Checkendon Court
Reading
Oct 29th 1918
My own dear Cyril
I am staying at a Convalescent Home for women war workers. I was getting very run down in camp and the Controller at the Command took the law into her own hands and sent me here for 2 or 3 weeks. No one at Badsey or even Mother knows I am here. Dr Soltan wanted me to have a complete rest and as I do not want to be fussed I shall not let anyone know I am here. Although the address is Reading, we are 8 miles from that town. This is a most beautiful country house, the property of Frederick Scott Oliver, the author. It had been left just as he and his wife lived in it. The gardens are perfect – most quaintly designed – with walks between yew hedges and so on.
I was rather bad the first few days I was here and had to have someone to travel with me. I was running a temperature and pulse for no apparent cause. I was beginning to think I had strained my heart but it seems all right again now.
I only feel desperately tired. Mrs Bryant, my Deputy, developed pleurisy after I left and is I believe being sent here in a couple of days. She had this wretched influenza, of which there is an epidemic all over England. I was lucky not to get it, for being so run down I should have taken it badly. People die of it in numbers, whole families some times. I think it must be a German germ which has been set loose in England.
I am getting most anxious to know what happened to all of you Dunsterforce people. The papers do not enlighten us. General Marshall’s forces have reached Aleppo – which is a wonderful triumph. Did you ever meet a Captain Woodhouse – 4th Dorsets out your way? His step-sister is staying here. She is in the Women’s Royal Naval Service. I am the first Wack to stay here. The patients are principally WRNS and VADS.
I had a letter from you last week dated Aug 1st in which you speak of our marriage and what I am to do should you get leave. I’ll be there waiting on the London Platform for you and I shall love going on to your house first for a couple of days. Yes, the wedding shall be as quiet as possible and then we will hie away on our honeymoon and won’t we just be happy – specially happy – to make up for all these years. I should like to go to Wales – or else Devonshire. I must think out a programme and tell you about it.
Lots of love, dear Man of Mine. God bless you. I am getting strong again and will look after myself, remembering always that you will want to come and find me well.
Ever your devoted
Mela
