Thursday
Chiswick
Darling,
A fortnight today is Xmas Eve. You’re quite right, the time is flying past and there’s so little definitely settled. Before I go on to answer both your letters which I got yesterday, let me tell you the latest leave developments. Yesterday I got hold of one of the lads in the opposite watch to us and fixed it with him to work Boxing Day for me, in return for New Year’s Eve. So far as it went, that was OK and this morning I made some inquiries about the possibility of getting home. Apparently, there’s a definite ban on travelling unless we can get a liberty ticket endorsed “permitted to travel”. At the moment the odds seem to be against them being granted. Still, I’m going to persevere right up to the last moment. The great snag is that if I take a chance and do travel, or try to get a ticket, I’ll have to pay full civvy fare. Do you think it is worth it if I have to do that? Let me know what you think on this point by return. From all the appearances, it seems as though we will be “up in the air” right up to the last minute, as usual. Anyway, I’ll keep you posted with developments as they occur, but at the moment they don’t look too good.
Now to answer your letters. The calendars seem to be a good idea. Why not send Lilian and Eric a card and give them the calendar from the hypothetical tree? Or do you think that looks a bit too thin? The school seems to have sound ideas on the question of Xmas shopping. If you’d had the time, the shopping bags would have been an ideal solution to the present problem for all the women folk. Michael will be thrilled with his fort and soldiers and I only hope you are not spending more than you can afford. I must confess I feel very much out of it this Xmas and, having no money to spend, find it very difficult to work up any real enthusiasm. In my present mood I will, quite selfishly, be darned glad when it’s over and we start moving towards my leave. It was good of Audrey to remember Michael like that – but she’s one of the people I would prefer not to bother. Stupid of me, and unfair to the children I suppose, but there you are. I’m glad you have progressed a bit with the Xmas Day arrangements and that in itself must be a load off your mind. Jack and Dot seem to have made up their minds pretty definitely not to bother coming home. Yes, I like the idea of a nigger girl doll. Bang goes another of my socks, I suppose! Incidentally, I was tickled to have raised such a storm about it! And that, I think, covers pretty well all there is to be said about Xmas, except that I’m fed to the teeth at the prospect, and it’s nice of the children to want me home so much. I’ll probably go round sulking all day, or else take Jack out at dinner time and get him thoroughly boozed, thereby incurring Dot’s everlasting enmity!
I’m so sorry to hear about the boil, angel. Poor old Stelly-well! They can be such a pest, too. Still, I only hope you are right in thinking that it’s the medicine driving the bad out – as if any medicine could ever bring out the bad in you. That’s my forté, sweet! Seriously, I wonder if the medicine is too rich for you and if Rees will decide to reduce the dosage? Anyway, he will have done that by now, for you saw him yesterday – I hope!
Well, sweetheart, that answers all the points in your letter, except the last one which deals with your threats as to what you will and can do to me when I come home. It’s an encouraging sign and you are welcome to do your best with me. Oh, sweet, I’ve got that lovely feeling deep down in me which always presages coma. If I was only in a quiet place where I could relax undisturbed I should have an erection right to my shoulder level – I’m sure of that! Oh, angel, when I do come home I want you to be well and strong so that you can seduce me, rape me, and pet me. What wouldn’t I give to be home and being petted and fussed by you. Angel, it doesn’t bear thinking about. Still, we have some idea of a date now. Angel, I adore you and I only wish this damned war was over so that we could be together again.
Just two interesting points I’d like settled. How many solubles are there left? And how would Xmas have fitted in with vapours? I have an idea they run fairly close to Xmas, don’t they? Don’t forget to let me know about the solubles because if, at the last minute, there is a chance of coming home I want to be well prepared!
Just to come down to earth again, I went to see Jack Hulbert’s show at the Palace yesterday afternoon and thoroughly enjoyed it from a 15/- seat! I’m living in the lap of luxury these days. The show was a bit light and only two good artistes like the Hulberts could hope to hold it together, but it was a refreshing change. If there is a chance of you coming in the spring, we must try to see one or two shows together. I know you would like that. Could you tap Tom Arnold for seats for a couple of his shows? This ‘Full Swing’ is his and so is ‘Dancing Years’. It’s worth thinking about, but you know that position better than I do.
Well, angel, I really must leave you now. It’s nearly 2.30 and I haven’t had any lunch yet.
All my love, sweetheart. You are more precious to me than ever, so I do hope you are getting much stronger.
Bye until tomorrow.
Ever your own,
Arthur X
P.S. Hug the children for me and tell them I often think of them.
Dec 101942