Category: 1939 At War

Postmarked COLNE LANC 715pm 10 DEC 1939
addressed to Lieut. R. Helme, A Coy 1/6^th D.W.R., Church House, Norton, Malton. Yorks.

Albert House, Colne, Lancs.

10^th December.

My dearest Ronald.

Here I am safe and sound, back in Albert House – I was a bit worried about you driving back to Malton in the dark, but I expect you did get back all right.

I arrived in on the dot of time, and Winifred insisted on escorting me right to the front door. I didn’t tell her about our engagement last night because of the chappy, and the crowd of stiffs in the compartment. Then we had to escort an old chap up the road who has missed the last train to Barlick – through slipping into the urinal – as he so crudely put it. Anyway, I was down at Tubbs this afternoon to ask Winnie if she would go to the concert with Daddy and Granny in Mum’s place, (It was pop’s idea) and both she and her mother were very pleased. Winnie said you looked very handsome in your uniform. The ring was much admired.

The family all like the ring immensely, so we have chosen well. I find it nicer and nicer every time I look at it. In fact beloved, I couldn’t be more thrilled. As for you, I find you nicer and nicer every time I look at you, and only wish I could see you a whole heap more.

Thank you for a lovely day. It will go down in my memory as one of my most enjoyable days. I am really pleased we got the ring in York and not in Leeds, as there is much more sentiment about the place. Every thing was wonderful dear, and I only hope that you are not too terribly stoney, stoney broke to exsist.

I stayed in bed this morning, and was up just in time for lunch – at 1.15 for once, so I didn’t ‘phone your Mother. In any case, I thought it better to see her so that I could let her see the ring. I went down after lunch, but unfortunately there was no one in. So I shall have to either phone or go again later.

The worst of it is, I’m going to the Police Concert at the Odeon tonight with the Sisters, James, Willie, Dicky and Rita, but as it starts at 6.50, we should not be late back.

Elina Daniella, Webster Booth, Ernest Lush and a New Zealand bass are among the artists – so it should be good. I’m sure there is someone else, but I can’t remember.

It will soon be the twenty first. Heaven speed the day. A whole week with you will be wonderful. And there will be no quarrelling Mr Helme! Well, anyway – not much. Maybe a baby quarrel, no more.

I shan’t be able to pitch my ring at you with much effort, as it takes such a lot of getting off! It’s my rhuematicy joints you know. I shall have to do something about them.

If you can read this writing you amaze me. I don’t know why, but my hand just can’t be bothered writing today. Perhaps it’s peeved because my left hand’s got the diamond.

Cheery pip, my dearest sweetest nicest fiancé.

Kisses, cuddles caresses, Kay.

Postmarked COLNE LANCS 8PM 7DEC 1939
addressed to Lieut. R. Helme, D.W.R., Church House, Norton, Malton.

Albert House, Colne, Lancs.

Thursday

Ronald, my treasure,

I cannot resist sending you a letter even though I am phoning you this very night, and maybe seeing you this Saturday.

Mum insists that I get an earlier train home so as I shant be in the black out all the way home, so I shall have to come home by the 3.14 which gets in Skipton 4.41. That means I won’t have much black out to go through. So Angel Boy, you will have to be off in time to meet me at 9.5 or it wont be worth while. And confound it, I forgot to ask the station. I’ll have to let you know somehow.

Anyway, I am phoning you tonight, so you’ll know all that by the time you receive this letter.

My arm is very much better as you will probably have gathered by the fact that I am writing on both sides of the paper again. It is not cracked after all. Just badly bruised, but already it feels a whole heap more normal. I can now reach my mouth again, and have discarded the sling.

Strange to relate, I was not showing off in the very least. I just made a mess of things as anyone might have done. You know, you are a cheeky young man – thinking that your dear, sweet, charming wife-to-be could ever show off. I could have cursed myself for coming off, but dash me, it would have taken a contortionist to get into position again, and I wasn’t going to cling round the gee gee’s neck for the rest of my days. So I thought “Here goes!”

I am terribly cold at the minute. The Club fire has only just been put on, and is a puney affair. Not the sort of fire that you and I are for ever dreaming of sitting at.

Dear me, I regret to say that my posterior has gone to sleep. I shall have to awaken it…. Pause for awakening of seat and fueling of fire.

I must correct myself. I said that “Spy in Black” was about this war, but it seems it was about last war. I must have been asleep at the beginning. Anyway, it seemed like this war to me!

Anyway one war is the same as another; and the sooner this ones over the better. Then I can get married and have some chubby little children all images of you – which brings me to the point: I love you.

I seem to have started another page. Now what can I say? Oh yes –

James took me as far as Black Lane Ends this afternoon (you will now be green with jealousy) and I walked Prince up to Pinnah while he went and did some visits. Then he met me on my way back to Black Lane Ends at about quarter past four – Prince and I having had an hour and a quarter good walk. It was most invigorating, and the only life I saw was a horse and cart and a car. The snow was still lying quite thickly on the fields up there.

By the by, Willie phoned yesterday to see how I was, so now you can be more jealous than ever. Honey, do you think I’d ever look at anyone but you?

You have only one rival and that’s John Harry who insists on my going and chasing a pounds worth of books as a Christmas present!

Well Angel boy, I’ll be speaking to you tonight. All my love, yours Kay.

Postmarked COLNE LANCS 6DEC 39
addressed to Lieut. R. Helme, D.W.R., The Goathland Hotel, Goathland. Yorks.

Albert House, Colne, Lancs.

Wednesday

My darling Ronnie,

You will receive today my Pa’s letter – also a scrap from me. Which reminds me my belovéd, as all things remind me, that I love you.

I have been to the hospital this morning to have my arm xrayed, and Matron was asking for my “young man”. I was tempted to say “My fiancé you mean” My fiancé – wont it be lovely. It will soon be “my husband”.

To return to my arm, it is probably slightly cracked at the elbow joint, but not broken, or out of joint – thank goodness. If it is a crack (they can’t say definitely till the plates are dry) it should be fairly o.k. in a week or two.

Pardon terrible scrawl. I can’t hold the paper still, and it becomes increasingly difficult as I get down the page. I shall only have to use the front of the pages when the paper is still attatched to the pad. That’s better.

Someone at the front door. A male voice. I am in the dining room as the Club fire was so poor when I was up… The man departs.

Mum is in bed today feeling rotten with a bad cold and a slight temp. She has got her fire on. She thinks she got cold through her day in bed on Sunday, as she was sitting up knitting in the cold room. Tootle!

Oh for a sight of you now my lamb. I can’t even knit your helmet now – so I shall just have to sit and think of you.

Will you be able to get some more ‘T’s after the war, as I would like to have the ones you sent me. I have a cute idea, and it would mean having the backs taken off leaving just the T. I would also like one of your small brass buttons if you can find one you don’t need. It must be a small one, as the big one I already have is too clumsy for the purpose for which I want it.

I am interested to hear about John Harsfall’s engagement. I wish I could have seen the pictures in the Y.Post, but I shall probably see the one you sent your Mother sometime.

Do you think your Mother is pleased about us? You are her only infant, and I bet you mean a lot to her. And you mean a terrific lot to me. I can’t ever hope to express just what an amazing amount you mean to me.

Matron is running a dance in the Municipal on the 5^th January. It is a 5/- affair, and will probably be about the last dance in the district this year, as all the others are 1/- 1/6 and 2/-  I wish you could be at home for it. It would be quite like old times. How I sigh for those old times.

Marj went to a dance at the Imperial last night. She went with Margaret Riddiough, as a free lance, and had a very amusing evening. It was 1/6, and all the toughs were there, but the two of them enjoyed it immensely, as it was very much lacking in formality. I’m sure I shouldn’t have liked it – unless I’d been with you of course.

Royd Smith was there and I’m afraid Marj played up to the poor lad, and he wants to take her to a dance on the fifteenth. It’s a W.V.S. thing in aid of the hospital – run by Matty Ratcliffe. 2/-

Moué and I went to the flicks with ‘the boys’ last night (dad Uncle Stan and James). We saw an excellent film called “The Spy in Black” with Conrad Viedt and Valerie Hobson. It was absolutely topical: u boats, depth charges, the Orkneys etc. You must try and see it, as it’s up to the minute, and a good tale. Who says the British can’t make films? It’s at the Odeon by the way, so it may be in Nelson when you come home. I could see it again with you with pleasure. Only being of a perverse nature, you would probably dislike it, you brown eyed b b b -beauty.

I’d love to see your brown eyes now dear. I am feeling very motherly towards you today. In fact, if you were here I’m sure I should want to part your hair, and kiss your brow, and press your head against my bosom. (no fasecious remarks please)

It is a beautiful winter day here, but I can’t see how I can stride forth with a sling on my arm. Although if I am going to have to wear it for a bit, I shall just have to go out with the beastly thing. I do hope it is better for your leave so that it wont impede our love making. At the minute dear, it would be very difficult to embrace you properly. But my lips aren’t broken or even cracked – or even bruised, ‘cause they haven’t been kissed for the last ten days or so.

I have just thought, this will be the last letter I write to you at Goathland. I shall probably write to you at Malton tomorrow. Good luck for your exam on Friday. I’ll be with you in spirit. If its written, I’ll be perched on the end of your pen, and if it’s practical, I’ll be crouched in your respirator. So please don’t be sick in it!

Remember I am kissing you in spirit and loving you in truth.

Yours with all the love that is in me, Kathleen.

P.S. Don’t forget to tell me about the ‘T’s.

P.T.O.

Precious, I have just read your letter, and now of course, I want to go to York very badly. The reason I changed my mind was that I thought you would not really think it a good idea. But as you do, I want to come.

Though now, there is this confounded arm to think of. Dad saw the plates this afternoon, and says it may not be cracked – but the darned plates aren’t dry yet.

Angel I am terribly thrilled about your seven days leave. It sounds too amazingly wonderful Seven Days together. It’s heavenly. Who cares about a car. What’s a car. It’s you I want. Besides I’m sure James would be a fairy godmother on one, maybe two occasions. He doesn’t seem to be short of petrol, and some how it’s different from asking Walker. Or else I’ve changed. I must just grab at every chance of seeing you, every chance of making it easier for us.

I do want to see you on Saturday. My arm should be a lot better by then, and I probably can cast my sling. And if I can’t, I can always wear my cape, and cover it up. Though of course your not so keen on my black hat.

Even if we don’t buy the ring there, I feel now that I must see you. I’ll have to find out which station the train gets in at. (Bad grammar.) Mum may be able to come to Leeds but I’m not sure.

Anyway, all this depends upon whether you can get off on Saturday, and I shall phone you about nine o’clock tomorrow – Thursday – so hang round the phone.

Darling, how wonderful to have you at home for Christmas. I shall see more of you this year than I usually do at Christmas, wont I? And your Father and Mother are going to open the champaigne – and mine will probably give you a glass of lemonade. But never mind, I’m your intoxication (!)

Kiss yourself from me – and I’ll ‘phone tomorrow,

All my love, Kay

P.S. No, don’t buy me a Christmas present. I’d rather have an extra bit on the ring. X

P.P.S. I love you. I LOVE YOU.

Postmarked COLNE LANCS 8PM 5 DEC 1939
addressed to Lieut R.Helme, D.W.R., The Goathland Hotel, Goathland. Yorks

Albert House, Colne, Lancs.

Tuesday

My beloved Ronald,

I’ve just read your nice letter. Well actually I read it in the bath – and I’ve read it threw again just incase I missed anything.

I’ve been riding at Gisburn with James and Willie, and unfortunately I came off, which injured both my pride and my left arm. It was entirely my own fault. I wheeled the beast too quickly in order to avoid a stream, and I lost my balance. I just had to let myself go, and tried to do it scientifically, but my bally arm got in the way. Well, well, I’m glad it’s not broken. It happened near the beginning of the ride, but I managed to stick the ride out OK.

Moué is making a vile noise, and asking me if I am writing to the Big Bass Drum, and the Big Bag, and the Blunder Buss – and heaven knows what all. I’m afraid she is quite impossible, and to tell her to dry up would be hopeless.

I don’t know whether I shall go to the flicks tonight or not. My hair has completely flopped as I lost my hair net on the ride. Still, I would like to go as I haven’t been since I went with you. I hope it wont be so long till I’m going with you again, honey. I am longing to see you.

Confound my arm. I don’t think I shall be able to use it to eat with tonight, as it is stiffening gloriously, and I can hardly reach my mouth. But it wont stop me eating a large tea. I’m very hungry.

I am longing to know when your leave is to be. I am aching to see you. It seems years since you were here, and I long to see your dear face again and rub my cheek on your bristly moustache.

Goodnight Angel. Kisses, cuddles, caresses, Kay.

Postmarked COLNE LANCS 10AM 5 DEC 1939
addressed to Lieut. R. Helme. D.W.R., The Goathland Hotel, Goathland, Yorks

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

4/12/39

Dear Ronnie,

I can quite understand your wish to be formally engaged to Kathleen and if you are both absolutely sure of your feelings I can see no reason against it.

Kathleen is perhaps rather young but circumstances, in this case the War, alter things.

At the moment we cannot see very far into the future and it is useless to make plans but I have no doubt you intend to get down to things when the present trouble is over.

I trust you will both be spared to enjoy some of the real and good things of life.

Things are much as usual here and we are busy enough to keep us from becoming morbid. I trust your qus(*) course is proving interesting; and at the same time, instructive.

I hope we shall be seeing you soon.

Kindest Regards,
Yours sincerely,
AWEadie

Postmarked COLNE LANCS 4PM 4 DEC 1939
Lieut. R. Helme. D.W.R., The Goathland Hotel, Goathland S.O. Yorks

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

Monday

My dearest Ronnie,

The merest scrape to tell you to forget about all the trouble I’ve put about coming to York. I think on turning it over in my mind that it is an absurd idea, as you will have already decided; and will in all probability tell me so tomorrow – in a nicer way. I don’t know what bit me – for after all, you will be coming home soon anyway; and it wont matter where we get a ring as long as we get one.

I only wish this could reach you before you had time to tell me it was a silly idea, as I seem to spend my time suggesting ridiculous things and it gets my pride to be periodically told so – kindly of course.

The telegram was not the result of Dicky’s marriage which was unromantic in the extreme. The thing had already been decided, and it was the result neither of pitiful pleading nor of continual pesturing. Dad just asked Mum to send it. He said to me last night that he must write to you, but I don’t expect he’s done it yet.

It is snowing here, and lying fairly thickly on the ground. I shall have to take Prince out in spite of it. I’ll post this first.

I feel like going to the pictures tonight, but I don’t suppose I’ll bother going. I’ll probably start another book in stead. I’ve just finished “The Devil’s Cub”

James and Willie have asked me to go riding with them tomorrow, and I’m looking forward to riding the grey again. I shall be very stiff after it.

Is it Friday you go back to Malton? I am bored, and feel at this minute that I’d like to hack doing a spot of hard work. Still, I wont be content until this confounded war’s over.

Pardon scrawl. I’m writing on my knee.

I’m glad you went to see Arthur. Have I said that before?

Much love, Kay.

Postmarked COLNE LANCES 7.15PM 3 DEC 1939
addressed to Lieut. R. Helme. D.W.R., Goathland Hotel, Goathland S.O., Yorks

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

Sunday

My darling Ronald,

You would receive the telegram yesterday – and I hope you know what it meant. Just in case you didn’t, my love, it meant that Pa had decided to accept you as Kathleen’s fiancé. But it is not to be official till Christmas or thereabouts.

Aren’t you pleased honey? I’m just crazy with joy and relief. Daddy is supposed to be writing to confirm it but he is not very good at getting on with the job; and who cares now?

I popped in to tell your Mother yesterday, as I didn’t see why the heck she should not know what her poor son was in for as soon as possible. She seemed pleased – and your Father did too!

I have a plan. Would you be able to have next Saturday or the Saturday after off – or even the afternoon off? I want to meet you in York, and we can get the ring there. It strikes me as being a very good idea, and I hope it strikes you that way too. I have even gone to the length of enquiring about trains. The best one leaves Colne at 6.24, gets in Leeds 8.11, out of Leeds 8.30 – into York 9.5. Of course that’s very early, but it’s by far the best. There is a good one back at 6.35, in Colne at 9.55.

I know that’s a long day, and I don’t suppose you could get off all that time, but I could always fill in some time by going to the Institute for a bit.

Mum is thinking of going as far as Leeds with me as she wants to see the Marshalls. Then she’d come back on the same train.  Anyway darling, this all depends on you. If you can manage I’d love to come in to York:- even if it only meant seeing you for a few hours. I’d love to get the ring from York. I have such a warm spot for the place – and that will make it an even warmer spot.

Winnie Broughton came down here yesterday, and I kept saying to myself “Well, she’s not a bit like me.” Your taste must have changed completely. She was talking away about all these marriages and engagements and I was chuckling away to myself thinking “There’s another one coming my girl!”

She says she hasn’t missed Fran a bit – so every one has been wasting their sympathy.

I had a letter from Mary Campbell yesterday – and there was such a nice paragraph about you. But to give you it here would make you swollen headed, but you sure did make a good impression on them all. Aren’t you quite the nicest boy.

I went to Church this morning, and so did your Mother, but she charged off at such a speed that I didn’t have the chance of even smiling at her. I suppose she was hurrying home to lunch.

The more I think of your grandmother the more I want to laugh. Aren’t you shaking at the thought of her fury when you Spring (oh dear, I was thinking of the season!) a fiancée on her? And she doesn’t even know you’ve got a girl friend. Perhaps you are going to keep dark; but she’ll probably find out somehow.

Three weeks tomorrow will be Christmas day. When do you expect to get your leave? I wish it could be a week. John and Daphne wont be home at Christmas as John has an exam on the 27^th – a silly time. They will be here for New Year I expect.

Winnie was saying that Nina had just had a letter from Geof saying he wouldn’t be home at Christmas after all – and not for another three months, so she is very disappointed. They had no leave before they went over.

Stanley Riddiough was in Friday as full of beans and of himself as usual. He really is rather painful I find. He was actually contemplating going on to the hospital and asking Matron if he could have tea with the nurses. When I asked him why he though she’d let him, he said that he had been at their staff dance for the last five years and that he wouldn’t be able to go this year – and besides he was always very friendly with the nurses! So now you now what to do on your next leave, dear! He had met Nurse Cummings in the town and told us with pride that she had seemed embarrassed at meeting him. I felt like saying “I happen to know that she can’t stick the sight of you!” What conceit!!!

This seems to a long and chatty epistle. I am so thrilled about our engagement. I do hope you don’t mind having to wait a week or two before it’s official. Actually, we are engaged and you can certainly tell your fellow officers.

Dear me, I shall have to start another page.

We went to the One Act plays last night, and they were very good I thought. The Dramatic Society are better on one act plays I think. There were two comedies and one tragedy. Charlie Hill, although I am not one of his completely devoted fans, was very good as the man about to be hanged in the tragedy. Your friend May was in the first comedy as a middle aged spinster. She was rather wooden but likeable in the part.

Mr and Mrs Biggs sat behind us, and were asking for you. They let me see a very amusing birth card they had had sent from Canada. They asked me to let Dad see it, so I’ll copy it out for you as I feel it will appeal to you. It was actually sent as an announcement of a birth!

Try and let me know about Saturday as soon as poss. Well, at least let me know if this coming Saturday is quite imposs. That’s the worst of it. You can’t know whether you’ll be able to manage until the last minute. Oh dear, I do hope you can get off one of the two Saturdays. I want so badly to meet you in York. Do you know why wedding and engagement rings are worn on the third finger of the left hand? It’s in a direct line with the bloodstream from the heart.

I learned that at Dicky’s wedding, which I had clean forgotten to mention. We all went including the “old girl” who wouldn’t be left behind. It was at Gisburn Church, hence the Gisburn post mark on the telegram. A really mouldy beauty lacking wedding; no music, no flowers, no heat in the Church – electric light because of the black out which was evidentally permenant. Poor Rita. I am honestly sad about it, as I just know she wont be happy.

Well Angel boy, I must close. Honey I’m happy.

Kisses, cuddles and caresses, Kay x

Bruce Wilkins Savage.
Serial No. 2.

Now on display at
421 Exmouth St.
Sarnia
_____
Chief Engineer
& Designer.
Harry B. Savage.
Production Manager
Isobel H. Savage.
Technical Assistant
Dr. W.B.Canuthus.
_________

Delivered F.O.B
(Hospital Rate Weight)

Specifications
___________

Two Lung Power.
Free Squealing.
Scream Lined.
Economical Feed.
Automatic Starting.
Changeable Seat Covers.
Bowel Bearing.
Water Cooled Exhaust.
___________

The management assures the public there will be no new models during the balance of the year.
___________

(Disgusting isn’t it?!)

P.S. I have just been talking to Mummy about engagement rings. She says it is best to pay as much as you can for them, as an engagement ring is always your engagement ring however many rings you may receive afterwards.  Rather disturbing. I don’t want you to have to pay a lot – and yet of course I want a nice one that looks good anyway. I wish I knew a bit about diamonds. Daddy paid £30 for Mum’s which I consider is far too much, don’t you? I simply don’t want to leave you absolutely broke – Of course it will be your Christmas present to me too.

I’m really worried about it. It seems so mercenary of me walking off with your hard earned money.

All my love, Kay.

TELEGRAM dated 2 DE 39
addressed to Lieut. R. Helme. Goathland Hotel.

All right for Christmas writing. Eadie

Postmarked COLNE LANCS 8PM 1 DEC 1939
addressed to Lieut. R. Helme. D.W.R. The Goathland Hotel, Goathland. Yorks.

Albert House, Colne, Lancs.

Friday

My dearest Ronald,

I’ve just read your letter. They never arrive until the four o’clock post. Your P.S. says “You didn’t mention your father. Isn’t he enthusiastic.” He hadn’t received your letter then, silly boy.

I have been in a state of nervous dithers all day, as he hasn’t said a thing and I don’t know whether he’s done anything or not. Even Mum can’t get anything out of him. She thinks he’s embarrassed. I think I shall have to say something this tea time as this suspense is too much for me!

Engagements are usually not announced till the ring is purchased. When will we get it? I shall have to come over and see you at Malton when you get back.

There’s tea. Confound!

Dad wasn’t in for tea. He’s lecturing in Burnley as he couldn’t go on Tuesday. Oh dear, I’m sick of waiting; and I suppose you are feeling ill honey.

Marj. is phoning Winnie B. to ask her down tomorrow. We are going to see the four One Act plays by the Dramatic Society – if she agrees. Oh dear, she’s out: with that Air bloke I suppose. What taste. Glad she didn’t nab that Helme boy. He’s too nice for anyone except that charming Eadie girl. The middle one you know.

James has bought some grammy records today, and Turner Layton is singing “White Sails” just now. There’s one of the Mills Brothers: Smoke Rings and “It Don’t Mean A Thing” Not bad, but not as good as yours. Then a Webster Booth – “The Faery Song” from “The Immortal Hour” and “The English Rose” from “Merrie England”. Very enjoyable.

Inspite of the heavy rain, I took Prince for a walk this afternoon, and was completely sopped, but enjoyed it. It’s nice to thrash through the rain by oneself some times, don’t you think. ‘Course I’d rather thrash through the rain with you – walk in the sun with you, sit by the fire with you, laugh with you, cry with you, live with you, love with you ____ Ronnie dear, I love you.

If you don’t get a letter from Dad tomorrow, don’t despair. Like you, he just doesn’t know what to say I guess. Well, he doesn’t know how to put it. Wait till you are doing the same to your daughter’s sweetheart. But your wife will be able to help you. What a wife she’s going to be to you. Kisses, cuddles and caresses, Kathleen.

Postmarked COLNE LANCS 8PM 30 NOV 1939
addressed to Lieut. R. Helme. D.W.R., The Goathland Hotel, Goathland. Yorks

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

Thursday

My darling Ronnie,

Here I am, lonely and unloved! Alone with a lot of empty chairs, alone with my thoughts. I am not Kathleen but Marion – as I chose to spell it, Marean, the dramatic self pitying one.

Actually, I am just Kay because I am guzzling sweets and looking forward to a nice quiet read by the fire.  Marjory has gone down to Mr Fould’s to have a demonstration on tire changing or some such, and Moué is going to see “2 Planes” at the Savoy with Irene Swire. Granny is in her room T.G. and Mum is fluttering about down stairs.

Mollie Townsley has been here for tea and has just departed. She has been doing nursing (I don’t mean Auxilary) at Burnley Victoria for a month and seems to be liking it. Her job finished with the war started, and as her mother wanted her near home, she decided to do nursing – as she didn’t like just doing nothing. I shall be seeing her again soon I expect. It was her day off today. She also has one afternoon off a week, and three hours every day. Not so bad – what?

Of course, I should really have started this letter by saying “How are you Angel?” Well, how are you? I hope you haven’t gassed yourself or anything stupid. I’m expecting to see your hand writing in two letters tomorrow.

Oh dear, it’s a very black night, and I shall have to feel my way down to the post with this. That shows how much I love you. Nothing else would take me out in the black black world.

Think of the evenings when I used to be forever popping down to the post. For a while every one wondered at my readiness to post their letters. Then they realized that I was always accidentally bumping in to you.

Darling, I have just heard – I have just heard from Mum that there was a letter from you to Dad by the afternoon post. Angel boy, my heart leaps. I was with Mollie when it arrived. Oh dear, I’ve got pains in my head. I’m so excited. He’s just come out of the surgery. I wonder if he’s put a letter on the hall table. I’m going to be sick, I’m really going to be sick. No I’m not going to be sick, it’s something else!

Honey, I adore you. And I’m so glad you’ve taken your courage in both hands. Now I shall have to take mine in both hands because I am sure to shake like a leaf when he says something to me as he’s sure to.

If his letter isn’t too gushing please take it with a pinch of salt – a big one.  He never is gushing. Oh dear, if he’s decided to say no – just to be difficult! I shall tear my hair.

I can’t write any more. I’ve got the dithers. But darling, I love you whatever – and I’m going to marry you. Kisses, cuddles caresses, Kathleen