Sunday
Chiswick
Dearest,
I feel bubbling over with conscious virtue for I have done all the “sensible” things today. I saw the doctor this morning and told him the tale but he thought I was over the worst of my cold now and said as I was off today I could go and see him again tomorrow! He gave me some tablets to take during the day and there you are. As it was very cold and foggy he thought I’d better stay in and have a hot bath to take away the aches and pains. I have done all these things and also done a little writing, and a little sleeping and sewed one and a half badges on my jumpers. Now aren’t I a good lad? And here I am, at 11pm lying in bed writing to you and glancing over to the mantelpiece to say “howdy whacker” to your picture, as I do a hundred times a day. I love you lots and I think I’m going to love you more than ever – lie down, John! – if that’s possible in that frock. It looks lovely, and so do you my angel and I’m wanting you so much today.
And now I must answer your letter which I got on Saturday, but before I do that there are two things I must mention before I forget them: (1) Will you let me know by return what size camera the two films are for so that I can try to borrow one here; (2) Dot has made enquiries about the sewing machine but was strongly advised not to buy anything without the shuttle, or spool case or whatever you call it as it is not so much a question of size as of shape of spool. So, once more, will you get that damn shuttle back and send it to me before I go stark staring mad and run round Hyde Park in my vest and underpants yelling “Frister and Rossmann spools wanted” at the top of my voice! If you don’t get it now, I’ll give the damn machine to the bin man while you are at the shops! Better now that’s off my mind but I’ll be much better when I get the dirty water off my chest! And what a chest. Second only to yours, my angel. Happy thought. In fact, two happy thoughts – a right one and a left one. Love, you’re playing hell with me tonight!
Now to answer your letter, even if briefly. I get your letters at dinner time, generally. Yes, they were Masterpiece beans and I’m glad you’re buying early. Did you hear Mr Middleton today? Next winter and the following spring are going to be the testing times on food, he says! That, my love, is spring 1944! So you still get tired quickly? Well, Stell, it’s all we can expect I suppose, and I’m ever so glad you are dropping things if you find them a bit too much for you. It’s far better than trying to do too much just yet. You seem to have made absolute beasts of yourselves at the British Restaurant. No, I didn’t get book 7 in that series but if I get a chance I’ll slip along to Oxford Street one day and try to get the others so don’t you do anything for the time being. I’ll see what I can find and let you know. I’m really pleased that they have been of some definite use and I only hope Wendy doesn’t feel that she has been done out of one solid Xmas book as most children get. I agree with you about Michael; he’ll have a big advantage through Wendy’s scraps of information. I’m looking forward to hearing her on a new book. Her difficulty with “d” and “b” is the same as she had at first with her figures. Remember how mad I used to get when she wrote 7 backwards? Poor girl! What a shame it was.
Well love, like you I’m very very sleepy so I think I’ll turn my back on you. See you tomorrow, sweetheart.
Monday
Back with you again, sweet. I was very late getting out this morning and your letter came before I left so I was able to read it on the train – a most unusual treat for me. I’m glad you have fixed up but you don’t say which day it is for. We’ll soon have to have some sort of schedule for this leave. Eric (fix with them will you?), the panto, Mother and May will take four days! Or part of four days at least, which won’t leave a lot of time free. Your other frock makes a nice present from May. Is it coupon-free or did you have to give Mrs G coupons for it? So, Michael had had his hair cut had he? Well, he was a month overdue for another haircut the day after you took him! He can’t always wear a great mop of hair like that, love.
Thank God you’ve got that spool at long last! You have escaped rape and murder by a narrow margin, the former to your deep regret no doubt! OK, sweet, I’ll ask Dot about the needles when she comes in and will you let me know if you want me to bring a few with me if I can get them?
Well, sweetheart, that’s all the news. There is one little point in which you may be interested. It is that ten days after you get this I’ll be up your way! Only three more days off and on the fourth I’m on my way! Won’t be long now, my angel, and I’ll soon have you to my self again for a few days and nights. It’s a good job you are getting plenty of sleep now, because you will probably be needing all your reserves of energy. Are you still taking your medicine very regularly and not missing a single dose? I hope so. I am not going into a coma. Can’t afford that yet, but it’s nice to see the days going by. Let me know by return if there is anything you want bringing or doing because my free time is very limited now and is almost wholly occupied with sleeping or writing to you!
I’m sorry Wendy has got a cold and I’ll be most annoyed if the house is full of half-dead people when I get home. For goodness sake don’t let that happen, love – I’d go crackers. Take good care of yourself my angel, because I’ll be seeing you soon. All my love.
Ever yours,
Arthur X