14th Dec 1939

Postmarked COLNE LANCS 8PM 14 DEC 1939
addressed to Lieut. R. Helme, A Coy 1^st6th D.W.R., Church House, Norton, Malton. Yorks

Albert House, Colne, Lancs

Thursday

My dearest Ronald,

Now how shall I begin. Oh yes, I hope you are very well. I really do hope you are, because you must be well for next week. And I hope that the whole bally bunch of officers are well, because I don’t want you to have to stay and do their work.

I am longing to see you. It will probably be a week today wont it? How wonderful! I am a very lucky girl – yes?

The news is on now, and I shall have to hurry with this letter, as I’ve to post a parcel for Pa before half past six. I wish Moué would go, but I don’t suppose she will. Oh yes shis going to, because I shall have to go down later with the letters. She is going to the flicks with Irene.

Please note I’ve bought some note paper. I thought it time, as Moue was beginning to cut up rough at me using hers. I told her she was getting like Granny.

I am enclosing (I hope) a letter from  T’Eth {Aunt Ethel}. It came with my letter this morning, and I have not read it although I’ve been sorely tempted. I haven’t even looked at the beginning or the end. So you see what a trustworthy wife you’re going to have.

There is a Sanction show at Skipton on Saturday, 23^rd. Will it be OK to you if I enter Prince. You wouldn’t mind going over there that afternoon, would you?

Well, our betrothal will be in the papers tomorrow honey; and I never told you that T’Eth sounded very thrilled about it in her letter this morning. She was so pleased we happened to get the ring on her birthday.

Moué told Kenneth Baimbridge today, and he was most interested He said you used to play football together “- until Ronnie lost his figure.”

Joan Rushton phoned this afternoon to wish me luck, and I didn’t say “I’ll need it.”

I took Prince for a walk this afternoon. James gave me a lift to Foulbridge, and then I walked along the reservoir banks, down onto the canal, and home by Blakey, or is it Blackie?

I’ve just asked Moué if she’s any news for you. She says I’ve to tell you she had a letter from Reg but adds that you haven’t to tell anyone. He is having six days leave within the next three weeks. Thrill for one Moué!

What writing! I am writing on my knee so as to be near the fire. It’s very chilly today. Keep warm my prescious, keep warm. Wear my pullover.

Your helmet is looking rather weary because I am making up the pattern; but it may be OK when it’s finished, and if it isn’t I can always pull it out.

What rubbish I seem to be writing. I can’t think what’s wrong with me tonight. And what an illiterate scrawl.

Talking of illiterate scrawl, I had a letter from my char woman at Askham Bryan this morning, and it really was a sweet little letter. She says she has heard good reports of my young man! She wrot ‘as’ as ‘has’ every time. She wants a photo of me. Isn’t it funny?

There isn’t any very interesting news beloved. This letter is uncommonly mouldy, but I don’t think you mind my rambling chatter. You know I love you whatever much and twaddle I write.

Take care of yourself, because we can’t do with anything happening at this stage. I am going to take care of myself. I’m going to bed early every night, and I’m going to have plenty of fresh air, so as I wont have a single spot when you come home. And I am going to be so beautiful that you will fall at my feet in adoration. Yes? No. Well, I’m going to look as nice as I can anyway, and more important, I’m going to be as nice as I can.

Angel, if you were here now I would make a meal of you, you dear, sweet, big, fat fiancé of mine. I wish you were here to kiss me, but you soon will be. I don’t think we’ll have to play Colnito because I always win. I’ll have to find another game that you can win now and again. Nice of me, isn’t it?! Snakes and ladders, or something nice and easy like that.

I’m glad you’ve had your hair cut now, because then it wont be too terribly short next week. I’m getting so excited at the thought.

Goodnight Sweetheart.

Kisses, cuddles & caresses, Kay

43 Sherbrook Ave., Glasgow S.1

12^th December 1939

My dear Ronnie,

I am so glad you and Kathleen have become engaged, and I hope that much happiness his ahead of both of you.

Have you any Aunts, Ronnie? For I’ll, gradually, have to grow into an Aunt of yours. They are terrible creatures. Don’t believe Kathleen. I am going to grow into a right proper strict Aunt. I will give you lectures quite often upon such subjects as: “Slow obedience is no obedience at all.” [That is one that our Mother has given to us many times]

Did you realise what might be ahead of you when you bought that beautiful diamond ring?

Well Ronnie, all the best. I hope you have a good Christmas leave before you with not a cloud to darken the sky. (FIG.)

I am, Yours very sincerely, ‘TEth.