Postmarked COLNE LANCS 8PM 17 JAN 1940
addressed to Lieut. R. Helme, D.W.R., Church House, Norton, Malton. Yorks.
ALBERT HOUSE. COLNE. LANCS. TEL.NO.282
Wednesday.
My dearest Ronnie,
Alas, I have a feeling that this is not going to be a very long letter either. I hoped for a peaceful afternoon in which to write, but Gerdy called and stayed till nearly tea time.
That sounds as if we shoved her out just before a meal, but she had to go and meet her Pa. she is coming to tea next Tuesday. She was asking for you, and thinks the ring is lovely.
I am very disappointed that you can’t come home for the 26th, but I expect another week wont make so much difference. It’s lousy all the same, and I miss you so much and the days go slowly. It was sweet of you to phone and I was very glad to be in for it – even though you did hope I’d be out so as I could be disappointed – you sausage!
This weather is driving me pots, and it is far far too cold to be comfortable. I think I shall just go to bed till your leave.
Tonight I have the beginnings of a pain, and the Haighton contingent is coming to supper – sorry, to dinner. They are coming at half past seven. It is now quarter to six, and the drawing room isn’t even dusted yet. I am sitting there now, and as the fire has not been on long, it is viley cold.
I’m sure I had some bits of news for you but I seem to have forgotten them.
James is still on his 48 hours leave. I only wish that your 48 hours leaves were as long! He is going back tomorrow though. They wrote to him yesterday, so he just has to go now. We have seen very little of him all week, and I don’t think he will be in tonight. Not that I can blame him in the least!
Oh yes – news. I had a letter from the Land Army Sec this morning asking me if I would be able to take a job at Thirsk at a dairy farm. The person had to be able to drive a car – so that has saved my bacon, and I must write back tonight saying I am very sorry I don’t drive!! Gosh, I got a shock when the letter arrived I can tell you.
I should also answer a letter of best wishes from a second cousin, but I don’t see how I am going to have time tonight. I am freezing. I think I’ll wrap myself in cotton wool, eat a large meal, and hibernate – till the 2nd of Feb. Then you could come and waken me up. Wouldn’t that be heavenly? Oh dear, I do love you, and could weep over it. It seems so wicked that we have to be separated. And there are Sam and Elizabeth – the wretches!
My nose is like a blog of ice, and I’m afraid I am waxing into a miserable mood. I just feel like going to bed early, and that, confound, is entirely out of the question. Lach a day, what a life!
I have nearly finished reading Warwick Deeping’s “Shabby Summer” and have enjoyed it very much as it is nice and peaceful and sentimental. There is nothing like reading something sentimental when your sweetheart’s
Oh dear. I am driving myself to tears.
I’m a very bad girl. I haven’t phoned your mother yet. I shall do so as soon as I’ve finished writing to you. I’m afraid you will think me very bad – not doing a little thing like that.
I feel so lonely – so lonely in a crowd, and I shall feel it more when Bill comes on Friday.
Dicky is having a party on Sunday and asking ever so many folks. I do wish I could get out of going but I don’t see how I can.
Moué heard from Reg yesterday, and they have been showing off German planes – or should I say one plane – from the Thames Estuary. Actually, it was out of their range, and a fighter went out.
I hope some one will be kind enough to take this to the post for me but am not very hopeful about it, as it is a cold slushy night. I hate the idea of going out in it. I haven’t been out at all today. John and Craster took Prince this afternoon.
Ooh, I never told you that Michael is coming tonight – if he can get off. I would hate you to think I was holding anything from you.
I feel this letter is very much lacking in the things I really like saying to you my darling, but if you read between the lines you will find it covered completely with endearments and loving sentences. I wish I could express more clearly just how much you mean to me, but it seems impossible either on paper or by word. But I do love you, and however long you are away, it will never be any easier for me to be without you.
Although my body is cold my heart is warm. Night and day, in spirit, I feel you beside me, and all I can do is to wait as patiently as possible until you are really there beside me – all real, and warm and breathing – for ever.
Daily my love, and trust in you grows stronger – so that when you come home on Feb 2nd my dearest, I shall be dearer and nicer to you than ever before.
All my love, Kathleen.