16th July 1916
Arthur has so many letters to write home to all the Agius’s and Noel’s, he is in a bit of a panic – and it all takes precious time away from writing to Dollie. Arthur is adamant that they will not have a double wedding: “No, dear, most decidedly. Our wedding is our show isn’t it dear, & we’re not going to share it with anyone else. I’m most fearfully excited about it”. The Army School may be well away from the shelling zone but not out of hearing of the continuous action: “some of our cavalry got through the other day & … got back safely with some prisoners … We could just hear the rumble of the guns all yesterday, though we’re nearly 30 miles away”.
Arthur to Dollie
Sunday morn. 11.45
… Absolute panic! I’ve just been looking through the letters I have to answer, Barbara, Auguste, Amy: The Mater, Edgar, Tancred, Nannie, Connie, Mabel & Marie – also Joe! And you know what an awful correspondent I am. Anyway, I’m feeling full of buck for I’ve heaps of letters from you, dear: Sundays letter turned up all right; also Tues, Wed, Thurs & Fridays. Thanks awfully.
I am glad you’ve been able to get away: for I’m sure you’ll enjoy the change. Of course, little lover, I won’t talk about things, you funny little dear, God bless you.About a “double” wedding. No, dear, most decidedly. Our wedding is our show isn’t it dear, & we’re not going to share it with anyone else. I’m most fearfully excited about it…
As you see, dear, I haven’t gone away this weekend. Yesterday I thought I’d be virtuous & write a lot. I went to my room & promptly slept until about a quarter to five – much to late for the post. I tried to find a R.C. padre yesterday but wasn’t successful: so this morning I got up late – at 8.30 – & went to the late Mass at half-past 10. A lot of the children had made their first communion to-day & looked awfully sweet, all in white. There were two in church just like Edith [Denaro].
The weather is still pretty good. D.G. By the way, some of our cavalry got through the other day & after killing a lot, got back safely with some prisoners – tophole eh? We could just hear the rumble of the guns all yesterday, though we’re nearly 30 miles away.
I am very fit D.G. The work is hard, but good for one – my Syndicate Commander is Major Tracy – Evie [Noel] probably knew him…
Have a good time, dear; while you’re away. I am with you always at your side. So au revoir, darling mine, God bless you & help you. I’m just yearning for next leave …
