C.D.D.
Buxton
14-02-19

My darling Doll.

I received your dear, long, letter of yesterday, at noon.

I suppose I have to consider myself told off.  Well Doll, I think you have got the gentle art of calling down, to a fine point.  I am seriously considering whether or not to have it framed.  It is well worth it.

I believe that when I wrote about a possible sailing on the 15th I quoted extracts from the office notification wherein it said:  “In view of the probable alteration of the sailing from the 21st to the 15th it is necessary and urgent, that the undermentioned men report to this office not later than 4.pm today, (10th) as the sailing list has to be in London by 9.am. 12th”.  Do you want anything more official than that?

I am deeply sorry Doll, if it has caused you unnecessary worry.  You know very well, I thought you would like to know what was happening, and so any little bit of news I got, I immediately communicated to you.  It never entered my thick head that you would upset yourself over it.  However, I know I am thoughtless.  But my sweetheart, I really did think there was something in it.  So please forgive me.

Doll, if I have said anything in this letter to upset you, please forgive me.  You know what I mean.  I don’t want you to think I am angry.  I can assure you I am not.  I am just counting the hours until I can take you in my arms and hug you.

With all my love hugs and Xs
Your most devoted hubby.
Sid.