Tuesday
London
Dearest,
I won’t attempt to write an “intelligent” letter today as I’m still full of cold which, while not being distressing, is making me feel dopey. You know – that heavy feeling across the eyes. I had intended getting to bed early last night but Dot had gone to have her hair done in readiness for next week’s visit home, with the result that she was a couple of hours late getting in. Jack got most worried about her for she has been off colour lately – sick two or three times a day and the runs as well – so he began to think something had happened to her.
If it was not so unlikely, I’d say she was pregnant, but the more likely explanation is that she is beginning the change. However, all this palaver meant I didn’t get to bed early after all. In fact it was after eleven, so I’ll turn in as early as possible this afternoon. Hope your cold is better and that you’ll stay out of the plot until you are really clear of it.
I don’t think there is anything else to answer in your letter except to say that a little thing happened – what it was doesn’t matter – which kills all hope of leave for the time being anyway. Another thing is that Dot obviously wanted me to get Dave to make a few extra prints for her, but I felt I couldn’t do that so perhaps you’d better not send prints here. Let her have the negs when she is home and then I can get them back when she has finished with them; unless you give her a snap or two and tell her we have paid for them. Otherwise she’ll think she can get unlimited numbers of any snaps she may take in the future. I meant to tell you, by the way, that since the milk ration was increased, Dot has insisted on giving me a cup of milk every night I’m home, so I’ll be like King Kong when I do come home on leave. Last night I had it hot with whisky in it. Will you be writing Dot to ask her over to Crosby one day?
You seem to have found plenty of interest in the magazines. I’m glad and I’ll look out for some more for you later on. Meantime I think you’ve got enough to keep you occupied, haven’t you?
Well, love, that’s all for today. I’m really dopey but that’s all. Don’t worry about it. I’m OK apart from this heaviness. What I really want is to be fussed over and bullied!
Bye for now. My love to the children and I’ll try to write Wendy soon. All my love.
Ever your own,
Arthur X
May 231944