No. 3.

Maycot
12 Commonside,
Keston,
Kent.

20.11.39.

Darling,

Yours No: VIII arrived this evening and was extremely welcome. May I point out that there was an interval of six days between the time you wrote it and the date you wrote No. VII?

You’re forgiven this time but it mustn’t happen again.

Jill is so delighted with her little letters that it would certainly be a good idea to include one for her regularly. After I had done the week’s washing, and we had lunched, I took her into Bromley to get her some fawn leggings and beret. I have just put her to bed and, as after such a busy day I feel rather tired, I shall probably finish this letter to you tomorrow.

I’m so glad you safely received Edie’s parcel. As you will since have gathered, I did know she was sending it at the actual time, though not before. I don’t see very much of the Hines…

…generally, and am not really sorry as I have definitely come to the conclusion that sincerity is not their strong point.

The fact that in 11 weeks they have not once offered to look after Jill at any time when I wanted to go out, I think, speaks for itself.

It’s quite beside the point, that in view of what I now think of Pat, I shouldn’t want them to. They don’t know that, and it seems–as far as they care–I might never have been out at all.

I’m afraid this is all rather involved, but I know you will understand. Therefore when you do get leave (which I hope darling will be soon now (Dec. 17th)) I don’t intend that you and I spend very much time with them. In fact I don’t know whether I shall spare you at all—for a minute!

Incidentally, Jim has just finished his Xmas leave of seven days which he spent at Ferring. Alas Leslie had the weekend off. He seems to have stuck a very tough crowd and, from what he told us of his treatment, they’ll make a man of him yet!

I did not tell Tris of Vic’s ailment but did remark on it to Wyn and also to the Hines apropos of your being parted from Vic. I’m sure Wyn did not tell…

…Tris as she mentioned to me that Tris already knew and remarked that Vic had now caught you up again. However if Tris did not get it from Vic himself, I can only suggest Edie or Pat brightly took it on themselves to inform him.

The Hines naturally ask me for news of you, and occasionally I read them extracts from your letters, but I shall certainly refrain from doing so in future. I had no idea they saw much of Tris.

Jill and I are going to Hampstead for the day on Wednesday. Sleeping there that night and returning in the daylight the next day. I’m looking forward to seeing Mother again as she has not been too well lately. Incidentally, you should have heard from her by now as she wrote you early last week.

Hugh again spent (more or less) the weekend with us, and will probably do so every other weekend. Of course he supplies lots of grub, so I am not out of pocket, but of course it makes me…

…a little busier, though he is extremely good at household jobs like washing up and fetching coal. Also amusing Jill and taking her for long walks.

He sends you his kindest regards, so also does Sidney Cheal—the postman—and Mr & Mrs Rhodes.

I have sent for an application form for the extra army allowance and hope I shall be successful.

Wyn is still very happy here and I very much like having her. She is not a bit moody and is very sweet to me, albeit, I sometimes get a little overtired on my not-so-frisky days.

I might mention that your letter under reply was untouched by the censor—Mr. Chapple. Please give him my love.

Well dearest, I think perhaps I’ll close this as I shall probably have a terrifically rushed day tomorrow, ironing and getting things in order, prior to my jaunt to Hampstead. So I shall slip out and post it.

Always remember you are ever in my thoughts and that I long to have you in my arms as well.

Will write again very soon!

Yours,

Terry.