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Endmoor, 4th December 1940
Dear Mr Farnon,
I hope my letter finds you well. I know that more than a week has passed since my last one and I feel sorry for not getting in touch with you sooner. Winter has arrived here and it’s mostly cold and wet. I miss the snow I was promised when I moved here. I miss the sudden snowfall of the Dales and the frosty nights near the fireplace with Dash and Jess.
I’m afraid Gerald’s sister is doing worse by the day. The doctors have given up on her and are now trying to make her as comfortable as possible. It’s a sad time for all of us and with Christmas arriving it’s even harder. Nevertheless I decided to visit Darrowby for the second weekend in December. I plan my arrival for Friday the 13th. Helen wrote to me that she’s moved back to Skeldale, because she doesn’t want to risk giving birth in one of the upcoming snow storms and I was so relieved to hear she saw sense. I’m so glad you and the dogs won’t be alone anymore. With Tristan getting leave around the same time, I would like to stay at the house - if you don’t mind, of course. I can always stay at the Drovers, if that’s what you prefer. Let me know if any of this is convenient for you.
I look forward to seeing you all.
Yours sincerely,
Audrey Hall
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Darrowby, 7th December 1940
Dear Mrs Hall,
Your letter left me smiling. Of course, you’re always welcome to visit and stay for as long as you like. Helen will be thrilled to have you around and so will Tristan and I.
You’ll be happy to hear that we’re drowning in snow quite early this year. In fact it started snowing two days ago and hasn’t stopped yet. Jess and Dash love it as you can imagine, but I had to bring the Rover inside the barn. So hopefully by the time you arrive there’ll be some snow left for you to enjoy.
It might make you happy to hear that I indeed found a new housekeeper after the first two options left after a few days of trial run. Don’t roll your eyes, Mrs Hall, because you would have agreed with me. We have our standards, you and I, and these standards must be met.
Mrs Collins is a stalwart figure who runs this house like clockwork. She’s efficient and an excellent cook, which means you’ll be in for a treat when you arrive.
How is your boy Edward doing?
Just let me know when you will be at the station and I’ll be there to pick you up. You should always arrive in style.
Warmly,
Siegfried Farnon
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Endmoor, 9th December 1940
Dear Mr Farnon,
I’m glad to hear that you eventually found someone to keep house for you. I won’t mind doing my bit while staying, because I’ve never been someone to sit on my hands. You know I like to keep busy.
Tristan’s written to me about his adventures saving a camel in Morocco and I want to hear all about it from him. I miss the boys more than I can say. Helen wrote to me James enjoys flying but hates to be away from home, especially now that the baby’s due. I can’t blame him, which does not make me less proud of his service for King and Country. On the contrary. It takes brave men like him who protect us all.
Edward is still on his ship and enjoys his work. His letters are always cheerful and optimistic and I hope he truly is and it’s not just him trying not to worry me. He never tells me what he’s up to, but that’s expected. He got a promotion last month and he’s now a Midshipman. Who would have thought as much when he ended up in borstal all these years ago?
My train will arrive around two in the afternoon next Friday.
Yours affectionately,
Audrey Hall
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11th December 1940
My dear Mrs Hall,
I will pick you up at two o’clock sharp - if possible with the Rover. Helen arrived yesterday and has settled in nicely. It felt as if she had never been away from here.
Mrs Collins is instructed to set up your old room for you. Please, don’t be irritated when you find the wallpaper has changed. I’m afraid Dash caused some mischief in there a few weeks ago and so we decided to give the room a renovation.
I’ll see you next Friday.
Yours always,
Siegfried Farnon
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