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13 May 1942
Dear Lady Nolan,
Please accept my sincere apologies that I will be unable to attend this afternoon’s committee meeting. I am indisposed.
If you will please defer the announcement of the fashion show until our next meeting, I will be able to bring a full accounting of the dressmakers who have agreed to show garments, as well as other press lists and other materials.
Yours faithfully,
Mrs. Hugo Pearsall
13 May 1942
Dear Mrs. Pearsall,
It was more than inconvenient to have to change the agenda of the War Widows’ Fund committee meeting at the last minute. However, when I received your message sent by courier I was left with no choice. I expect a full accounting of the work you have completed on 27th May. I sincerely hope that your unexpected absence will not set back the committee’s fundraising efforts.
Yours faithfully,
Lady Nolan
May 14, 1942
My darling Izzie,
I am very sorry for your friend Nancy. I cannot imagine what it must be like to lose the person you love like that.
This war is too cruel for words.
I only have a few minutes before I’m due on the road, but I wanted to write and tell you I promise I will do everything I can to stay safe. I would never want to jeopardize the chance to see you again.
Ever yours,
Jack
May 16, 1942
My dearest Izzie,
We have finally stopped moving for more than what feels like a half an hour, and I wanted to apologize for not writing and let you know that I’m thinking of you. In fact, I have not stopped thinking about you since I received your last letter, which is no change from the usual, but now it feels weightier. None of us know how much time we might have during this war. Let’s not waste it.
I have a special favor to ask you. Do you remember my friend Sergeant Ben Martin from the dance at the Assembly Hall? Well, we ended up on this assignment together, and when he found out that you and I had gone out he wouldn’t stop talking about your friend Alexandra. He thinks she’s a knockout.
What do you think about a double date? You and me and your friend Alexandra and Benny? We could go out this Friday if you ladies can get permission to leave base.
Let us Yanks lift your spirits a bit.
Ever yours,
Jack
18 May 1942
Dearest Jack,
If anyone should apologize for not writing, it is me. The truth is that we’ve been rushed off our feet recently. One of the mobile balloon units temporarily assigned to our area (I’m being careful, censors!) has been redeployed, so now there is twice as much work for us to do as we manage our balloon and theirs. We’re all exhausted, especially with Nancy gone on bereavement.
Nancy is never far from my thoughts, but neither is Sylvia. I keep turning over in my mind all the memories I have of her, examining them in a new light.
