Seward House
Badsey, Evesham
Feb 13th 1916
My dear Betty
It was very nice of you to write me such a chatty letter. I can give you a little more idea when Boo will come home. When he wired he thought he would be coming almost at once, but afterwards they were told they would come home in batches. Boo’s turn ought to occur about the end of the 1st week in March, so we might reasonably expect to see him before the end of March. The most time he will get in England is 14 days and perhaps only 8 or 9, so if we get married, it will be very quickly! Isn’t it lovely to think there is a prospect of seeing him again.
There still seems to be a muddle about his promotion. My Mother tells me it is the same in France – no one knows what rank they are really holding!
I hope, if our wedding takes place, that you will do us the honour of being one of the bridesmaids. My sister will probably be the other. Just a summer frock will do, with a touch of pink in the hat and about the flower, a white one for preference.
When I know more definitely when the wedding will take place, I shall be able to write more chattily, at present everything is still rather uncertain so that I hardly like to say much one way or another.
My brother, Cecil, came down on Thursday last and spent the night returning to Town Friday morning. It was so jolly having him down here. He enquired for you so Boo must have spoken of you to him. He is like George, he likes young girls who have just put their hair up. He likes others too, but has a weakness for the young ones!
He quite fell in love with Dorothy Mary. He was seen to kiss her twice! Ssh-Ssh. George has gone out for a walk with May. I think his engagement holds possibilities – Rosie will develop rather well I think - and certainly they seem happy which is the chief thing. I think your opinion of her is very correct. You must be a good character reader.
Your Mother is ever so much better and gets up at tea time in her room. We are keeping her up there a long time to avoid all risks. I’m afraid this letter is rather dull, but I’ve been writing all the afternoon to different people and my brain seems a bit addled!
I’m really awfully excited inwardly but daren’t give way to my feelings because I’m so afraid of being disappointed should anything happen to prevent Boo getting his leave.
With much love. I’ll write again before Boo comes home to give you more details as to our wedding.
Ever yours affectionately
Mela
