1917 Letter 8
June 10, [1917]
Dearest Mother –
I have just ten minutes before dinner but must write if even to let you know I am still alive.
Yesterday was Eric’s birthday and I sent him some money – I have had two letters this week – just notes – saying he was very busy and was putting every minute on his notes as he wanted them to extra good. He was feeling well and liked the work better than he hoped. He is trying to take the course in 6 weeks instead of 10 – so he must be busy. I am hoping to see him soon as he will get leave.
Don wrote the 29th and expected to leave for his regiment the next day, and as leave is open again he may get over. I do hope he will for he must need it. A rest camp in France isn’t exactly relaxing.
Tell Papa I sent on all the Posts etc. to them both also the letters.
Postage is 1 ˝ now – but we can mail ours free by marking them Can. Soldier letter – that is to Can. and France, and it saves a lot – of course it leaves them to the censor’s inspection at the base but that is nothing.
I am in charge of the Kitchen now as Mrs. Lyall is on leave. I think I shall like it. The work is concentrated and beyond scouring the place for wild flowers etc. for the tables and making one trip daily downstairs to the kitchen I have no walking to do.
I am quite glad to learn that end of the business for I have never had much to do with it before.
Have been playing golf three or four times and that is about the extent of my journeyings forth from home.
And before I forget did I leave behind me a pair of black pumps with velvet buckles. I remember having them last September and can’t think what can have become of them. Send them along if you find them.
There isn’t much new. The war looks pretty bad but they say we will pull off something big soon. Let’s hope so anyway.
A charming Irishwoman has been in to tea to-day and while talking about knitting she said she was getting tired of it because her needles were always slipping out so I showed her Papas and as she was entranced I gave her 2 pairs. She was simply delighted with them – you can tell him.
Well I must stop now. Heaps of love – Mother darling
Yours always
Helen.