Postmarked COLNE LANCS 8PM 12 FEB 1940
addressed to Lieut. R. Helme, D.W.R., Church House, Norton, Malton. Yorks.
Albert House, Colne.
12th Feb.
My darling Ronnie,
I had intended to write this in the Club but there was an ironing board resting on the back of my chair, a clothes-horse in front of the fire, and a general atmosphere of tenement about the place, so I have removed myself to the dining room where it is beautifully quiet.
It was a lovely surprise your phoning again last night, and you look after me so well that I am the envy of the household. May you for ever spoil me darling, for you are quite the nicest fiancé which means that you will certainly be the nicest husband.
I am longing to hear from you tomorrow – all this news you spoke of. I’m glad it’s not to be bad news. In fact, it sounds almost as if it might be good news. I shall leap out of bed tomorrow (which will be very unusual) so that I can read your letter soon.
I am feeling quite light hearted today. There must be something in the air. It can’t just be love, because love is always in the air where I am concerned. I should be feeling peeved because Granny has been extremely irritating all day, and to me she grows worse. I find it very difficult to keep a civil tongue, and contradict just for the sake of being on the opposite side from her! When I contradict you darling, it’s just ‘cause I think it’s good for you.
Pa has just popped his head in. I knew he would want to see why the light was on when I heard his step. Some folks never miss a thing.
Dr Huxom has not come today, as he wasn’t able to get a car fixed up till tomorrow. He arrives tomorrow in a second hand baby Austin. To enlarge upon my previous description, he seems a nice fellow, but is rather queer looking. He is so very dark. His hair is unruley and he has a moustache which I feel he would look better without, as it is very black and obvious. Not like these cute light brown moustaches that some people have. Bless you, treasure. To return, His father is an engineer in the Navy, and his two brothers have both been in the Army for about ten years one is at Aldershot just now, and the other somewhere in Wales. He has had no previous experience – so I expect he will take a bit of breaking. I feel that I should now add – but he is house-trained!! I trust he wont be trained in the use of the surgery sink!
I spent this morning tidying out a cupboard in the bedroom, which for the last week or two has been so bad that every time I opened the door, there was an avalanche. I have chucked a lot of rubbish out – and feel the better of it.
Lamb chop, I am very very pleased you asked Horner to take your photo privately. You have pleased me no end, and I am just longing to see it. Already I am planning where I shall have it – and the one of all the officers. I can visualize them in the bedroom now. Then I shall kiss you goodnight every night. Oh I love you, and I wish I were married to you. I keep thinking of my bottom drawer – do you mind? I know you will get through the war Safely Somehow I just know now.
Marj was speaking to Mrs Ogden the other day, and she wants me to ring her up and arrange about Marj and me having tea with her. She is very bored. She is keen to see my ring, and said to Marj “Oh she is thrilled about it, isn’t she.” I’d be a funny creature if I weren’t wouldn’t I Angel Boy? You should have heard me saying “My fiancé” to Dr Huxom. Of course, I didn’t overdo it. Just mentioned you once or twice in the general conversation!
I had Prince out in the afternoon, and it was very cold, and snowing a bit. The snow was most useful when you were at home, but I am really fed up with it now. It makes it very difficult to go for a decent walk.
Another notice for a Sanction Show at Skipton has come today – for the 24th, I think it is. I may enter Prince for one or two again, as it is experience. He is looking much better again, and must have put on a good deal of weight lately. It must be his breakfast of boiled onion, boiled milk and hound meal that’s doing it. He loves it. It should help his coat too. Not that there’s much need for that, as he has a good coat.
I’m afraid I shall have to go to the three and sixpenny dance in aid of the Finns tomorrow night – though I don’t want to one bit. I’m supposed to be helping in the Supper room part of the time, so I can always come home after that if I’m bored. I was thinking it was on Friday like a fool. We haven’t been able to get up a party so I shall be a wall flower. Very funny!
We have started a little war time economy today: having a smaller tea at five, and I am feeling very ready for my supper, and it must be a fair way off half past seven.
Gosh, I seem to have started another page. Well, well, I must fill it now. There goes quarter to seven.
Mummy is not so well, but will not go bed. She has a cough and sore throat, and is well covered with cotton wool and scarfs… Who is that at the door? Mrs Goth for Moué.
I am going to have my monastic coat made into a fitting coat for this Summer. I don’t think I shall get any new clothes this Summer. “A good thing,” says you. Maybe so.
By the way, I have found the negative of that photo I tore through at Kilconquhar, and I think I’ll have the top half printed and enlarged.
Well darling, it looks as if I shall have to go to the post. People keep blowing in here, and blowing out – blast ‘em. A peaceful house this!
Beloved I love you, and may it not be long before I see you. Thank you again for your lovely phone calls, and all the nice things you do and say and think.
All my love,
Kathleen x