Postmarked COLNE LANCS 4PM 4 JAN 1940
Lieut. R. Helme, D.W.R., Church House, Norton, Malton. Yorks
Albert House, Colne, Lancs.
4th Jan. Thurs.
My darling Ronald,
You are a dear, a pet, a sweet to phone me yesterday, and it was a great surprise and pleasure. It was very fortunate you didn’t phone five minutes earlier as Moué and I had just got back home, and I should have been very bitter if I’d missed you. I was in the hall, and just think of all those endearments I used. I am getting quite daring!
Funnily enough I didn’t think the bloke who answered the ‘phone on Monday was being quite honest because he seemed so bent on convincing me that you had been up very late that morning and were very tired. But I was annoyed with myself for being so suspicious. I am so glad it was his lie and not yours. Any one else can lie to me as much as they desire – but not you. Never you, my pet.
Fancy you going away again – and so far away too. What is to happen to Prince? I am rather worried about him. If he is off his food now, he will certainly be more off it when you go.
I thought it was hound meal you bought him. He is never very thrilled with the biscuits, and definitely soak them well as he always has his houndmeal soacked – with warm gravy if poss. Hot water will do if there is nothing else. Fish once or twice a week is a good idea if there is any on the premises; but be sure there are no bones. He likes it.
Thanks for the cute chart and measurements. Should we bother getting a coat? Yes, I think we’d better seeing it’s so cold. I’ll order it this morning. I am also calling for his medallion affair for you to put on his collar. I do hope he’s O.K. when you’re away. Who will look after him?
You say in the letter this morning that you may be staying on with D.Coy, for another week, but that will be off now that your going on this course. Did you ask to go on this course or what? You should be very well informed with all these courses honey. You will able to do our plumbing for us. You will be very useful about the house wont you? I shall insist on you cleaning out the lavatory!
Here are the gloves, and the glamorous helmet which is sure to make your roar with mirth. Not only will it strike you as very perculiar, but it will be too small in the head and too loose in the neck. But you may be glad of it in France. The gloves I think you will find all right in spite of the family remarks that they look very small. Anyway, I think I have convinced them now that your hands are small as I have two pairs of your gloves, and they fit me “like a glove.” I hope you don’t find the seams inside too lumpy. In fact my treasure, I hope they prove quite satisfactory, and that you will wear them often, and think of me every time you do, and a lot more.
Reg Nutter {can it be?} came to supper last night, and as Moué was very anctious he should not be the only one asked, we had Dicky and Rita, as Reg knows Dicky, and we couldn’t think of anyone else to have. Moué kept saying before he arrived, “I do wish Ronnie was here. It would be quite all right if Ronnie and Geof were here.” And naturally, I agreed with her.
Anyway, the evening went off very well, and I think the boy quite enjoyed himself. Daddy was quite well behaved. We played ping pong and a few card games, and the party didn’t break up till about half past twelve. Needless to say, I felt half baked. Reg goes back tomorrow.
It is twelve of the clock, and Billie Cotton is on the wireless again. I am just going to have my twelve o’clock refreshment, and then I am going up the town with Moué.
Darling how I wish you were here. I am pleased to hear that you just might manage on the 12th But if it’s inconvenient dear, the 19th will be very nice – and I will still have it to look forward to when the 12th is over and gone. Whenever you come it will be heavenly and I shall just look forward to it. As long as there is something to look forward to life is bearable.
I had a very nice letter from Elizabeth Marshall the other day wishing me all the best etc. She remembers you and thought you were “very sweet”. She went to a dance with two officers from your Regiment on Boxing Day. Of course, they knew you, and said you were home on Christmas leave. The dance was presumably in York – maybe Leeds. Anyway, she didn’t say who the officers were.
Your news about George was very interesting, and your story about him was no end amusing. Poor old George. I’m glad your new M.O. is nice, and had the kindness to administer unto Bracken Prince. Poor old Prince. He really is a pansy dog. I am worrying about him dear. I hope he’ll be all right without you. I am not my darling.
I am going to start another page because I want to tell you to take care of yourself when you are away. Take plenty of warm clothes and your cough mixture. I am very worried about your cough, and I’m terribly sorry it keeps you awake at night. There is nothing more vile.
Write as often as poss. though I suppose you’ll be busy with your hygiene (I can seldom spell it properly).
How I want this war to be over. It is terrible being apart from you like this. And it is going to get worse. Save yourself for me, my dear sweet loveable boy.
Kisses, cuddles and caresses,
Kay.
P.T.O.
Since your phone call this morning this letter seems rather out of date, but I am sending it never the less. You’ll will be phoning me at five, it is after three now, and I don’t know what I am to do about this affair.
I would adore to see you, and coming for Prince would be a good excuse, but Dad says definitely no to the motor run idea. The roads are like ice in these parts. Mum no(*) suggest that She and I come to Malton and stay the night tomorrow, but we haven’t seen Dad about it yet. Mum would do it I know, but Pa will probably think the idea absurd. I would love it. We could see you off on Saturday from York, and then catch the train home. Anyway, when you receive this something will be arranged. All my love Kay.
P.S. I’ll bring the gloves when we come if we come. Anyway, I wont send them today.