I could not resist speaking to you this evening. I sat in the Mess alone, after a heart to heart talk with Tulloch about his will, his future and his wife and his brother-in-law, not a difficult tale, but nice and gently poignant. I sat and read a tale of Harry’s, then looked at the fire, then thought of you, and mused, daring to see into the future, so proud, so fond, so fearful, so reckless with my sweet dreaming. If we are spared, us three, to walk together, we must never let habit roughen off the bloom of our so wonderful love. These few years of separation can be used to give that necessary salt to our relationship, to sharpen our perception and understanding, to make apparent, as it so shrewdly does, our mutual need. I wonder so much at the loveliness of you, of your bearing, your appearance, your wit and your soul. If we are blessed, if dreams come true, there will be no prouder man in these kingdoms. But I am so foolishly proud already. Blessed blessed you. When I sail away, in such good company, as so many of my ancestors have sailed away, I shall have your vision as the crystalised values for which I shall hope to find within me the power to overcome cowardice and to lead, to be English. I shall not come back to you a hero, but I shall not come back without an easy conscience of acting my small part in the great pageant of our history. So let us be of good heart.

                        This very foolish ache in rny left back makes typing somewhat difficult and painful, so the many letters I could write this quiet evening must wait until I am cured. I’ve just had a very hot bath and in my dressing gown sit over the fire, spiritually with you.

                        The O.C. has an impish wit, he has given me another appointment, – Intelligence Officer. It is likely to be one of the most vital jobs of all. What with Education, Security and Welfare, and the running of a section, life tends to become full.

                        Now to bed, dearest one. Tomorrow, Church Parade, and a good day’s work, and a talk to you.

                        Bless you, dearest one, be careful, and cherish our love.