicer and nicer every time I look at it. In fact beloved, I couldn’t be more thrilled. As for you, I find you nicer and nicer every time I look at you, and only wish I could see you a whole heap more.

Thank you for a lovely day. It will go down in my memory as one of my most enjoyable days. I am really pleased we got the ring in York and not in Leeds, as there is much more sentiment about the place. Every thing was wonderful dear, and I only hope that you are not too terribly stoney, stoney broke to exsist.

I stayed in bed this morning, and was up just in time for lunch – at 1.15 for once, so I didn’t ‘phone your Mother. In any case, I thought it better to see her so that I could let her see the ring. I went down after lunch, but unfortunately there was no one in. So I shall have to either phone or go again later.

The worst of it is, I’m going to the Police Concert at the Odeon tonight with the Sisters, James, Willie, Dicky and Rita, but as it starts at 6.50, we should not be late back.

Elina Daniella, Webster Booth, Ernest Lush and a New Zealand bass are among the artists – so it should be good. I’m sure there is someone else, but I can’t remember.

It will soon be the twenty first. Heaven speed the day. A whole week with you will be wonderful. And there will be no quarrelling Mr Helme! Well, anyway – not much. Maybe a baby quarrel, no more.

I shan’t be able to pitch my ring at you with much effort, as it takes such a lot of getting off! It’s my rhuematicy joints you know. I shall have to do something about them.

If you can read this writing you amaze me. I don’t know why, but my hand just can’t be bothered writing today. Perhaps it’s peeved because my left hand’s got the diamond.

Cheery pip, my dearest sweetest nicest fiancé.

Kisses, cuddles caresses, Kay.