1916 Letter 17
[1916]
[pages missing]
Hotel Curzon,
Curzon Street,
Mayfair,
London. W.
went to her and took the first I tried on.
It is mauve georgette crepe with bead trimming rather a long shouldered kimona sleeve style - collar and frill, which I am going to have altered so I can wear it as dinner dress.
It is a bargain, not expensive and just what I want so I feel quite happy.
I’m getting a long coat too and am having my sable stole used for collar and cuffs.
I’m not [ ] much but want what I get to look decent.
I haven’t heard from Don this week. I saw him for a minute last Thursday. I went down to Shornecliffe to see Cecily Galt and Jane Johnston who are at Moore Barracks Hospital. I wrote him to come and see me but when he came the girls thought I’d better not keep him.
The rules used to be very decent as to having privates in their mess but as usual some of the girls over did it and even asked their ward orderlies to tea so now the rule is terribly strict and even brothers aren’t allowed.
I felt badly for him but as I was only a guest I didn’t want to break any rules. I would have gone out with him as I was in mufti but had only one night and thought I ought to spend it with the girls as they were kind enough to put me up. However I’ll see him again soon and will be in England all winter so I’m not going down to Shornecliffe again just now.
He hasn’t got his bearings yet and as you said it isn’t fair to bother him too much.
I had a line from Eric saying he was leaving on Saturday but no news of where he was going – doesn’t know himself I expect.
This afternoon, Thursday, we had tickets for the presentation of colours to the Indian Forces by Queen Alexandra.
I went with Forbes and we had a splendid view of everything.
Queen A. looks about 45 at a distance but I believe she shows her age at close inspection. She certainly is well made up, and was beautifully dressed to-day.
She acts as if she were simply delighted to be doing whatever it is and has a most gracious manner.
The colours were given by some Patriotic League and the lady who presented them gave a regular oration, awfully amusing, we’ll know later by the papers who she was.
I will post this much and write again to-night. Am feeling fine and will be glad to be back at duty again.
The 36 Victoria St. address is defunct – 86 Strand is the present office.
Address all mail there till I give you a permanent one.
In case this just arrives in time for Christmas may you not feel lonely, my dearest Mother, for our thoughts will be all of you.
The Goodenes are taking your presents and as they will sail early next month I think they’ll reach you in time. It is just dinner time now so I’ll close this and get it off.
With ever so much love and best wishes for Christmas
Yours always
Helen.
Nov. 23
I sent your letter on to Eric with a few words of my own. Isn’t he a brat? but he’s leaving there now, so don’t worry.