Letter from Ada to her dear one

Date: 1942-09-18
Sender: Ada
Recipient: dear one
Location: Rosing Cottage, 7 Granville Terrace, Bude
Original scan: 1942-ada-to-dear-one-family-visit.pdf




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Summary

Ada writes to her dear one sharing family news, discussing care arrangements for children, health updates, and practical matters like clothing and hospital stay. She expresses affection and concern for comfort, offers to send items, and mentions plans for visits and needlework projects during wartime.

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Transcription

Rosing Cottage
7 Granville-Tce
Bude

Sep. 18 - 1942.

My own darling One,

Your precious little letter came today and told me all the things I'd been waiting to hear. Now I've just rung you up & only got Mrs Stevens - but heard you are having a chicken tonight and hope all is going happily by now - and that the chicken is not overdone -

So that was why we were cut off. I rang you up later but they got no answer so I hope you were in bed -

So glad you got two new pyjamas. How I wish I could help you pack. I gather you do not return to Shefford till after your visit here. Now anything you want washed or mended give to Winnie to post or here - unless you want it at her house. But I could wash things for you & post them either to Winnie, Daisy, or keep them here for you. Shall I send you soft jacquard bed jacket. I know you have another one but don't think it is as comfortable as the one here - I'm so afraid that when you are convalescing and not moving about much you will be cold especially

(Over)

2.
as Winnie & Daisy may be economy fuel. Now I have 3 prs of the softest thinnest woollen pants (drawers I think you call them) They were Grandpa's - I chose them for him & got very soft ones. May I send you one or 2 prs of these if you think you'll need them? Let me know later - you'll save & say "no" at the moment -

Oh my darling Love how thankful I will be to have you here after it all - I've written asking Mary if she could come if there was a need for me to go to you. Mrs Russell says she'd come here & take care of the children & house of me at a moment's notice. So darling one don't hesitate to send for me - But I too feel that if all is straightforward with you my place is still here -

How lovely to have you for my birthday - Strange that this year in which we have seen so little of each other we

3.
should be together on our birthdays.

Shall I send you some of the "Readers Digest"? They would be easy & hold in bed. - & to grsville

Re my servant problem - Vera is still in London - returns here on Sunday and will come & see me then. Mrs Byrnes speaks very highly of her - there are 2 reasons why she might not do. (1.) her own health. If it was merely that she was not strong this would be a softer job than N.F.S & might seek her up - but ... I feel I ought to get her overhauled by Dr M. or someone & see if she has T.B. or not - (2.) The labour exchange might not let me have her. She is 22 I think. There is nothing I'd like better than to keep Mrs Tate for one day at any rate - and I should certainly try & make Grace feel she is still one of the family. If I could only have Vera till Grace is 14 (next Aug.) it would be a help & Vera could show Grace the ropes.

The only reason for not holding on to Mrs Tate, as well as others, would be expense. But I feel that if I can get Vera I will keep the three of them till after your visit. P.T.O.

4.
Grace has a fortnight holiday beginning next Wed - and as it will probably take a little time to fix Vera up, it will be good & have all Gracies' time for a bit. I think I must write out some of my "dealings" with Grace for your amusement when you are in Hospital. She is deliciously unspoiled by her environment - and yet after all, is her environment hard? It is natural & free - and not in the least mechanized - she has never been in a train in her life - nor had a dolly - Gilliam was delighted with her quill pen - here is a letter she has written with it. She also loved Gummets & your letters - note to ZGG.

Minnie is a sweet little mother and her kittens are doing nicely - They'll just be jolly by the time you come.

Will you be in a private ward or with all the others - or in a nursing home or what? I suppose a letter addressed to Manor Venune Hospital - Northwoods Midx would find you -

I'll send you another orange or two and some sugar - & anything else I can think of to the Hospital - Let me know if you think of any other

5.
that I don't.

I'm trying to get ahead with needlework - or rather I should say trying to catch up with needlework- We see quite a bit of the Russells and she & I have great times planning out garments - with wartime economy. They have got a little house at last, between Panefhill & Bude - much newer & no thorns before -

Fielding's are back - but I fear things are wrong there - Rivells will let them stay till the end of the month - I've run over once or twice but could not get a reply to my letters. Think they have no maid.

Ann came in this afternoon while I was changing my book - but did not stay till I came back. She came in & borrow milk yesterday: - I expect they will be in for savette soon. I'm very sorry for them - but Mrs Russell is more the type that would fit in with us - Mrs F. needs men friends & has plenty in the army - at least she needs them for her peace of mind - but actually for her children's sake she needs women friends. It takes all sorts to make a world -

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I want to post this tomorrow in case I don't get another off in time -

How much my thoughts will hover round you all the next weeks -

All my love always -

Your own Ada.

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People mentioned

- Ada
- dear one
- Mrs. Stevens
- Winnie
- Daisy
- Grace
- Mary
- Mrs. Russell
- Vera
- Mrs. F.
- Gilliam
- Ann
- Minnie
- Mr. Tate
- Grandpa

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Topics

- family news
- health
- child care
- needlework
- visits
- hospital
- clothing
- wartime economy

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Uncertain words / phrases

- grsville
- Panefhill
- savette

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Archivist notes

- Letter handwritten and dated Sep 18, 1942.
- Sender identified as Ada by closing signature.
- Recipient addressed as 'My own darling One'.
- Location given as Rosing Cottage, 7 Granville Terrace, Bude.
- Mentions family members and domestic affairs during wartime.
- References to health (T.B. check), children, servants, and hospital stay.
- Some place names and words unclear, transcribed as is.

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