The Nurses’ Home
The General Hospital
Birmingham
Dec 30th 1914
My dearest
You have been very much in my thoughts today and I keep picturing 2 years ago today when we all helped to polish the floor previous to your dance. We had a little waltz on our own to try the floor I remember.
You said to “How old are you tomorrow, 25?” When I assented you said that “there is not really much difference in our ages.” Were you thinking then of me as your prospective fiancée – eh?!
Tomorrow at about 12.30 pm the next morning (rather Irish this!) I really must keep awake as, as far as I can remember we were sitting out in that cosy corner after the supper dance. You were rather nervous at the length of time we were there because you said to me “Father will wonder where we are” and I said “He won’t mind us being here” or words to that effect. From what you have told me since you thought much more seriously of the fact that we were alone together than I thought. It seemed quite ordinary to me then and it rather annoyed me when you sort of suggested we ought to join the others, I thought you rather prim!
Uncle Harry tells me in his last letter that Kenneth Ferguson’s sisters know Mary Campbell quite well and her people, and they say she is a very nice girl indeed. Is’nt it nice to hear about her from people who have met her? Uncle mentions that Father is well and has not been giving any trouble lately. Cecil sent me a card. He has not been in action lately.
Have you remembered to ask that Sergeant if he can advise you how to dispose of that gold watch of mine. Darling – it is lovely to look at your watch shining in the dark – it reminds me of you and seems to bring you close to me and makes me pick up the watch and kiss its face – which alas – is very cold and unresponsive!
I will finish this tomorrow after seeing Ethel and Norah and Juliet and tell you all about the pantomime. I am quite prepared to fall in love with the best looking actor after what you said about the charms of the pretty actress you saw on Xmas Day!
I should be much more alarmed had she been any other girl – an actress I would never be afraid of as far as you are concerned! This is supposed to be a compliment so I hope you’ll be able to see it, you funny old thing!
I must now sew some buttons on a clean dress for tomorrow.
Goodnight my Love.
Dec 31st
Your letter reached me by the first post this morning. It was a dear letter but I cannot think why you have such a high opinion of my character. I am absolutely full of faults Darling – you say that in big things I have never disappointed you and very rarely in little things. It would please me dear very much if you would tell me those little things however trifling they may be so that I may try and put them right. Seriously - Sweetheart – I shall hope and expect you to tell me them in your next letter.
Thank you ever so much for the postal orders and birthday wishes. Ethel and the others helped me to choose a very nice brown leather writing case, which I am using at the present moment. I am collecting brown things because the furniture in my room is brown, and the frames of your new photos are brown and Kath sent me a brown Swiss carved stamp box – also my watch case is brown.
“Sinbad the Sailor” was excellent. George Robie was Sinbad’s father and needless to say acted very cleverly. We all agreed in thinking it the best pantomime we ever saw. I lost my heart to Sinbad only unfortunately he was a she!
Your Mother and Father sent me a pair of brown suede gloves – beauties - and Ethel gave me some flowers. I am feeling so spoilt especially as I never expected any presents at all this year on account of the war.
I would like to write more dear boy but if I do I shall lose the post.
I dreamt of you very realistically last night and was so disappointed when I awoke to find it only a dream. Never mind perhaps Dec 24th next year will find us together again and the 31st we will celebrate right royally.
God bless you, dear One, it is very good of you to give me another present. I have been wanting a blotter for a long time. All my love.
From your own little
Mela
