The Nurses’ House
The General Hospital
Birmingham
Nov 6th 1914
Dearest
Needless to say I am bitterly disappointed by the news your letter contained today. But I must be brave and realise that your duty lies with your country first at the present time and that I must cheerfully take a back seat as it were.
It is particularly unfortunate as I have managed to get my half day tomorrow Saturday and will get away by the 3.55 train reaching Badsey at 5.26. An opportunity like this may not occur again for months. But still there it is and it is no use crying for the moon – nevertheless – Sweetheart – I have felt broken hearted all day and was glad to be on duty in the Linen Room today to distract my thoughts. I was put in there so as not to have to use my bad foot too much.
It is practically well now and hardly hurts at all.
Uncle Harry sent me a copy of a pc from Cecil which seems “safe and well after an exciting 36 hours, more probably to come”. This was dated Nov 2nd. He evidently was in the now famous London Scottish Bayonet Charge.
I hope to write to you from Badsey, dear, so will close now. If you are feeling as downhearted at the present moment as I am, you’ll need all your courage.
If we cannot arrange a meeting before you go abroad I shall be awfully upset. Failing Everything Else I will come to Andover and ask you to meet me there for a few hours whenever you could arrange it.
Best love, my own dear One, may this war soon cease and so enable us soon never more to be parted. This separation becomes unbearable at times.
Ever your own
Mela
