Friday, 22 January, 1943

56 Brierley Rd.,

22.1.43  4 p.m.       

My Own Precious Darling,

For the first time in nearly a year I am home without you and without hope of seeing you.  How empty it feels.  I am missing you more than ever Darling.  More than ever I thought I would miss anybody.   Somebody is just singing the “Twilight Waltz” on the wireless.  Have you heard it?  It reminds me of the night we met.

Darling – since that night you have come to mean so much to me, more than ever I can put down on paper.  I agree with you – the day cannot come too soon when we shall actually belong to each other.

If only this war would end.  To console myself however I have had out your old letters and they have taken me back through the months.  How they have made my heart ache.

The letters you wrote me when we first met – you had so much patience with me then – the letters you wrote after our first few leaves together and then those when I had my holidays & your ten days.  Those you wrote after you had first met father and you were anxious to know his opinion!

Then when you came to Nottingham and the one you wrote when you nearly did not get your leave!!

And Darling – your recent letters they are just marvellous -  It is grand isn’t it when somebody cares such a terrible lot about you?

It was so sweet of you to try and have a letter waiting for me.  Actually, it did not arrive until this morning but it meant just as much to me.

Another pleasant surprise this morning was your photo and a little paragraph in the “Times” about you.  Precious – I am so proud of you.  I suppose you Mother will send you the “Times” as usual.

Last night I went to see your parents and the twins.  Your Mother is very proud of you too.

I am pleased to report that all at 56 are progressing satisfactorally.  Father is up & pottering around – making himself miserable and getting a bit irritable because it is wet and he cannot get out.  The Dr has not given him permission to go out yet mind you.  Ah me!  This male sex.

Vera is feeling a bit better to-day and Mother is much better but looks as if a months holiday would do her good.

They all thank you for your kind regards and wish me to congratulate you upon gaining your Certificate.

If I want to post this to-night I will have to finish I am afraid. 

After tea I am going up to 19 for a while.  You might be interested to know that last night your Mother and I had a discussion upon children and how one child was always spoilt.

Well Darling – no more until tomorrow.

All my love Precious, Yours Grace  xxxxxxxx

The cutting from the South Yorkshire Times