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Isolde still in the realht still, Isolde –

I have still got the ave Amélie

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I’ve had a bath and borrowed a pair of pyja Yeo Goodness knohat she thinks ofto fly ht I will sleep in this room one more time, in this bed where Julie cried herself to sleep in rey silk scarf But I want Jamie to take this notebook, and ive theht that Julie’s lady mother should be told If she wants to know, I think it is her right to know Absolutely Every Last Detail

I aot the words to say how stunned and grateful I am that I have been allowed to keep my licence

But a part of me lies buried in lace and roses on a riverbank in France – a part of me is broken off forever A part of me will always be unflyable, stuck in the cli Castle

Castle Craig

Aberdeenshire

26 Dec 1943

My darling Maddie,

Jamie has delivered your ‘letters’ – both yours and Julie’s, and I have read them They will stay here, and be safe – the Official Secrets Act is of little consequence in a house which absorbs secrets like damp A few st the teeo unnoticed

I want to tell you what Jaes:

‘Maddie did the right thing’

I say so too

Please co, as soon as they let you The wee lads are all distraught with the news and you will do theood as well They are my only consolation at theto make it a ‘happy’ Christmas for the so perhaps I shall keep them when the war is over

I should like to ‘keep’ you too, if you will let hter’s best friend It would be like losing two daughters if you were to leave us now

Please come back soon Theis always open

Fly safely

Yr loving,

Esmé

PS Thank you for the Eterpen It is le word of this letter has blotted No one will ever knoit!

I do mean fly safely And I do mean come back