At Checkendon Court
Near Reading
Nov 12th 1918
My own dear Cyril
The acceptation, by the Germans, of the terms of the Armistice, is in the papers today. It was known all over England by 11.30 yesterday morning, by telephone.
Mrs Bryant and I were out for a walk, when suddenly the church bells for miles around started to ring, and when we got back to the house the flags were flying. We hardly knew how to take the news. One felt as though a load of anxiety had been removed and yet at the same time the memory of tortured hearts, whose dear ones would not be coming back, was ever present with one.
I sat down and wrote to Mother straight away, and then I sent your Father a few lines. Three sons at the Front will be coming back to him – what joy for him. He has borne up so wonderfully under these years of anxiety.
I am going back to work a week from today – feeling very much benefited by the rest. They tell me now that I was on the verge of brain fever when I came – that is the opinion of a trained Sister who was here when I came here. My brain was utterly weary and fagged out.
If you do get home soon, that will be the best tonic I can have, but we must both take things “easy” for a bit until the strain of the war has disappeared. It has told on me a bit but the strain of anxiety has been removed now that fighting has ceased everywhere so that by the time you get back I shall be quite well and jolly.
It is awfully difficult to write – the news is so overwhelming. One’s heart is too full and one’s pen fails to express one’s feelings.
With all my best wishes for a happy Xmas.
God bless you, man of mine – my heart’s love to you, dearest.
Ever your devoted
Mela
PS – I am not sending out a present but will add a book to your collection – for Xmas.
