May to David Beckenham 31.1.18
My dear David,
Another month come to an end; thank goodness, as I feel it brings you nearer, though I cannot help thinking that there are a good many people who do not want this war to come to a close; they seem to like it. No wonder John Bull is always drawn with a bulldog beside him. You know bulldogs don’t start fighting quickly, like Airedales and most other dogs, but when once they start they don’t want to leave off. We haven’t had our last year’s holiday together, and there are oceans of weekends due to us. It is most selfish of others to want to keep us apart. Never mind, we will make up for lost time, and I bet we will start making it up this year. We might do that holiday in the Channel Isles that we were going to when war broke out. I would like it, only instead of having a fortnight we must make it four weeks!
On the way home last night I invested the other £5, and in the evening knitted that coat. It was awfully foggy this morning, and of course the train took a long time, but I sat and knitted and so did not mind. Not halfway through the first front yet. It is rather a slow pattern; besides which the wool had been used before, and that makes it slower to work.
Having arrived late at St Paul’s station I thought I might as well be later still, so called in at the Churchyard and bought a little bit more of the violet serge, enough to make a complete dress, and then as luck would have it I noticed a remnant of silk that matched perfectly, and of course I bought that. Then I saw a straw hat that I believe would match, but did not stop for that. I might see some prettier ones later on.
We are back in winter again now, and have had frosts for the last two mornings.
This morning I had a p.c. from Mrs Taylor thanking me for sending on your letter and copy of mine. She thought it was bright.
Do you get my letters singly, or do they arrive in batches?
Friday.
It was not foggy on our line last night, so we got home alright, but some of the girls too 3 and 4 hours to reach their homes. Knitted last night as usual. Slightly foggy and very cold this morning. I woke up at 5.0 and thought it was striking 6.0. After enjoying an hour’s daydreams behold it struck 6.0. I was so pleased. Of course I was not dreaming of you!
We are getting quite slack for us. I shall be at home tomorrow morning – at least, I am going out to the dressmaker’s and shopping in the morning; over to Maud’s in the afternoon, and on to 56 to tea. If I have time in the morning I shall call on my “Giddy” Aunt. We have not seen or heard from her since she called before Xmas and was called “Giddy Aunt” by Ethel! Mama had a letter from Uncle Fred yesterday. Cousin Bert is in Aldershot, and his wife gone back to her home. I wish they would send him across to France.
No more news.
Miss Willsher called this aft. and enquired after you. The old lady who lives with Miss Rudge will be 92 next June, but is not expected to last til then. She is always in bed now.
Goodbye May