20th June 1913

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Friday 20th June 1913

Arthur is still in trouble about the guns; the etiquette of writing to the future in-laws:

Arthur to Dollie

Leadenhall Street, E.C.

I am awfully sorry that I should ever have neglected to answer your questions for of the many times that I have read over your dear letters, I always devote one to making a list of what you’ve asked me to tell you: but in the future I promise never to miss an answer. As for the machine guns, little sweetheart, as I have already told you, they are quite safe – and naturally the more one knows about them the safer they are. So no more fears, please, especially now that I am up at the school…

I went to Chelsea as usual last night. The work is getting very interesting – but it is rather tiring as we are on our feet the whole time from 7 to 9.30 and the guns are a bit of a weight – 60lbs each. We get a break of five minutes, but nowhere to sit. We have an exam at the end of each week and must pass in all to get our certificates.

The Mater had a lot of people in last night – I arrived in at ten-thirty, had a huge feed of sandwiches, half a bowl of strawberries, an ice, biscuits and chocolates. A fearful mixture – but I’ve survived. Thence to bed. Alfred went to HQ last night for a lecture by the Adjutant and didn’t get in until two o’clock. . It turns out that he didn’t shoot the Cook’s cat the other night: it was another – but by a strange coincidence, the Cook’s cat was poisoned the same night – so the gardener says and he buried the animal.

This morning I came down here as usual. I’ve just had lunch with Pater, Joe and Alfred. The Pater is ever so much better – to-day is quite cool and we have had some rain – I hope you’ll have it fine for your weekend at Marly. Alfred is probably going to Antwerp to-night, but not for long. I told Joe you had asked after his health – he looked very pleased – so “thank you” darling…

Darling, about writing to the Mater – I think she would be awfully pleased to get a letter from you – nor would it be “funny” for you to write to her. After all she is going to be your Mother in law D.V. But if you feel at all shy or nervous, do what you think best, but my advice is write her a letter – she will appreciate it very much.

As for the Pater, I wouldn’t write to him the same time as the Mater. I think it would be best if you write to the Mater first and later send a post card to the girls. Leave the Pater at any rate for a few days. You see it might look strange if you wrote to him before the Mater – it is more natural that, being a girl – (and a most adorable darling girl) – you should write to my womenfolk first. Don’t you think so? This is rather involved, but I’m sure you’ll understand what I mean…

I am longing for you to come back to me. Fourteen more days, long weary days without you. But if the time is long and the pain of your absence bitter, what a glory of joy and happiness I have to look forward to…