Letter to John Valentine from his wife Ursula

Letter to John Valentine from his wife Ursula

Writes that it was grand to hear his voice and that danger for throat infection was over. Continues with long description of family activities on Christmas day including going out in a motor boat, lunch, opening presents with description of many, Goes on to describe boxing day activities, playing bridge and a party in the evening. Writes about feeling ill and visit to the doctor might be necessary but she is not in favour of announcing pregnancy yet. Goes on top discuss issues raised by a letter from his mother and her decision to spend Christmas with her patents. Mentions possibility of getting digs near him in as he will be kept in hospital. Concludes with mention of family tax affairs.

1945-12-26

Seven page handwritten letter

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EValentineUMValentineJRM451226

Little Close, Boxing Day
My darling Johnnie, I didn't write to you yesterday because there was no post going out & also what with one thing & another, there wasn't much opportunity for quiet letter-writing! It was grand to hear your voice & to know that the danger from your throat infection is past. I must say your letter telling me about it shook me more than somewhat in spite of your assurances 'that all was OK' so I was particularly relieved to be able to speak to you yesterday. I'm longing to hear from you again & to know how you're getting on now.
Well, our Christmas Day here went off with a bang. Stockings before breakfast (got a bottle of salad cream among other things, so was very pleased), afterwards the Winters took us out in their motor boat for a lovely sail up Kingsbridge estuary & down again to the open sea, it was glorious sunny morning & we thoroughly enjoyed it. Then came the turkey, a really enormous bird & simply delicious followed by plum pudding. Afterwards we opened our presents, great excitement for Frances who as usual made a terrific haul. You & I had some nice things too. Ba gave us a record token for £1.9/- which will buy 3 records, & she included a list of some of the things in stock last week at HMV, several Mozarts & other desirable things. Peter & Winifred also gave us a record; Carmen suite conducted by Beecham. They were only able to get one record now & will give us the second when its in stock. Mother gave me various things including some fine stockings & a piece of white silk to make a blouse – I can really hardly remember everything. There was such a riot going on & I was trying to cope with Frances's collection as well as mine! Daddy's present was a most interesting book called “Impressions of English Literature” which I think you will enjoy as much as I.
Today Peter & Winifred & Drag have left, so we have been sitting round the fire playing bridge while it pours with rain outside. This evening the Winters are giving a party, so the frolics go on. I must say I'm only running on one cylinder, so to speak, with you not here, & my inside vaguely unquiet most of the time. Nothing has happened to blast my hopes for next August, so it looks as tho' we'll have to pay a visit to the doctor when we get back.
As to your Mother's letter, I shouldn't really bother about it much. I'm not in favour of announcing the pregnancy because it wasn't a main factor, in my mind, in deciding to come here. It seemed to me that Xmas was spoilt for you & me anyway but we could still save it for Frances by my bringing her here, whereas either in digs at Albrington or palmed off on to Bunty, it would have been ruined for her. If you must reopen the matter with your Mother, couldn't you just say that it was you who decided it should be this way, as indeed it was. But I hardly think it’s worth bothering about. I shall probably come into favour again some day, equally undeservedly, & honestly I don't care much, as long as you don't think I've neglected you. You probably know how much rather I would have been with you, in hospital or anywhere else if family ties had not counted. But I feel that Christmas time the children really come first, don't you agree? Frances has certainly enjoyed herself, that's one good thing. So let me know when there's any prospect of you're being let out. If you're going to be up & about but kept in hospital for any length of time, a week or more, perhaps we could come up & stay near you then. I wonder what the prospect of getting digs is like, I suppose the neighbourhood is flooded with Jap chap's relations now. Perhaps you could make enquiries if you're in favour.
As regards my people's income tax affairs, Mother wants me to say that they have had various expenses for painting the house, something over £30 altogether for sundry repairs & she wondered if they get I/T relief on that. If you'll need the actual receipts, let me know & I’ll bring them back with me. Must hurry to catch the post now. I'm enclosing £2 for your pocket money & sundry correspondence. All my love darling. Yours always Ursula