7th November 1916
A cold, wet, tedious day for Arthur – full of company business. They are out of the trenches – in leaky huts, with no windows – for which he supposes they ought to be grateful. No letter from Dollie today; Arthur is eager to hear how the wedding photographs have turned out: “I have the snapshot of us leaving the Church, & I am looking forward to the others; at any rate to the one of you and me, alone together at Compayne. My darling, you were a perfect bride”.
Arthur to Dollie
France, Tues. aft. 4.30pm.
… I’m awfully disappointed to-day – there’s no mail in; though one is going out. I am just longing to hear how you are and how you’re getting on, dear. We are still out, nominally at rest, though there is a great deal of work going on. The weather is unspeakable. Last night was fine with a wonderful moon but to-day it is simply pouring. We are living in huts that aren’t altogether waterproof: & so constructed that if one wants light, one has to open a flap in the side, thus admitting a bitter draught. But one oughtn’t to grouse. We are jolly lucky not to be in the line.
There was a flash of lightening and a peal of thunder just now: I hope that means a clearing in the weather. Please Heaven, with you darling, the weather is better: I know how you hate the cold & wet. There has not been very much doing since I wrote yesterday afternoon. I’ve had several odd things to do, nothing very important, all connected with the routine of Company work. I have not seen Edouard [Noel] to-day. I thanked him for his present yesterday.
I turned in early last night, & we were pretty late up this morning; but I didn’t sleep very well. I miss you awfully … By the way, darling, have the photos of the wedding turned up again. I am all eagerness for copies. I have the snapshot of us leaving the Church, & I am looking forward to the others; at any rate to the one of you and me, alone together at Compayne. My darling, you were a perfect bride …
To-morrow D.V. there will be a mail. I am awfully impatient for news of you, from you, all about you…