No. 18

Maycot 29.1.40.

Darling,

I was delighted to receive yours No:20 this morning (6 days in transit) and to hear you sound much more yourself. (I shall have to assume your Nos 16+17 are definitely lost.)

I was, of course, very interested to hear the effects of the extraordinary weather where you are and I think it fine of you to be able to joke about it. I feel so mean when I sit in front of a nice fire and get into my cosy bed. But still darling, it won’t be long now before you join me in the latter.

I was however rather disappointed to hear on the wireless tonight of the further postponement of B.E.F. leave, this time due to the weather. I do hope darling that this will soon adjust itself.

I’ve never seen such a lot of snow as we’ve got at the moment. It’s at least eight inches and came right over the top of my snow boots when I went to the shop this morning. It would be quite hopeless to take Jill out in it. Wyn took her out yesterday for a little while to play snowballs but brought…

…her in soon as she started to feel cold. I really don’t think this type of weather suits Jill any more than it does me, though I’m taking every care to see she keeps fit.

It made me feel very sad to read what you said regarding some of the hardships endured by the boys up in the front line. Poor little souls. Perhaps, however, they manage to have oil heaters or something like that. Anyway darling after such a very tough start, think how nice it will be when the better weather comes; as it must before very long now?

Darling, is there anything at all that you would like me to make for you for your comfort and warmth? You know I will set to work on it like a shot. I hope you received your scarf safely.

I note (of course amended slightly by tonight’s announcement) what you say regarding leave, and you can’t imagine how I am longing for it! So is dear little Jill, who is always asking about it.

Dearest I was delighted to hear the news regarding the commission—it’s grand and I know you will work very hard at the lectures.

I feel very proud of you. Incidentally Wyn is the only one in Keston I am telling until it is an absolute fact. She thinks what a very nice officer you will make! So do I!

Yes darling, when you are on your way home if you ring me, I would much rather you did so via Mrs. Lawford than the Hines, as the latter would be so lucked to know first and I’m not feeling too kindly disposed to them generally. I will give you Mrs. Lawford’s number in my next letter.

Does it mean, dearest, that when you come home on leave you will afterwards commence your training before returning to France? Or does this not necessarily follow?

I hear (via Wyn) from Tris that Vic is making good progress now. I’m so glad. Tris visits him twice a week, it’s an awful journey for her to Watford.

Well my darling, there’s no special news just now except that I love you lots and lots. God bless you and keep you safe.

Yours,

Terry.