Doug’s Letter to Edith
Transcript of a letter written by Douglas to Edith on 9th January 1928
The Cedars
Netherby Road
Honor Oak
Monday 9th January
My dear Edith.
As promised here is the letter telling exactly what my feelings for you are, & how very much I love you.
You must realise that I’m telling you things that would be extremely difficult to say in words but as it is in writing, I feel decidedly more plucky.
First & last you are my whole existence – you will not think this is an extravagance on my part when I tell you that you are in my thoughts first thing in the morning & last at night – and also that any decent thought or action of mine is governed by you; my little guardian angel! I say to myself “Edie would not like me to do that or she would certainly approve of this”, so you see for yourself what a beautiful influence you are having upon me.
Should like to mention at this juncture that although I am, admittedly, of a passionate temperament my love for you is quite untainted and very pure; think you ought at least to know that.
To describe to you how you appear to me would be very difficult, so difficult that I refuse to spoil your very sweet nature by making a complete failure of it; but when I recall your quiet little face, so like a nun when in repose, but when you smile I don’t think you really know what havoc you could bring about.
However it is not that for which I love you most, it is your other side which appeals most I think; you say often to me that you are selfish, yet you are always doing something for other people; you say that you are jealous, and here, may I mention you have my sympathy & complete understanding. It may comfort you to know that if you are very jealous you also have the power to love very much, and I know that you possess that. If you have any other fault I don’t know of it and if you have you are far above a poor devil like me, you are the best girl that I ever want to meet.
Poorly though this letter may be expressed please be kind & read through the lines & realise how very sincere it all is. I have my dreams like most people & I even dare to dream that one day you will be my wife & mother of beautiful children. Please forgive me if I have said too much but knowing you as I do, am sure you will understand. Well, I’ve said most of the things I wanted to say & possibly said more than should have been said, but was anxious that you should fully realise exactly what you mean to me.
You will be doing me a favour if you keep this letter & do not burn it, which fate it probably deserves, at least it will be a memory in time to come; a happy memory!
Good night darling
ever your Douglas.
