Postmarked COLNE LANCS 8PM 28 MCH 1940
addressed Lieut. R. Helme, D.W.R., Church House, Norton, Malton. Yorks.
Albert House, Colne, Lancs.
28th March.
My darling Ronald,
I am missing you abominably, but I really needn’t tell you that, because you will know anyway. You are simply everything to me. So do take care of your dear self my prescious.
I have been down to have tea with your Mother this afternoon. She asked me just after you left yesterday. I think she saw the lost look in my eyes. It was a mouldy goodbye when I really wanted to take you in my arms and hug and hug you.
I am going to the flicks with your Ma tonight to see “Andy Hardy _” at the Majestic. I came home to write to you. I simply had to do that.
Your Mother has been telling me that your father was wounded in the last war, and you never told me (you never tell me anything!). I saw two photos of him looking proper nice!
I am starting at Hatfield’s on Monday – alas. Still I suppose I shall settle down O.K. and it will make the time fly. Oh how I want the time to fly. Then in Sept – emlere{?} the war will be over. Yes, it will. You see. Then I shall give up my job, you’ll get yours and we’ll live happily every after. What a blessing it is I still have my dreams to keep my pecker up.
At Hatfield’s I have two hours off for lunch: 11-1 or 11.30-1.30. It will just depend. The afternoon will seem very long I suppose. About five and a half hours solid work. Well, it will make me a fine strong, brave girl and that is what I want to be. I shall just say to myself all the time, “This is making me worthy of Ronnie. This is payment for the happiness I am going to have.” Then everything will be all right.
I cleaned the cycle today, and it sure needed it. It had been down in the coke cellar and was filthy. I did a few spins round the yard just to make sure I could still ride the thing. Last time I rode a bike my treasure, was at Kilconquhar with that dear boy Ronald Helme.
It has been a heavenly week-end – thanks to you. You have been dearer than ever, and my love grows steadily. Mum says she is fonder of you every time she sees you, and Dad says you are a real nice lad – and Kathleen says you are a darling, a prescious, a treasure, and Angel Boy. What a testimony, but you cannot apply for the position of husband with it, because you are already definitely and finally hooked.
Beloved, would you mind if I buy you a cross and chain. Perhaps you will think it peculiar and would feel soft wearing it, so just let me know. I would like you to have one because I know it would be better than any buddha.
Nurse Bentley has just arrived for the evening. I am a bit sorry I am to miss her. I didn’t know she was coming.
Your photos haven’t arrived yet. I am longing for them to come, then I can look at you first thing in the morning and last thing at night.
Darling, I have been so happy with you, and I am going to wait patiently till I can be happy with you for ever.
I’ll write tomorrow.
All my love dearest,
Kathleen