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Stoneleigh Tuesday
Darling Barbara,
I am feeling a bit tired & jaded today - as Sunday evening at the Reads was late & boozy - & I was out again last night. I'm not used to such a rapid way of life. The Reads have a lovely house - & it contains a splendid little bar - & so the booze went back pretty steadily. There were several other people there too, & it was really very pleasant & amusing. Except that it went on too late: I was dependent on another man to run me home & I wasn't in bed until 3-0 am.
Frank - the Menace - was the cause again last night. He took me over to the Rawleys at Nantwich, for dinner. and of course he went on & on jabbering away - & we got back here at 1-45 am. His wife is now staying at the Rawleys - her father having died. My God but she is plain & uninteresting. Small, flat chest, thin, no make up at all, not even powder to take the shine off & dull, ordinary clothes. She looked just like somebody's respectable old maid.
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2. No wonder he gets a bit jumpy when someone like Amy appears on the scene. I think it would be very good idea if he were to tie himself in knot about Miss James.
You will be interested to hear that the Battalion is leaving Rossett on April 21st & going under canvas at a place called Oulton Park - which is about three miles from Tarporley. I am very pleased because I like being in tents, it is so good & healthy - & I shall be relieved to get away from Rossett & Chester. Also all the officers of the AR will be together & so some more choice of friends - it is nice & near to Pattie's - & we should get plenty of golf at Delamere & Sandiway. The C.O's idea is that we shall be there until September - & then back into billets for the winter. In other words - not abroad until next spring. Perhaps you would spend a few days at Pattie's, when you come up?
There was one thing in your letter which I forgot to answer you about. And that was the question of living in Bradford again if I am [not?]
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3. out of the army. Well darling, I don't want you to feel that the minute I go back there, I expect you to to come to Bradford to join me, & find any old house in a hurry, & settle down for good & all.I would probably find a flat or rooms at first & you could come & stay with me when you could - & if and when we did settle again - we should make sure of a house we really like, & in a district we like as much as possible. Honestly I would not like another house like 37 Nab Lane that type is so jerry & characterless a house.
A house like Clearbrook would be nice - solid & well built & a garden you can enjoy.
We are going on a night march tonight - 9-30 to 12-30 - so I am going to go to have a bit of sleep on my bed.
All my love & kisses - darling Harry.
