Postmarked COLNE LANCS 11.45am 21 SEP 1939
addressed to Lieut. R. Helme. D.W.R., Royal Station Hotel, York
Albert House, Colne, Lancs.
21st September.
My darling Ronnie,
I’m afraid you wont have had a short sweet note from me today, and if this takes two days, you wont have a short sweet note from me tomorrow! Oh but perhaps you will get my last one today. I’m all mixed up. Fancy letters to York taking two days. I could walk over in that time!
It was lovely to hear from you today, but it wasn’t so lovely to hear that you are to be one of the first to go to the front; although I suppose you must live up to your reputation, and I know that you personally will. You know honey, I think a great deal of you – apart from my love of you. I would think you were fine if I didn’t love you. And I don’t want any contradiction. You needn’t write giving me a long list of your faults because I know them. You needn’t say I’m blind because I’m not – and honeylamb I Love You.
I’m really not sorry you are finding time to feel homesick. I hope that you will still be able to feel homesick when you go away from me (very occasionally) in another twenty years!
I’m glad too, that you have noticed the three lovely children. A good sign dear. When children take after their father they are peculiar – yes? I have, in appearance that is, taken after mine!
Moué and I went to see “Prison without Bars” yesterday as we stayed in on Tuesday. We both enjoyed it. It is surprising how much more one enjoys a bit of sentiment when one is “love starved” in a manner of speaking. No wonder those poor loveless damsels pin film stars on the walls, and weep copiously at touching love scenes. Dear, dear, I feel like a grass widow already.
No I don’t really dearest; and as soon as the khaki wool comes I am going to start knitting like mad – socks, pullovers, mittens – all for my own particular big soldier. Think how nice and snug you’ll be my precious, all wrapped up in Kay’s knitting. Nothing could possibly hurt you if you wear my exquisite khaki pullover. They are asking us to knit them for the troops. My own dear soldier comes first though.
Meanwhile, I am speeding on with the babies blanket which should be done today or tomorrow if I get cracking. It is blue and yellow.
Is this letter going to be too long I wonder. Well, it shouldn’t take you long to read, and I would like to get to the end of this page.
Too bad you having to stick getting so much chicken. You must be sick of the sight of it. We don’t really have it much, but it was a present from Granny.
I understand about you not ringing me honey, and I’m quite content if you write to me. In fact, I’m delighted. Do you leave York on Sunday? I hope it wont be too long before you see me again, but I can live for some time yet on the memory of your last visit.
Remember me to Ronald, give my love to Ronnie – and keep all the rest for yourself, you dear and precious boy. Yours, Kay