Postmarked ASKHAM BRYAN 8 13 NOV 39
addressed to Lieut R. Helme., A Coy, 1/6th D.W.R., Church House, Norton, Malton, Yorks
The Yorkshire Institute of Agriculture., Askham Bryam, Nr. York.
Monday, Nov 13th
My darling Ronnie,
Two letters on the same morning from the same person, and both written in the same sweet style! Now I am happy for the day; and I hope for a lot longer than that. I am really thrilled that you think you will manage to get off for the 25th – although I shouldn’t really be too thrilled, for something might go wrong. But now that you’ve got your buddha, all will go well. Although I don’t think they look nice but I do think they’re lucky. Besides, I found a horse shoe on Friday when I was clearing a filthy muddy path. There it was right under my spade. I’ve brought it inside and put it under my locker. Yes, I think it’s time we had a spell of good luck.
Please try and put Donald off coming with us – but of course, it’s his car. I don’t mind terribly as long as I get home with you; but it would be rather honeymoonish to go alone with you. I’m sure James would lend us his car. He’s very decent that way, and dash it you are quite used to driving all sorts of cars.
So John is going to get engaged is he. Joan doesn’t know the girl, as she says she knows no girls in Harrogate!
You must pop the question to Pa when we get home, honey. Then we’ll go and get a magnificent ring. Just think what a wonderful ring you could have got with £81! Well you did very well to make what you did. But don’t go spending all you have, now!
If the last few paragraphs have been tosh, pardon me. A girl has been in talking to me, but seeing that I was wanting to get on with my letter, she has departed. She has just told me I am the most reliable girl here. Well, well! My head swells.
Actually, it’s my heart that swells for you dear boy. Fancy you being so near me for the next day or two. You will be almost within kissing distance! Angel, can I come over and see you on Sunday? Sunday is better than Sat. because I have the morning off too. Please say I can come – even if it’s only for an hour or two.
A bell has just gone – but I’m sure it’s too early. Still, I’d better go and see. The dairy people are having a milking machine demonstrated this afternoon. I milked eight lbs this morning which is two lbs off a gallon. Unfortunately I had to stop to let some one else try, but I really think I could milk a cow dry now.
That bell was not for us, but for the tractor people, so I’ll stay a bit longer.
I’m doing early milking again this week, but I am not sorry, for although it means getting up at half past six, we do finish at tea time. Whereas last week, we had to go back and milk after tea, and we usually got back just in time for the evening lecture at six. We have lectures nearly every night, and they are very interesting, although I’m usually empty and tired by that time.
There must be something funny about the air here, because I can’t get my hair to stay up at all. It flops down my neck, and looks like rat’s tails inspite of the fact that I wear a hairnet all day. Others are finding the same difficulty, but I can’t see why it should be so.
‘George Formby’ is married, and his wife came for him on Saturday. He’s only been married since Sept. so I suppose he’s sick at being parted. He tells me he is trying to get a house in ____thorpe, a village near here, but at present they live in Tadcaster – so George sleeps in all week, and goes home at weekends. He looked fed up to be back today, though he is a cheery soul.
One of the most annoying girls who talks about her month on a farm all the time, has managed to net one of the instructors – just a wee childish looking lad. I should think he’s been bullied into it. They were out together on Saturday and Sunday.
Some of us went to the road house again last night – for coffee in my case, and it was a terribly dark night. I wonder we arrived home safely, as my torch was just about defunct.
Joan’s Richard never arrived after all, and she straight way phoned another boy! What a girl!
Well love, everything seems ominously silent. I had better go and dad myself in my overalls. See you – I mean write you later. X
Later.
I have just returned from the demonstration which was very interesting; but George Formby asked me to second the note of thanks, which put me off somewhat. Still I managed o.k. and even made a remark which made them laugh – so I guess I’ll do!
I hope this letter isn’t too long, ‘cause I know you are very busy. I’ll just have to finish this page now, as I can’t afford to waste paper.
I hurt my thumb putting bale through the machine this morning. I stabbed down the nail and it is beginning to feel sore when I write.
Please write soon and tell me I can come on Sunday – or that you can come. I must see you.
Honey, get your leave, I am longing for it – simply aching for it.
I’ll write again very soon.
All my love, Kathleen
P.S. I hope the telegram wasn’t too much for a shock. I just had to do something, and I couldn’t phone.