Numbered 113. Postmarked ELIE FIFE 6pm 29AU 39
addressed to R. Helme Esq., 34, Albert Road, Colne, Lancashire
The Manse, Kilconquhar, Fife
29th August
My dearest Ronnie,
It’s funny to think that you maybe writing to me at this minute as it will be your lunch hour. I guess it’s about quarter to one.
You needn’t worry about me now because I am quite well again, and not feeling nearly as upset – even though the news is no brighter. I seem to have developed a certain amount of philosophy. And anyway, it is so nearly Thursday now that I am sure to see you. That was a big worry.
I thought to myself when I’d read your letter this morning how much better you are at letter writing than I am. Your letter today was so well composed. Don’t get swell headed honey, but Eadie gives credit where credit’s due!
The bit about the Helme Hussars and the flags etc amused me highly. Fancy the germans being so thoughtless as to enter the water as smoked fish! Dear, dear! Actually, I can’t think of any water near Short Neck Ally (*) – unless you mean the wee stream down by the canal.
I am afraid I am going to look very unlovely when I arrive back in Bonnie Colne, as my hair has not been washed for centuries – well, a month! And I am expected a large crop of pimples on my chin! My skin has been so clear since we came here (as you noticed, remember) that I shall find it difficult to get used to my customary lumps and bumps. But I am seriously thinking of taking some artificial sunlight this winter to keep my spots at bay. Also in an attempt to put on a little flesh. Dad says I am a poor specimen with my bones sticking through. He says I must fatten up a bit, and I agree. It is not good to be too thin, is it? Well you can answer that when I see you.
Gee, it’s great to think of seeing you so soon, though youre a pest going to camp so soon. I shall have to get some more cheap note paper. This stuff is completely lacking in artistic taste, and very uninspiring. I think woolworth’s glorified toilet paper is better.
There doesn’t seem to be any news for you sweetie pieceese, but I shall just have to ramble on ‘cause I’m not having you grumbling at my short letters. No, I wouldn’t say your letters are shorter than mine – only occasionally, but they are often about the same length. Besides, what the heck does it matter. I don’t really see that it matters, do you?
The bit about Bert Haighton – I knew what your idea in saying it was, and in my usual style, I felt perverse and a bit nattered at your letter.
I am now almost sure I shall be coming home in the car, and I am quite glad really. Prince is probably coming in the Austin with John driving, Daphne and either Mum or me. Daddy Marj Moué and Mum or I are going in the Wolseley – with Adéle too, perhaps. She may come to Colne for the night. The maids will go on the train – and then they’ll have no dog to bother about. Oh of course, wee Sunni will be in the Wolseley too. Marjory and Adéle are thinking of going in to Edinburgh early by train. They will see the maids on the train home, and Marj will meet Bill, and Adéle will go to an agency maybe – to see about a job. Then we will pick them up at Edinburgh as we are going that way and down through Moffit etc. I should say I am definitely going in the car, anyway. We usually arrive home somewhere between six and seven I think. I’m hoping we’ll set off fairly early.
If the situation had been any worse, we were going to pack up today and go home tomorrow, but as things seem to be at a standstill, we are staying till Thursday.
Did I tell you the Edgar Duckworth Family had been staying in Elie? I don’t think I did. Another black mark. We didn’t go to see them as Dad said he sees them enough at home; but he and John and N went in the Beach Hotel this morning where they had been staying, and heard that they had left yesterday. Edgar has probably been sent back to his A.R.P. duties!
Dad is looking at the ‘Dog Book@ and has just said, “This is a good wee book on dogs, Kay.” I replied_(oh yez) “It was a good wee boy who gae me it!”
So you are expecting me to be demonstrative when we meet – are you? Well, you know what I am. A lot of my love is bound round inside me. Anyway, it all depends where we are and everything, doesn’t it? Don’t get cross with me all at once, anyway. No more bad tempered scenes – no more nattering – no more messin’ which means just anything at all that causes misunderstandings and quarrels. By order – Kathleen M Eadie X.Y.Z.
… Here I am back again after dinner – or lunch as I suppose it should be called. You will be glad to know that my appetite is greatly improved. I have really enjoyed my roast lamb.
Some of them are thinking of going to Macduff’s caves this afternoon, but I shan’t go. Daphne and John seem to be keen. I hope Dad will take some of us for a run.
The ‘girls’ are, as usual, making a terrible din. Wherever Adéle is, there’s a noise. And Moué is just hopeless. I am the quiet little creature – sometimes.
Oh dear, I haven’t made the dog’s dinner. I shall have to go and do it now.
I am getting very excited about seeing you – so look your best. I hope you haven’t just had your hair cut. Oh no, I remember now. You had it trimmed a bit ago. Wash your ears on Wednesday night or Thursday morning! I’ll write a wee note tomorrow I think. Don’t write to me though as I may have started off before post, as I’ve said before.
All my love, Yours, Kathleen