Numbered 108. Postmarked Kilconquhar Fife 6pm ? Aug 39
addressed to: R. Helme Esq., 34, Albert Road, Colne, Lancs
The Manse, Kilconquhar, Fife
22nd Aug
My dearest Ronnie,
Now I am lonely and unloved. Not a scrape of the pen from you today, and as I am usually so spoilt, I immediately start to wonder why. Are you ill? Of course you’re not. Have you forgotten? Not likely. Or have you just not written. Anyway, I believe there is another post at three; and it must be nearly that now. Hope still burns within me!
Oh dear, the dogs are scrapping in the garden. What a din. The others are all out there – so they should be able to stop it. I am once more on my ownio in the drawing room. Pa is sleeping in the study, I believe.
Well, my angel, I don’t think that anything much has happened since yesterday’s letter.
After I had posted your letter Moué and I, with Prince walked over the links to Shell Bay – chiefly for Prince’s benefit. (He is giving me fits with his sticky out elbows, and I doubt whether he’ll even improve.) Actually we walked farther over so that we came out on the bay beyond Shell Bay. A dirty little stream impeded our path to the actual beach, and in trying get over it, one of my feet went right under the filthy sand-cum-mud and my sadal and sock got filthy. So we retraced our steps a bit, and went to our old haunt.
Daphne arrived OK, and is looking very well. So far, she seems to be enjoying herself, though I am looking forward to John’s arrival when I shall be sure she is.
She, Marjory, Adéle and I were in bathing this morning, and it was very cold at first, but not too bad after a bit. The water was very calm, which is better in a way as it doesn’t take the breath out of one so much – but I think its chillier. I don’t think I shall bathe so many more times now. It is too much of an agony.
Granny and Mum are going up to Glasgow tomorrow; so Granny is getting her own way as usual. She obviously wanted Mum to go with her, and has hinted for long enough. Mum is staying the night at Southwold, and returning on Friday. Marjory is probably going up to Edinburgh on Friday to see the tennis (Budge, Vines etc) with Bill, and has been asked to stay the night with Bill’s people. So she is somewhat flattered!
I do wish I’d had a letter today. I’ve no questions to answer, no comments to make. I’m so spoilt with you usually writing so often. I am reduced to talking about the weather. “It’s turned out nice again” though most of the morning was dull. How is it in Colne?
What do you think of Germany’s pact with Russia. Of all the inconsistent nations, Germany takes the cake. I’m glad to see that Japan’s annoyed. Please don’t let there be a war, darling. I love you too much to let you do anything but play at fighting. Write to the big bugs and say “Miss Kathleen won’t let me fight so there can’t be any war.” And all will be well.
I have my first golf lesson tomorrow. I can’t see myself managing to have many in the short time that’s left, honey. Oh to be athletic; though I’m not so keen on muscular women. Besides I’m sure you’d rather have me a little femininely weak than all strong and masculine. You’d surely rather have me wilting in your arms occasionally, than have me forever knocking you about. Of course, I do that now; but think how much worse it would be with a good deal more strength behind me.
That’s all nonsense I suppose.
Whooppee! A letter. Pause while I peruse it…
Pardon me keeping you waiting. Very nice letter, but with one English mistake which I, as your sweetheart, beg you to forgive me for correcting. I believe it is what is called a split infinitive (which, by the by, I’can’t spell, you can always beat me there!) “… So perhaps I hadn’t better try and do both.” Correct: “So perhaps I had better not try and do both.” “I better hadn’t” is also incorrect. You aint hurt are you dear?
I think that the reason your letter is late is that you had Nr Elie on it, and it must have gone to Elie first. Nr Elie is crossed out in pencil.
I think Marj behaved herself very well when Bill was here, as the boy is very careful, and proper. Adele is full of beans, and helps to keep the atmosphere cheery. Thank goodness she is staying till the end of the month.
It was queer you mentioning that if you mobilized I should have to fly home. I think I said in yesterdays letter that I should want to fly home to you.
Please darling, don’t burst with love, while I’m away. I should hate to arrive home to a burst sweetheart. Don’t burst with overeating either.
So you were eating melon yesterday, too. We ate the Dundee one at lunch, and it was beautifully juicy. I hope we have another before we go home.
Adéle and Marj are in the room now. I have just been over to kiss Adéle as Marj has been commenting on her nose. She looked a bit hurt, so I thought a Kathleen Eadie kiss would cheer her up. If you were here, I should certainly kiss you – a plomber(*)!
A week tomorrow the great Eadie returns so get the flags washed in good time. You’d better send them to Hawden(*) Laundry tomorrow. (Mum used to call our napkins flags, and I’m afraid I always think of it) Well, I must pip. Kiss and hug yourself from me. All my love precious, Kathleen.