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February 21st 1915 - Letter from Mela Brown Constable to her fiancé, Cyril E Sladden Esq

Date
21st February 1915
Correspondence From
Mela Brown Constable
Correspondence To
Cyril E Sladden Esq, 9th Worcesters, Officers' Mess, Blackdown Camp, near Farnborough
Relationship to Letter Addressee
Fiancée
Text of Letter

Sunday 5 pm

 

Dearest

 

Just a short note before turning in. I did not get off night duty until 7.30 this morning and went on again at 1.30 pm. We went to bed about 1.30 am but were called up again for an emergency – so you can imagine I do not feel exactly lively at the present moment!

 

Your letter reached me last night with enclosures. Thank you very much, dear, it will feel very safe and nice to have £2 in the Savings Bank in case of emergency.

 

You express a wish that you would like to give me a little present every few weeks. Your argument that I do not realize how much you feel being unable to keep me as we are not yet married broke down my prejudices altogether. I certainly had not realized that you had thought about it at all and it also proves what I am always wanting, namely that you should tell me your thoughts, and not leave them for me to guess by instinct. You don’t really tell me your thoughts even when we are together. I had no idea, for instance in this case, that you wish we could have married so that you would have the right to help me.

 

It will be a great help and a relief to my mind if you will get me some little necessity every few weeks or so. At present what I need most is some material for a (few) three more aprons, I am always having to borrow – but it will do any time, darling, but I thought you’d like me to let you know.

 

Mary and Ethel came to see me yesterday. Your Mother is getting better I’m glad to say. Mary looked so pretty and very happy. I took them over the hospital and they saw me in indoor and outdoor kit. We had lunch at 2.15 at Pathsous – most recherché! The faithful Brailsford sent me a little posy of spring flowers and Mary gave me some tulips. Ethel brought me a most delicious home-made cake. I saw Captain Neame had been awarded the VC and wondered if he were the same you told me about.

 

Goodnight and God bless you dear, your letter was very sweet and gave me such joy to read.

 

All my love from

Your own

Mela

Letter Images
Type of Correspondence
Envelope containing 1 double sheet of notepaper
Location of Document
Imperial War Museum
Record Office Reference
60/98/1