1917 Letter 1
27 B.P.G.
Tuesday Feb. 6, [1917]
Dearest Mother –
Eric is here on 6 days draft leave and expects to go to France on Friday.
He saw Don at Folkestone and we expected him up for a day at least but he hasn’t been able to make it so far.
Eric stayed at the Clarence Hotel near here and was over last night for dinner. After wards we played bridge and the girls all loved him. He really has an excellent manner – so courteous and thoughtful. We had a wonderful game - he plays awfully well and it was a most successful evening.
He was in the most awful old khaki – dirty and torn and it takes some manner to rise above such things. Of course we are used to that and know how impossible it is to get a new issue, and how one’s own bad as they are so preferable to Somebody elses cast offs, which would be all one would get in exchange. But he looked so clean and nice otherwise that I was more than proud of the impression he made.
This morning he slept in till 10 and then came over for me. Trudy gave me a day off and we went into town – met Gerald Marryat and George at the [ ] for lunch. I was in mufti, a fact they all hailed with joy for I – a civilian(?) – could order what I pleased while they in uniform could only order to the extent of 3/6.
We had a very happy time. George is very much a man of affairs now – and is adopting a discreet, judicial air that gives the other two great enjoyment. However George is all right. He’s got a big job and he’s pretty worried and his responsibility is making him older each day it seems.
After lunch the boys departed to the Pay Office to see about funds. George had already hurried off promising to do what he could for them. They were sent on six days leave with 2/6. The paymaster either couldn’t or wouldn’t pay and you can imagine how far 60 cents could take them.
I met them for tea and they hadn’t been able to get anything. Of course I fixed Eric but it’s a shame. Their pay is held back and all they can draw is $2.50 a week so they can’t save much.
However they both expect their commissions to materialize soon.
Eric is looking his usual self again and you needn’t worry about him in any way.
I must get to bed now but will write again soon.
Lovingly,
Helen.