Sunday, 6 - Wednesday, 9 February, 1944

General Hospital
Nottingham

6-2-44                    11 p.m.

My Very Own Darling,

My mind has just been travelling back to exactly two years ago to-night.  At this moment I was probably dancing in your arms, I cannot remember whether or not you had told me your name.  Yes, I had made a few enquiries from various people as to who you were and all about you.  They had also pointed out your Mother and Father to me, so you see, I knew more about you before we met than you knew about me.

I went to that dance with the full intention of enjoying it – and I did.  Little did I realise that night that it would alter the whole course of my life.

If I remember we talked about two arm chairs at the front of a blazing fire and the wireless playing soft music.  What else we talked about I do not remember.  A lot of nonsense I guess. But it was a very pleasant evening and the beginning of our love.

A lot has happened since that night.  You have had to go away, many miles away.  I have at least accomplished part of what I wanted to do and now the other part does not matter.  All that worries me now is that this war shall come to a victorious end for us and that you shall come safely home.  Then Darling we might put into operation those things that we talked about exactly two years ago to-night – the fireside, the arm chairs and lots of other things as well.  Of course I realise  that these things will not come without a lot of hard work on both our parts but we shall do it Darling, and – like the fairy tale, “live happily ever after”.

Now to tell you what little news there is from this part of the world.

I received a letter from Vera a few days ago and she says that Father has fully recovered from his attack of Duodenitis and hopes to start work to-morrow (Monday).  All at home wish to be remembered to you and send their kind regards.  Life at 56’ carries on much the same and there is nothing fresh to report to you from that sector.

I have not heard from 19’ since I came back but do not expect to as I go for my last lot of nights-off in just over a weeks time.

I was very pleased to hear when I was at home last that Janet had passed her music exam.  She is certainly a clever little girl.  I think that she must be following in her big brother’s footsteps!!

I cannot remember whether I told you or not in an air letter that I had been to see Leslie Howards last picture “The Lamp Still Burns”.  The picture is supposed to be taken from Monica Dickens book “One Pair of Feet”.  Really, I was very disappointed.  It is not a bit like the book.  If I did not know the inside and outside of a hospital I might have been impressed by the picture but as it was it left me feeling very flat inside and most disappointed.

A day or two ago I went to see “So Proudly we Hail”.  It is a picture about eight American Army Nurses.  I thought that it was very good.  Maybe if I knew more about the Army I might alter my opinion.  I guess I shall have to do a short time in the Army – just for a bit of experience you know!!  Can you imagine what would happen if I was stationed near you!!

9-2-44

Since I started writing this letter we have had an event on the ward!  Yes, we hoped that it would be a happy event but I am sorry to say that it was born dead.  It is the first birth I have seen I suppose you are wondering if it has put me off?  Well, I will keep you guessing.  One day you may know!

Kit and I have been discussing holidays.  We cannot quite decide when to have them.  We are thinking of having a fortnight in July.  I would like to go to Edinburgh this year.  I would like to save the other fortnight until later in the year.  However, we will have to wait and see, so many unexpected things happen when one plans these things too soon ahead.

I will finish this letter now as one of the nurses is going out and will post it for me.

All my love, Darling, Grace (Skuse)

Sorry Darling, I have signed my name on so many slips (Death slips) this night and reports that I signed that automatically.  I guess its because I am tired.

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