At Checkendon Court
Reading
1.1.19
My own dear Cyril
I am en route for Badsey, having broken my journey home to see a friend who has been very ill. You remember I came here for a rest myself in November, well, at the same time my Deputy, Mrs Bryant had influenza followed by double pleurisy and query pneumonia. Well, she got over that and came back to work but seemed so hopelessly run down and tired that I insisted on her seeing a specialist, who discovered that the pleurisy had affected the right lung. He sent her here for a month’s rest.
He said the lung might heal in time, but his diagnosis gave her rather a shock and somewhat un-nerved her. So I thought I’d look in on my way to Badsey and see how she is. She has to see the specialist again and be medically banded on Monday before returning to duty. In her absence I have had no Deputy so consequently have had little or no time for leisure and last mail I missed altogether. Being the end of the pay and mess period combined with Xmas shows for the women I was simply run off my feet.
Mother was staying with me over Xmas too and was in a very depressed state – crying regularly every afternoon. Altogether I did not have a moment in which to write to you.
Thank you, darling, for your generous Xmas present, which I have not yet spent. I am very much in need of a mufti coat and skirt and may use some of your present to get it with and then save up and pay it back again into the £10 and then buy something for our home.
I am so looking forward to having a home of my own - and a husband of my own!
It seems ages since I was at Badsey and I want to have a look at the old place and folk again. I believe George, May, Ethel, Kath and Betty are at home, so we shall be quite a party.
Your nice long letter from ______ reached me for my birthday having taken only three weeks to get here, the latter part being dated December 5th. Your Father says he also heard this mail. In your letter you speak of getting a civilian billet, better than the one at the College, or rather more remunerative. I am told that Service is much to the fore these days and better salaries are given. I expect you’ll get a good job quite easily.
The little snapshot you enclosed is excellent – the best I’ve got of you. I just love it and have put it in a dear little silver frame which Mary sent me for Xmas.
Mary and Baby were spending Xmas at Dowlais, the former very much more cheerful, finding life much brighter now that fighting has ceased.
The Election has caused a great stir all over England. Mr Asquith and all the old Gang are out and the Coalition reigns supreme. Only one woman was elected and she is a Sinn Feiner! The Countess Marcawity or some such name.
I had some awfully nice presents this Xmas. Amongst them a very dainty crépe de chine nightdress which will do for my trousseau. It is so dainty. I am longing to wear it!
I think with you, that since the Armistice everyone has become very irritable – the reaction I suppose. I personally find this time much more wearing than when the war was on. It sounds awful to say so.
This is the beginning of a New Year, which God willing, should bring us much joy and happiness.
All my love, Man of Mine. God bless you and bring you safe back again to
Your ever devoted
Mela
