Monday
London
Dearest,
I’m afraid this will be as scrappy a letter as yours, for I rely to some extent on your letters to provide material for my own!
As we were at work yesterday there was little that could happen and I think that I told you most of Saturday’s happenings, except that as we had been in all day, and Dot didn’t feel like going out, Jack and I had an hour out together. We went to Napier’s Club for a drink – the first time I have been there – and I’m rather surprised that Jack didn’t go more often. There was no hope of a game of snooker, of course, for Jack had to be in early!
Jack has been talking tentatively about moving to Liverpool again, chiefly because Dot is giving him the works periodically for not getting a rise. However, as this sort of thing happens at definite intervals I doubt if anything will come of it, so don’t mention it to Mother. I gather that Dot may come up to Liverpool for a weekend either just before or just after Whit, though nothing definite is settled yet. Their holidays will be some time in July. I expect though, again, nothing definite is settled in that respect either. But when I hear anything concrete about Dot’s weekend I’ll let you know. Uncertainty about travel is making her doubtful just now, I think.
We paid a visit to a club for American sailors last night, quite expecting to be turfed out, but found we can use the place. Our fellows get very bitter about our clubs being closed down and posh new ones being opened for the Yanks! Still, we will probably use it a fair amount before the inevitable ban is put up. We found the meals very good. For supper we had soup, cold meat and potato, salad, rice and prunes, coffee for 1/3. If all the meals are on that standard we shall do very well indeed. We had not too much time for investigation so don’t know what the possibilities of the shop are, but I’ll have a look round there at the first chance. It’s just possible that I might be able to spend a few bob to advantage there against the coming of Xmas! The obvious thing, of course, would be a pipe for Jack, but there may be other things or there may be nothing. We’ll see.
Well, love, it’s a glorious day and I’m hoping to get out in the fresh air with Jack Gray. Today’s letter has not arrived, but thanks for Sunday’s and the London letters. Did you get the snaps from Mother? I wrote her yesterday and gave her a hint about them.
Now I must be off, sweet. All my love to you and to the children.
Ever your own,
Arthur X
May 081944