Category: 1939 At War

Postmarked COLNE LANCS 8PM 30 DEC 1939
addressed to Lieut. R. Helme, A Coy 1/6 D.W.R., Church House, Norton, Malton, Yorks

Albert House, Colne, Lancs.

30^th Dec.

My darling Ronnie,

I feel just like a wet week. In fact, I feel like a wet Season now that you have gone. Oh Angel Boy, how I miss you, and there is a real ache inside me today. A nasty lonely lump in my throat and chest, and the tears are so near the surface.

Still, I must be brave, and I should be used to you going away by now. But I shall never learn to do without you, so please make the war end soon.

I am posting this tonight so as you will get it on Monday for sure, because I should hate you not to get a letter from me then. You would start being lonely and unloved, and that would be quite, quite wrong.

I am sending you a dog coat, which I am fairly certain will be too small, but it is on approval, and it will just give us an idea. I should have taken him up I know, but I’m sending a measure tape so that you can measure him. Please send me the coat back as soon as ever you can dear. All you have to do is readdress it.

How is Prince. I am missing the old boy a good deal. He is cheery about the place, and I shall miss taking him out in the afternoon. I even forgot to say goodbye to him, I was so upset at having to say goodbye to you…

I have just been down to the post and it is a very dark miserable night, and the torch I took was no earthly good.

James has just come back from the day at Chester where he has had an interview to do with his joining the R.A.M.C. He will probably be going in about a fortnight, and has been told to get his uniform. It’s all very upsetting, isn’t it. Poor lad, I don’t think he wants to go at all. To hell with the war is what I say.

Marj wants me to ask you about the car we hired – at least, your family hired. Naylor is now making out that you didn’t give any coupons for your petrol. That you said Dad would provide the coupons, and that the three you gave him were just a present so to speak. I’m sure this isn’t true. It strikes me the confounded firm is just trying to make an ass of poor Marj. who got really annoyed with them this morning. What’s more they are charging you for five gallons when I think we only used three. They are completely vile yes?

Well darling, that’s taken a lot of explaining, and what I really want to tell you is how much I love you. Life is so empty without you. There seems nothing I can do to comfort myself. I daren’t look forward to the twelfth in case you can’t come over. Oh honey, you’re all I want and you know it, don’t you?  I couldn’t ever, ever give you up how ever much I henpeck natter, quarrel. Darling, I love you with all my heart, my soul, my body. Someday I shall show you just how much I do love you.

When I put my arms round your dear neck this morning I could have screamed at having to let you go. Sweetheart come back soon because I’m living for you. I think I am about to cry.

All my love,

Yours for ever,

Kay.

Postmarked COLNE LANCS 20 DEC 1939 and MALTON YORKSHIRE 21 DEC 1939
addressed to Lieut. R.Helme, Church House, Norton, Malton, Yorks and Readdressed 34 Albert Road, Colne, Lanc.

Albert House, Colne, Lancs.

Tuesday.

My dearest Ronnie,

I am worried about you as I have not heard from you since Saturday but I suppose you are all right. I expect you are just busy, but with having heard from you so regularly, it makes me worry a bit when you miss a day or two.

I am still longing for Thursday, and it is very nearly here. Oh dear, I hope nothing happens to prevent you from coming. Why should it after all. Angel Boy, I am longing to caress you, and today some how I could cry for want of you.

I met Raymond Swire and Beryl today in the town, and they gave me their best wishes, and asked me to give you their congratulations. I also had a letter from Mrs Macauley yesterday evening. I will show you these letters when you come home.

I am very tired and I’m determined to go to bed early tonight – really early. It is a good night to go early as we have high tea as you know. Yes, I’ll have a nice hot bath, and retire to my bed.

What time do you expect to arrive on Thursday? You will probably tell me in your letter tomorrow – providing there is one. And if there isn’t my pet, I shall go into a decline – a real nineteenth century decline, and it will take me a week to recover, and that’ll spoil everything!

Oh how I long for a sight of you.

I have decided to knit you some thick socks – really thick ones, as I have found a good pattern for two needle socks which solves the problem. I hope they wont be too thick, but they should be useful for under your boots – or your big wellington boots.

Mum and I are cleaning out the Club tomorrow, and it certainly needs it. Everything is lying about as usual, only more so. And I must have it tidy for my big fat Ronald.

This morning I washed Sunni, and he is looking and smelling very beautiful. I shall have to leave Prince till Saturday morning because he will only get black again otherwise. He really is a confounded pest.  I’ll sell him to you – for thirty five pounds as a special favour. Oh yes?

Honey, the miniature is ready, and if you don’t like it this time, I shall certainly shoot you. Well at least, I shall refuse to kiss you for a whole week – well, a day. No, maybe five minutes. But I think you will like it, as it is the photo you like. Mrs Podmore said, “My very best wishes to both of you –“ all of a sudden like. The best wishes are fairly pouring in. I wish you were here to support me; but you soon will be.

I am very cold as I’m sitting far away from the fire. I think I am about to freeze.

There goes the tea bell. My beloved fish and chips.

Darling, I love you, more than anyone or anything – so hurry home.

Kisses, cuddles and caresses,

Kathleen.

Postmarked COLNE LANCS 715PM 17 DEC 1939
addressed to Lieut. R. Helme, A Coy 1/6^th D.W.R., Church House, Norton, Malton. Yorks

Albert House, Colne, Lancs.

Sunday

My darling Ronald,

I’m very sorry about the scrap I sent you on Friday; and to think that it had to last you over the weekend too!

I have just returned from Church. I couldn’t say much about Mac vicars sermon because I wasn’t listening very much. I was thinking about next Thursday and what we would do. Next Sunday, my belovéd you are going to come to Church, and if you are nice to me on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, you can sit next to me. On Sunday evening you are coming to the ‘Messiah’ at the Municipal Hall with us, and you will be able to hold my hand ‘in spirit’ only because the lights will be on, and James, Willie, Dicky and all the gang of stiffs will be there!

You will see from the local rag that John Hargreaves, John Lewis, Dorothy Hartley and Clara Fortune are the Soloists.

Matron phoned yesterday, and was thrilled about our engagement. She wants to see us, so I said we might pop in on Friday afternoon – if that suits you my lambkin?

Oh, how I long to see you, and squeeze your enlarged pore. I’ve got the anaesthetic all ready for the operation.

So you let me win at Colnito. Well if you expect me to believe that, you evidentally – or is it evidently don’t go in for intelligent fiancées. No, I’m afraid I shall have to find a new game. I know, we can play Ping Pong. Moué has been nattering me to play with her for days, so we’d better put the table up. Then you can beat me – yes?

Winnie Broughton ran up to me after Church to give me her best wishes, and I was to congratulate you from her. I don’t think she was hiding a broken heart, but you never know!! Gosh, I am so glad you didn’t fall for her unrecovrably. Imagine it my boy! The heavens are on my side.

… Slight pause for cup of tea and chunk of date pastes. Rather weird. I feel warmer now. I felt to be on the verge of a cold for the last day or two, but I refuse to succumb. Moué has a bad cold, and of course I have to breath her germs at night, but I shall not, not have a cold when you return, my Angel. How is your cold? I hope you are taking care of yourself. If there is anything you want dear, I am in a doctor’s house.

I phoned your Mother yesterday morning and told her about your change of plans. She seemed disappointed. I thought it was too good to be true and when I saw your other letter I said to myself, “This will be to say he can’t get off on Tuesday,” so I was prepared. Besides, Tuesday is not very much earlier than Thursday, and you may manage off Wednesday night. If so beware of the black out, as I want you to arrive intact.

Your Mother phoned again later in the day to ask if I had a good photo of you for the Times. As you know, I haven’t. She is thinking of giving them your camp photo which I think is quite good. Especially as you are in uniform. Anyway, your Mother will have told you all about it. I don’t think you’ve got a better one, have you? Now if only you’d had it taken — !!?

Fancy you being spread all over the Colne Times. Honey, you are famous. I’m longing to see your funny face in the news. But ten times more, I am longing to see your funny face in the flesh.

Mummy is annoying Moué and me by insisting upon staying in the cold room next door trying to find something the Old Girl has asked for. She is just asking for more cold, but will she listen to us! The Old Girl herself is in bed today, but at Mum’s wish because she was sneezing a lot yesterday, and we prefer to have her in bed one day to one month or so.

I heard from T’Al the other day, and she asks me to send her congratulations. She would write, but she says she is a very poor writer.

Mum has just started to write to you, and has just told Moué to be quiet as she is writing to her future son-in-law.

Moué and I went over to have tea with the new Mrs Robertson yesterday afternoon, and the two Fisher girls were there. They also wish me to give their congrats to you, and Susan says she was in the same form as you both at Ford Street and the Grammar school. I like both those girls very much.

We popped in to your Ma’s on the way up home – just to say I hadn’t any photo of you that was suitable, and your Mother gave Moué a lovely big Polarbear night dress case which Moué had admired in the shop. Moué was very thrilled with it, and kept asking me if she’d sounded grateful enough.

Your Mother said “now poor Kathleen hasn’t got anything.” I replied “I’ve got your son, and that’s better than any old Polarbear.” Aint I getting daring? You see, there will soon be no holding me down.

Well light of my life, we must go to Ilkley one evening and I am going to take my evening frock out of the moth balls. But fortunately, unless Mum has been snooping around, they are only proverbial Mother balls?

I am going to wash my hair today so as I will be beautiful for Thursday. You see, I am still an optimist.

Darling I am getting very cold, so I will now go over to the fire to get warmed up. But please remember that my heart is still extremely warm and is manufacturing at a terrific speed kisses, cuddles and caresses for you, Kay.

Postmarked COLNE LANCS 715PM 17 DEC 1939
addressed to Lieut. R. Helme, A Coy 1/6^th D.W.R. Church House, Norton, Malton, Yorkshire.

Albert House, Colne, Lancs.

17.12.39.

Dear Ronny,

Congratulations! I am very pleased indeed and of course it came to me all very unexpectedly so you can imagine how excited I am (yes?). The ring is a peach and has been greatly admired, and, by the way, the great Zoë congratulates you! (Gosh, it sounds as if you’d just got through a great exam or broke a world record.)

The house, for once is a while, is very quiet as Kay is reading, Dad’s asleep, Mother’s out and Granny is up in her bedroom in bed with a ‘runny nose’ or something ‘Fooey’. Kay is wanting me to go for a walk when I’ve finished this, so I’d better hurry before it gets dark.

We went to the Hospital Dance on Friday, the one run by Aunt Matty for the Hospital. I didn’t want to go at all at first but I just mixed up with everybody else, and went round the place sweating cobs’ and had a Thoroughly good time. I was just on the verge of a cold but it managed to keep away until yesterday!

I had to stay late in Burnley on Friday evening because we had a rehearsal of our wonderful One Act Play we are giving on Friday at the Party. Oh boy! I bet it’ll be awful as we all get in each other’s way.

Well, there’s Kay nattering so I’d better go –

Love you,

Moué

Postmarked COLNE LANCS 715PM 17 DEC 1939
addressed to Lieut. R. Helme, A Coy 1/6^th D.W.R., Church House, Norton, Malton. Yorkshire

ALBERT HOUSE. COLNE. LANCS. TEL.NO.282.

17th December 1939

Dear Ronnie,

At last I write a wee note to say I am extremely pleased to adopt you as one of my family. You already know that I have a very high opinion of you and a great affection for you so – what more can I add? You and Kay, by this time, have a fair idea of each other’s idiosyncrasies and so long as you really try to understand each other and some day take “the two bears” (Bear and Forbear) into your household, you should, I think, pull along very happily together. May you always be real chums. That is what makes life worthwhile and especially when you have good principles and right ideals.

Your taste in rings is A1! It really is a wee beauty and I am awfully glad it was got in York because I have a special affection for York. We finished up our honeymoon there and it is rather interesting to find that it has had quite a part in the lives of our family!

Well, Hoots! You have all my good wishes and kindest thoughts and I shall do my best to guide your future wife in the Domestic Arts but I guess she feels she could teach me! Looking forward to seeing you soon and with love, I am,

Yours affectionately
Marjory J.S. Eadie
(alias “Toots”.)

Postmarked COLNE LANCS 8PM 15 DEC 1939
addressed to Lieut. R. Helme, A Coy 1/6^th D.W.R., Church House, Norton, Malton. Yorks

Albert House, Colne, Lancs.

15^th Dec.

My dearest Ronnie,

Just a line in haste to tell you I love you Still, and I am agog at the thought of you being home at this time next week.

Molly Foulds is here for tea, so I’ve just asked her to excuse me a minute.

I would have written earlier today but this morning was spent in making Christmas puddings with Mum, and this afternoon I had only time to dust the Club and dress before Molly came.

Our engagement looks very nice in the paper, but I wont send you one, as I know your Mother will.

Mrs Eardly, Mrs Broughton and Ogden have all phoned me. Mrs Ogden wants us to go down and see them. Michael is getting nine day’s leave, and they are going to London for Christmas.

Molly and I are now going to Cowling with James who has to go to a case. It’s just by way of a change. There is nothing good on at the flicks – so we’ll be in for the evening. Marj and James are going to a dance, and maybe Moué.

Please excuse this darling. I promise you a good letter tomorrow.

All my love Sweetheart,

Kay.

P.S. Couldn’t you possibly go to a dance if you wore a cotton shirt and silk socks?

Postmarked COLNE LANCS 8PM 14 DEC 1939
addressed to Lieut. R. Helme, A Coy 1^st6th D.W.R., Church House, Norton, Malton. Yorks

Albert House, Colne, Lancs

Thursday

My dearest Ronald,

Now how shall I begin. Oh yes, I hope you are very well. I really do hope you are, because you must be well for next week. And I hope that the whole bally bunch of officers are well, because I don’t want you to have to stay and do their work.

I am longing to see you. It will probably be a week today wont it? How wonderful! I am a very lucky girl – yes?

The news is on now, and I shall have to hurry with this letter, as I’ve to post a parcel for Pa before half past six. I wish Moué would go, but I don’t suppose she will. Oh yes shis going to, because I shall have to go down later with the letters. She is going to the flicks with Irene.

Please note I’ve bought some note paper. I thought it time, as Moue was beginning to cut up rough at me using hers. I told her she was getting like Granny.

I am enclosing (I hope) a letter from  T’Eth {Aunt Ethel}. It came with my letter this morning, and I have not read it although I’ve been sorely tempted. I haven’t even looked at the beginning or the end. So you see what a trustworthy wife you’re going to have.

There is a Sanction show at Skipton on Saturday, 23^rd. Will it be OK to you if I enter Prince. You wouldn’t mind going over there that afternoon, would you?

Well, our betrothal will be in the papers tomorrow honey; and I never told you that T’Eth sounded very thrilled about it in her letter this morning. She was so pleased we happened to get the ring on her birthday.

Moué told Kenneth Baimbridge today, and he was most interested He said you used to play football together “- until Ronnie lost his figure.”

Joan Rushton phoned this afternoon to wish me luck, and I didn’t say “I’ll need it.”

I took Prince for a walk this afternoon. James gave me a lift to Foulbridge, and then I walked along the reservoir banks, down onto the canal, and home by Blakey, or is it Blackie?

I’ve just asked Moué if she’s any news for you. She says I’ve to tell you she had a letter from Reg but adds that you haven’t to tell anyone. He is having six days leave within the next three weeks. Thrill for one Moué!

What writing! I am writing on my knee so as to be near the fire. It’s very chilly today. Keep warm my prescious, keep warm. Wear my pullover.

Your helmet is looking rather weary because I am making up the pattern; but it may be OK when it’s finished, and if it isn’t I can always pull it out.

What rubbish I seem to be writing. I can’t think what’s wrong with me tonight. And what an illiterate scrawl.

Talking of illiterate scrawl, I had a letter from my char woman at Askham Bryan this morning, and it really was a sweet little letter. She says she has heard good reports of my young man! She wrot ‘as’ as ‘has’ every time. She wants a photo of me. Isn’t it funny?

There isn’t any very interesting news beloved. This letter is uncommonly mouldy, but I don’t think you mind my rambling chatter. You know I love you whatever much and twaddle I write.

Take care of yourself, because we can’t do with anything happening at this stage. I am going to take care of myself. I’m going to bed early every night, and I’m going to have plenty of fresh air, so as I wont have a single spot when you come home. And I am going to be so beautiful that you will fall at my feet in adoration. Yes? No. Well, I’m going to look as nice as I can anyway, and more important, I’m going to be as nice as I can.

Angel, if you were here now I would make a meal of you, you dear, sweet, big, fat fiancé of mine. I wish you were here to kiss me, but you soon will be. I don’t think we’ll have to play Colnito because I always win. I’ll have to find another game that you can win now and again. Nice of me, isn’t it?! Snakes and ladders, or something nice and easy like that.

I’m glad you’ve had your hair cut now, because then it wont be too terribly short next week. I’m getting so excited at the thought.

Goodnight Sweetheart.

Kisses, cuddles & caresses, Kay

43 Sherbrook Ave., Glasgow S.1

12^th December 1939

My dear Ronnie,

I am so glad you and Kathleen have become engaged, and I hope that much happiness his ahead of both of you.

Have you any Aunts, Ronnie? For I’ll, gradually, have to grow into an Aunt of yours. They are terrible creatures. Don’t believe Kathleen. I am going to grow into a right proper strict Aunt. I will give you lectures quite often upon such subjects as: “Slow obedience is no obedience at all.” [That is one that our Mother has given to us many times]

Did you realise what might be ahead of you when you bought that beautiful diamond ring?

Well Ronnie, all the best. I hope you have a good Christmas leave before you with not a cloud to darken the sky. (FIG.)

I am, Yours very sincerely, ‘TEth.

Postmarked COLNE LANCS 8PM 13 DEC 1939
addressed to Lieut. R. Helme, A Coy 1/6^th D.W.R., Church House, Norton, Malton. Yorks.

Albert House, Colne, Lancs.

13^th Dec.

My darling,

I am so sorry you found my letter cold the other day – well cool, anyway. Honey, I know I wasn’t feeling cool, or even lukewarm. I was spilling over with love for you as ever, but I just can’t have conveyed it to you.

In your letter today you sound just like a dear little boy who thinks that nobody loves him. And like the little boy darling, in acting in a nobody-loves-me fashion, you make me love you all the more. So you see; it will never be very hard to you to make me run to you lavishing love and adoration.

So far I haven’t heard many remarks about our engagement. I don’t think that it has been really spred abroad yet, but will be very soon as the Colne Times phoned today enquiring about it, and wanting details. We were out, but Mum is phoning now unless she’s already done so. A shame there isn’t a dashing photo – or rather a photo of you looking dashing in your uniform – to put in the paper. Now if only you’d had yours taken weeks ago. As it is, there is to be no photo.

I was in Bill Heys this afternoon, and Mrs Hey brought one of the boys (the younger I think) to see “Ronnie’s young lady.” I said “I cut it a horrible sight”, feeling somewhat ghastly, being cold of nose and feet!

Mummy Granny and I went to Burnley this morning about eleven, to do some shopping. The morning was taken up with Granny’s shopping. She was buying a new frock for the festive season – and oh joy, what a palaver! We found one to suit the old girl at Kate Barns, and she will fairly swagger about in it – you’ll see! The women in the shop kept looking at me, and eventually asked me if I was Miss Eadie, and had I been one of the bridesmaids at Cunningham’s wedding. They remembered what a pretty pair we were – and then I thought of your cruel mirth at my turned out feet in the photo!

We stayed in Burnley for lunch, and Moué and Irene came with us – to Oddies’s. We had a very good lunch: tomatoe soup, turkey, roast potatoes, cauliflower, and plum pudding – with very rummy sauce to finish. I can tell you I was full.

In the afternoon we went to Lipton’s and I chose two books, (John Harvy’s present) “Shabby Summer” by Warwick Deeping, and “Reaching for the Stars” a book on Germany by an American Quaker woman. Both 8/6 books – so I didn’t go quite up to a pound.

Then we went to the Co-op jewellers, and I ordered a silver chain bracelet, and gave them your ‘T’s to take the backs off and put rings on the top. Can you think of anything else belonging to you that I could have to put on? Can I have a small brass button, or haven’t you a spare?

What do you think of the Middelton idea? Fancy you being at home on the 6^th January too. Perhaps we could go then? What else can we do that’s romantic and sentimental when you come home? A week tomorrow honey, if all these blokes get better in time. Dont you go and get flu or anything crazy.

No, don’t be punctured until you get back sweet boy, because you might be so busy that you wouldn’t have the rest you should after it.

Irene told Moué that Raymond said he was expecting a commission. Also Hayseed Parsons. Surely that can’t be so. Are they in the second line? If so, I suppose it’s possible. Raymond is a sergeant now evidentally. I can’t help hoping he doesn’t get one. He bothers me. Silly of me of course, but he strikes me as such a conceited, petted little ass.

Marj and Moué are discussing the stinginess of the old girl who has told us she is not giving us Christmas presents this year – not even her customary pair of socks for Daddy – because she is providing a Turkey. She thinks her generosity is terrific. The lack of it certainly is!

Well, maybe I’ll be as bad at her age. Heaven help you dear. But I don’t really think I shall be, because she was born that way, and I don’t think I was.

You certainly weren’t anyway, Angel boy, and “the more I see of some folks, the more I love my Ronnie!”

I told your Mother about your shortage of underpants, by the way. What a delicate subject, my lamb. Anyway, it was over the phone, so she couldn’t see my maidenly blushes. Well, I didn’t say underpants. Just pants. Of course, there will be a day when when I am in charge of these intimate garments; a day when we will set up house with Granny’s silver, my tea set, my table cloth, and your cup and salver.

The ring is still flashing beautifully, and I am so proud of it that I have become left handed. I don’t wear it in the house in the mornings, as it would spoil it, and I am taking such care of it.

I went to see “The Lion has Wings” with Pa last night by the by. It was good but purely propaganda. I can’t think whether you’ve seen it?

Beloved, I am about to close. Don’t you be lonely and unloved, because you possess my passion, my friendship, my motherly affection and wifely love. Yours, Kay.

Postmarked COLNE LANCS 8PM 12 DEC 1939
addressed to Lieut.R. Helme, A Coy 1/6^th The D.W.R., Church House, Norton, Malton. Yorks.

Albert House, Colne, Lancs.

12^th Dec.

My dearest Ronald,

Thank you for your sweet letter. I don’t usually say thank you, but I want to this time as I know you are busy, my Angel boy. I will understand if you don’t manage to write much this week and will know that you are thinking of me, and loving me still.

I have been up to Molly Foulds this afternoon. I walked up with Prince, and then Molly came out with me for a bit. She wishes me to give you her congrats – although she doesn’t really know you. She likes the ring very much. But who on earth wouldn’t. I’ve asked her to tea on Friday.

The ring grows more beautiful every day, and I grow fonder and fonder of it just as I grow fonder and fonder of you.

Marjory is making a lot of noise at the other side of the table. There always seems to be a din going on here. Moué has now come in – so there will be even less chance of peace.

I’m sorry I didn’t tell you anything about the concert in yesterday’s letter. It was very good indeed, and I’m sure you would have like it love.

Dash, there’s supper – or rather high tea, so I’ll tell you about it later. Chips. Whoppee!

I have eaten too much, but I’m feeling fine. Now I was going to tell you about the concert.

The artists were: – Elena Danieli, soprano, Esse Ackton, contralto, Webster Booth, tenor, Oscar Natzke, bass, Ian Barenska, violin, and Ernest Lush, piano. Oscar Matzke is a New Zealander, and had a splendid voice, and a very nice personality. Ernest Lush was wizard both as an accompanist and as a soloist. He seems quite young.  Webster was in good voice – much better than last time he was in Colne when he had a cold. But he really hasn’t the personality of Oscar. Conceited bloke I should think. Dad took a great fancy to Oscar, so I’m buying him a record for Christmas. He records on Parlophone.

The two women were both good, but not the best I have heard. Elena bothers me a bit. She’s too doll like and conscious of the effect she’s making. Ian Barenska was good, but then I never fully appreciate a solo violin. I prefer them in numbers… Anyway, I should call it a very good concert.

Granny and Mummy are going to a whist drive in the Parish rooms tonight. Something to do with the M.U. What a thrill! I would like to go to the flicks if there’s room in the car. It’s “The Lion has Wings” at the Majestic, Palace and Odeon. We’ll go to the Odeon as the Majestic is only one house now. Of course, you’ll know all that because your Mother sent you a “Colne Times”.

How is your nose, my Sweet boy? I haven’t looked up a treatment for it yet. We can’t allow it to get any worse. I wonder what we can do about it.

I’ve to get ready for the flicks now sweet heart,

All my love, Yours aye, Kay

Postmarked COLNE LANCS 8PM 11 DEC 1939
addressed to Lieut. R.Helme, A Coy 1/6^th D.W.R., Church House, Norton, Malton, Yorks.

Albert House, Colne, Lancs.

11th December

My darling,

A scrap, a scrawl, a scrape, a line, a scratch to let you know that I am, have been, shall always be, in love with you.

I am looking at my ring, your ring, our ring, the ring, and it is glittering to such an extent that I am well nigh blinded by it. Really dear, it has increased in splendour so I must be the diamond type; or maybe its just that I’m healthy. More likely still, it is just my happiness radiating, circulating, bursting through my skin into the diamond. Beloved, it’s love.

I have been to have tea with your Mother this afternoon, and your Father was in for quite a while. Both seem to think the ring beautiful. You know, I like your Father. I needn’t say I like your Mother ‘cause you know that already.

It will soon be the 21^st. A week on Thursday. I have already started planning what we are going to do. One evening I want to go to the Middelton for dinner, which means we’ll have to ask James for the lone of his car – unless Pop volunteers. Also I want to wear evening and get the real atmosphere. But of course, you’ll have to wear ye olde khaki. We’ll sit on the same couch and reminisce. Nearly three years beloved. Oh Angel, we’ll have a heavenly week.

I suppose the news of our engagement is circulating speedily now that the first seeds have been sewn. I wonder if the great Miss Haighton knows yet. She has kept asking me when I’m getting engaged.

Well darling, pardon the shortness of this. There is no news, and its time I went to the post.

All my love, yours for ever and ever and ever, Kathleen.

P.S. Sorry I haven’t said a word about the concert, but will do so tomorrow. In haste K.

ALBERT HOUSE. COLNE. LANCS. TEL.No.282

11th December 1939

Ronnie, my lad,

My congratulations to you! What a pearl of British womanhood you have secured! Be good to her, my boy, or the wrath of her spinster sisters will fall upon you!

Seriously, ‘though, all the best.

Excuse the change of ink at the top. The fail is I began with Kay’s pen and found it quite impossible, so I had to dash up to my bedroom for mine and back to the club, all for the sake of you.

I’m in the midst of typing for Pa. Green. Would you believe it – and so near Christmas too. He is an old blighter.

We went to a marvellous concert last night, but I expect Kay has told you all about it. I quite fell for Ernest Lush and Oscar Natzke, the bass!

Kay is waiting for this so, goodbye honey bunch. Love from Marjory