Tuesday, 11 & Wednesday, 12 May, 1943

Grimethorpe                                                                                           (22)

8.45 p.m.  Tuesday, 11th May

My Very Own Darling,

I received your letter, written on Easter Sunday, this morning Darling, each letter I get from you gives me a new thrill.  I suppose that by now you will have received Air Letter (21) telling you why I am at Grimethorpe.  I am pleased to say that Mother is now much improved.  The doctor comes again to-morrow so he might let her get up.

I am also pleased to say that none of the family are any worse for my cooking etc. – yet.

To-day has been wash-day.  I was going to wash yesterday but it simply poured rain all day so I put it off for a day.  However, I managed to get to Hemsworth for my Emergency Ration Book.  If I remember rightly, the previous trip I made to that place was made with you.

By the way, I must tell you, we have another addition to our bottom drawer.  Vera has made me a cushion cover.  She is very proud of it.  It really is nice.  That makes one more item for your inspection when you arrive home. 

The news is about to come on so I will finish your letter a little later.  It is a so good these days and I am especially interested in Nth African news.

10.30 p.m.

Supper is over, the news is over and I am sitting at the table writing this letter.  Father and grandfather are about to retire for the night and then I shall be alone with my thoughts.  You know which way they are turned don’t you, Dear?  There is a lovely fire in the grate.  It looks as if it might last another three hours.  But then, what good is that to me now?  It just makes me long to have you by my side and makes me wish that we were repeating one of those very happy evenings (& mornings) which we have spent together.  Ah me! Wishful thinking!

I shall not be sorry really to go back.  Being at home makes me long for you more than ever.  However, the war might be over soon.

I had a letter from Kit this morning.  She forwarded your letter on for me.  She wishes to be remembered to you.  As Vera has asked me three times in the last 10 minutes for a glass of water I guess I had better take it to her and say Goodnight, my love.

3 p.m.  Wednesday

The doctor has just been.  He is quite pleased with Mother’s progress and she can get up on Saturday for the first time.  I shall try and get back on Monday night or Tuesday.  I had a letter from Matron yesterday.  She said that she quite realised how difficult things were at home but that she needed me very badly at Nottingham.  Never before have I been in such great demand!

When Kit wrote she said that when Mother was better I ought to take two extra days off at the expense of the hospital.  I would if I wasn’t missing lectures.  I dare not miss many at this stage.

As Vera is waiting to take this letter to the post for me I guess I had better say Au-Revoir.

All my love Darling.  Yours ever, Grace  xxxxxxx

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