Wednesday
Chiswick
Dearest,
I don’t suppose for one moment that this will reach you by Xmas Day – at least not judging by the way your letters are failing to arrive here. It’s now nearly two o’clock and I have had no letter from you since the registered one posted on Saturday. Your long parcel – the “not to be opened” one – arrived about 4.30 yesterday, which was too late for me to acknowledge it in my letter. The other parcel which you say is on the way will probably arrive about the same time today and I’ll be sure to let you know when they do arrive. I’ve been a good lad and not opened it although I must admit that I’ve shaken it to see if it’s something that rattles – and it does, but I still don’t know what it is. I have only the comfort that you are in the same boat – I hope!
I meant to tell you that I got a comic sailor calendar from the lads in the office the other day and when I opened it I laughed out loud. The sound amazed me and I suddenly made a discovery which rather alarmed me. I suddenly realised that that was the first time I had laughed spontaneously since you were ill. I must have been going about like a professional mute!
The boys have got their names down for Xmas Day at the Beaver Club and they should have a pretty lively time – free turkey dinner, fun and games (as it is described) from 3 to 5.30 and dancing in the evening. The Club has been beautifully decorated and there are two huge trees, which the children would love, flanking the foot of the stairs. There will probably be some very good “dos” for the lads in town but it would be more than my life was worth to suggest going to one. Jack himself has made the suggestion several times. But not Dot!
I’m going to go to the zoo with Charlie on Sunday and I’m really looking forward to it. Sunday is really members’ day but the services are also admitted and I believe that you can take animals out for a walk if you want to. It must be interesting in peacetime when there is a full collection of animals there. I’ll tell you all about it in a later letter. As there is very little chance of any other letters being delivered now, I don’t suppose I will write until after the holiday, but I’ll try to make sure there is a letter waiting for you when you get home from Limedale. I will tell you all about the holiday and what presents I get – although you probably know them already! Don’t forget to give me a full account of your “doings” including the children’s reactions to everything. I do hope Michael’s fort materialises and that he likes it.
Well, love, that’s about all the news, I think. Have a nice time and get a few nice drinks inside you. They will make all the difference to your outlook. Dot sends her love and says she will be writing to acknowledge the cake later – when she has sampled it I suppose! I’ve still got to buy something for Jack, too. I do hope you are feeling better and that all the Xmas rush and “clinicing” Wendy has not been too much for you. Take care of yourself and build yourself up in the next few weeks, for I do want you to be well when I come home. All my love, precious. I love you still, though God knows why except that you are – just you. And I do love YOU.
Bye, precious. Hug the children for me.
Ever your own,
Arthur X
Dec 231942