No. 10

Maycot.

29.12.39.

Darling,

Thank you so much for yours 14 & 15, both of which I have received since returning from Cricklewood. Jill and I had quite an enjoyable time, though we both missed you very much; me particularly.

Mother insisted the four of us should come to her on Christmas Day afternoon, she cooked the largest and most lucious turkey I’ve ever seen and we had our second dinner that day at 6.30 p.m. Jill did justice to it too.

It was so nice to see mother on Christmas Day. Everyone thought of you and we wished you could have been with us. Dad had five days holiday, having to return to Newcastle on the Wednesday.

The weather over Christmas was very bitter. Frost and fog and, since midday yesterday, the ground has been covered with snow.

I had some nice gifts of cash, stockings, toilet traveling bag, bed jacket, handbag, soap and hankies. I did miss my usual Christmas frock!

By the way Ellis sent me a very nice powder compact case and also took me out the Saturday before Christmas weekend.

Among Jill’s gifts were paints, 3 books, a handbag, slippers,…

…dressing gown, knitting bag complete with wool and needles, two dolls, chocolate biscuits, sweets and a complete smokers set, for which latter she had worried me for sometime. Edie made her a patchwork blanket.

I am always very interested in the chat about various matters outlined in your letters, but as you will realize some of these do not call for comment.

I am pleased to say I have been granted an additional allowance of 9/- per week. Not exactly princely but, none the less, very welcome. Also they paid me arrears with which I have paid rent to December quarter, and gas bill, which is a distinct load off my mind. I have to go very carefully indeed as I do not run up bills with the tradespeople. The only thing I owe for is coal, so I’m not doing so badly.

I’m glad to say Jill’s cold is better, but having to get in and out of bed to her, gave me the worst one I have had for some time. I coughed almost continually for two days and have had to spend a few bobs for cough mixture, inhalant etc. It’s over the worst now thank goodness.

I had the sweep in yesterday…

…for the back room, so now I’m nice and clean about the chimney. He, Mr Payne, asked after you and told me he was in the army for 22 years.

Tonight being Friday, Wyn is coming in early so that I can go to the pictures. I don’t think there’s anything very thrilling on but I shall enjoy the break.

When I was last up in town with Ellis (I’ve been twice) we were in a bookshop in the Strand when in walked two very young Scots soldiers (about 19 years, I should think) who asked in broad Scotch whether they could have “a guide to London with a map in it”; I whispered to Ellis “Do you think I’ll do the ‘I haven’t got a map?’” To which Ellis replied “You wouldn’t need one!”

What did he mean?

You must not feel dispirited at the delay in learning the result of your interview. It’s very nerve racking waiting but we must hope for the best. Do let me know as soon as you hear anything won’t you?

By the way, I haven’t yet been able to solve the jigsaw…

…puzzle contained in your No: 14. I’m not sure it was intact when I received it, but I’ll have another shot at it when I’e a little more liesure.

I note from your letter that you are now experiencing intense cold. I do hope you manage to keep warm with the aid of your various woollies.

I shall be most interested to hear how you spent Christmas. I do hope you had a fairly good time.

I am looking forward so much to going up to town with you when you come home, and I am very lucked at the further rumors of your leave which now seems much nearer.

I’ve no more news now darling, and as I want this tonight I’ll close now. I’m afraid there will have been a gap of almost 8 days between this and my previous letter, which is mainly due to the holiday. I will write again immediately I hear from you.

Jill sends you a big kiss and lots of love.

With all my love and longing for you.

Yours.

Terry.