CHAPTER SIX – BEREAVEMENT AND ENGAGEMENT
The day before my father arrived at Stowe Cottage to be reunited with my mother a telegram arrived from Canada - sent by Grandmother Gabielle and addressed to Mim.
The telegram read: “Oh Mildred, my darling Lionel died today Wednesday, September fifth at four twenty P.M. Tell Christiane gently.” and was signed, Gaby.
In fact, as I discovered in one of my father’s letters sent later that month, Mim obviously decided that it would be better if my mother heard the news from him.
Grandfather Lionel was aged just 56 when he died suddenly in a hospital in Sault Sainte Marie, Ontario, after being taken ill on his way with Gabrielle to attend a Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF) CCF conference in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
His party colleagues and members were left “devastated and in despair” by the loss of a dynamic leader, who at the time of his death was being suggested as a candidate for the Canadian national parliament, where his bi-lingual skills would have been a decided asset.
A highly emotional editorial in the Alberta Labor News stated: “In a very real way, Lionel Gibbs laid down his life in the great conflict against the forces of evil. He died while storming the battlements of oppression and greed. He was fighting to attain a new world for his fellow men. Tonight I think I hear him as he throws back to us who are left the challenge:
“Take up the quarrel with the foe:
To you from falling hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep…..”
A subscription was raised to have his portrait painted, although its whereabouts remain unknown, and the city of Edmonton came to a standstill on the day of his funeral, with flags at half mast on all public and many private buildings.
Meanwhile his heart-broken daughter was thousands of miles away in England, grieving for the loss of her inspirational father, whose companionship she had treasured during her early adulthood.
My mother was also finding that, although in Canada she could have had her pick of teaching posts, her lack of the relevant qualifications in England was proving a problem and she had resorted to advertising in the Truman and Knightley careers journal.
She wrote of her feelings in an achingly-sad letter sent to my father, when they were once more parted, and sealed it with a soft pink lipstick kiss.
Handwritten letter with photo postcard of the couple walking down a wide pavement – mentioned in the letter?
Sep. 24, 1934
Monday
My darling,
Good-night my man. This has been a disappointing day but the thought of you has helped such a lot. You know I was feeling depressed and suddenly it seemed to me that I heard your voice say
“Enjoy things, little girl, for my sake.”
It was a funny sensation and I felt if so distinctly.
Exeter is definitely off. I am sending you the card. It seems hard to think I was just too late, for sent an express letter on the morning I received the notice and Truman and Knightley’s are supposed to be prompt. Fate seems so cruel lately, giving you hopes just to dash them to the ground. In any case I am going to make the best of things and smile because I am your woman.
I would so like a job, something to fill in the blank hours. I suppose it is getting late for more Truman and Knightley notices.
I wonder if Miss Ackland or others would know of any opening anywhere.
I do so want to be courageous and sometimes it seems so hard. With Daddy has gone all my childhood. No news of Mother, no news of Eric and I am afraid of so many awful things.
I suppose I am being a bad girl again but my darling, you are everything to me, the only one to whom I can really talk. For the sake of others, I have to appear cheerful and I succeed quite well but with you, my darling, well, there never will be any secrets.
Then, when I have been very silly tell me to be good and I will find it so easy to obey.
This morning I drove into Pershore with Uncle Hugh. We left the car at the garage and walked back I the pouring rain. I rather enjoyed it as I had my mack and a big umbrella.
After lunch I made lavender bags, knitted and went on reading “This Little World”. I then went round the village with Auntie Mim, calling at the policeman’s where I claimed the photo. They did not enjoy Blackpool as the weather was bad, besides she prefers Bournemouth better class of people!!!!
Good-night my big man, what a comfort to be able to come to you with everything. In life one does need somebody who is really just another part of oneself. That is the only thing which really gives courage.
Red lipstick kiss
Christiane
Typed letter.
Envelope addressed to Miss Christiane Gibbs, at Stowe Cottage, Great Comberton, Pershore, Worcs. Date stamped 17 Sept 1934.
To back of envelope is the LONGINES
The Office,
Monday evening.
My Darling,
It was kind and thoughtful of you to tell me the news so quickly this morning, especially as you must have realised how much I was thinking of you and wondering how you were faring. I cannot bear to think of you being put into competition with other people. As if they could possibly be any better or cleverer than you ! If Miss Stuart does not give you the post, I shall put my curse upon her. It was lovely having the extra helping of jam this week-end zzzzzzzzzzz, and I thought when I received Uncle Hugh’s telegram this morning that there might even be a little bit more, but alas, the pot was empty.
I have written to Auntie Mim, and also to Mr. P-B., and I told him that when, we would both like it to take place at Great Comberton. That should gladden his little heart. Eileen arrived this afternoon with Joan, and we all went up to Exeter to meet them. Fortunately, it was at the other station. I don’t think I could have stood the other one again to-day. My Darling Girl, I may have told you before, but I think you are the bravest and most wonderful little girl in all the World, and I am not in the least bit prejudiced, just rather critical. Bless you, my darling, for the happiness and joy which you bring to me and to everyone. You are indeed a light to lighten the Gentiles, and if only other people would follow your example, the World would be a far better and brighter place than it is. I have just come from a swim in the Pool, and you were very much missed, not only be me, but by everyone there. You see, you are becoming quite an institution here at Exmouth. Gouverneur is being very good just lately, and is allowing me to do exactly when I like. He does his way, and I go mine, and as long as we do not interfere with one another, we are both quite happy in our own spheres. I am gradually educating him to see that I am, in fact, a separate entity, and not merely a shadow of his own illustrious self. Your patent “licker” is a great success, and has been put into operation several times already. It is quite an asset to the office and it’s bright blue goes well with the scheme of interior decoration at the office. I am going to get him on the trail of that £100. 0. 0 You watch the way I go.
Good-night, my lovely girl, and one great bit kiss for you.
Always your own loving man,
Jeffrey
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As my mother was requiring references for a possible teaching job, my father decided to lighten her increasingly desparate mood with a spoof offering.
Typed envelope (not addressed) says,
When I had done a few copies, I
Though that perhaps another
Would be useful to you.
Letter says:
COPY.
Dotheboys Hall,
Yorkshire.
1st April, 1956
I am only too pleased to recommend Miss Gibbs as a particularly useful French mistress, since she can speak Welsh as badly as English, and, in addition, has fluent German, Dutch, Hindustani, Spanish, Yiddish, Chinese, Italian, Greek, Swahili, Russian, and, above all, Esperanto.
Fortunately, I have not employed Miss Gibbs, and I really know nother of her or of her family, but I should not imagine that she would be very successful with her teaching, in which she does not appear to take the slightest interest.
Miss Gibbs’ appearance is very much against here, and her manner leaves a great deal to be desired. Moreover, I have not been able to find the slightest trace of Miss Gibbs” birth, and she would make a very welcome omission from any teaching staff.
(signed) WACKFORD SQUEERS.
(One time) Headmaster.
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Typed letter
Envelope address to Miss Christiane Gibbs at Stowe Cottage, Great Comberton, Pershore, Worcs. Date stamped 18 Sep 1934
The Office,
Tuesday afternoon
My dear One,
I am having a very busy day to-day, but never too busy to write to my own darling little girl, who means so much to me, and who is now all my life. I expect you will have been glad of the rest to-day, because, after all, you have had rather a strenuous time lately, and between now and the beginning of term you must take it easy, and don’t worry about anything. Always let me know if you do have any worries, and perhaps, between us, we can straighten them out. In any case, I may be able to help you. How do you like the blue paper. It is a new line I am trying for the office, and I think for ordinary notices and suchlike it will brighten them up a bit. I have just duplicated 750 circulars on paper like this, and they have come out very well. I am writing a little sketch upon the lines of the story I told you the other day about the drunk man, and I think that as a ”curtain-raiser” it will probably be quite effective. I will send you a copy of the script which I have finished it. Eileen and Gouverneur have gone to Sidmouth this afternoon, and have taken tea with them so you and I will have a little tea all of our own. I have go a safer strap for the Longines, and the man in the shop told me that the watch was the best make it the World, so there must be something in what you say. I am so hoping that the news will be good tomorrow, but, in any case, don’t worry about the job, as it is only a temporary one. Of course, I think you should get it, as I can hardly imagine anyone else having the qualifications which you possess – even a female Solomon - . Little Girl, I have a feeling that I shall be seeing you quite soon again. I don’t know where or when, but the idea it always at the back of my mind. We may go to Taunton Races tomorrow, and I shall be hot on the trail of that £100. 0. 0 for the side-car. I think that, all things considered, a black one would be the best, and you could then wear bright colour berets as a contrast.
The beastly Conservative Women are coming into the office for a Meeting now so I must close with a big kiss for my wonderful little woman who is all the world to me – and that’s not the half of it !
Your own (big ?) man,
Jeffrey
___________________________________________________________________
Handwritten letter
Envelope addressed to Miss Christiane Gibbs, at Stowe Cottage, Great Comberton, Pershore, Worcs. Date stamped Exmouth 20 Sep 1934. On reverse of envelope J.G.1-24.59
The Office,
Thursday afternoon
My darling
The time has come round again for our little talk together, and each time it comes it brings to me renewed happiness and increased love for my very own little girl. That is one thing that neither time nor space, nor humans, gouverneurs, or any other of the creations of the Prince of Darkness will ever be able to take away from us. Of course, it is not just as we would wish it to be, but then, winter only exists to induce the thought of Spring and Summer for us. I always think of us in all matters now, except the very trivial ones, and really, except in grammar books, you and I do not make a plural, but only a collective singular, and we have decided – haven’t we – not to create a plural, for some time to come at any rate.
I am reading a book now call “The book of simple Delights”, and I could easily add several chapters to it, only the book is finished and I am afraid that the auther might object.
Gouverneur has been very obliging of late. He has decided that, for the benefit of his health, an afternoon rest is not only highly desirable, but absolutely essential, and the fortunate circumstance gives me a clear field at the office. Not like you, my dear one, having to resort to wobbly tables, and, in certain extreme cases, still more wobbly knees.
Last evening I stayed in the house while the others went to the cinema. Someone has to be in because of baby Joan, and so I used the time profitably by practising the ukulele, and by putting the finishing touches to the scheme I am submitting to the meeting tomorrow night. When they came back, I went up to the Beacon to see Bradshaw about the play he is producing, and which I am to stage manage. He offered me the chief juvenile part in it, but really I have not the heart to do any more acting, as the last play I did was when Mother was so ill, and the performance actually took place after she closed her eyes, and – well, I suppose I am funny that way.
To-night I have to attend a Meeting of the local branch of the Junior Conservatives, which is being held in the big room at the office. You know, the one that witnessed some remarkable scenes between you & me.
Longines has been telling me for the last quarter of an hour that it is tea-time, and he is really rather an insistent old man. I often think that when a watch or a clock stops it must be because his beard (?) has got mixed up in the works.
Good-bye, my own darling girl, and shall we have one of our little rendezvous at 4 o’clock tomorrow afternoon? Your photograph says “yes”, as I shall wait for you.
Your loving man
Jeffrey
P.S. Have I written a lot of nonsense this afternoon, or do you like pleasant fantasies?
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22J
Handwritten letter
Envelope addressed to Miss Christian Gibbs, at Stowe Cottage, Great Comberton, Pershore, Worcs. Date stamped Exmouth 21 Sep 1934. On reverse of envelope J.G.1-24.59
The Office,
Friday afternoon
My darling little Girl
You tell me that there is a possibility of your coming to Exeter and then say it is not a real letter.
Well, that sort of letter is good enough for me anytime, and you need not let your modesty prevent you from writing many more of the same kind.
Gouverneur is getting quite excited about the chance of you securing a post near to Exmouth, and keeps on asking me whether I have heard anything.
How is poor Auntie Mim? I should so like to have the latest news about her always, and whether there is any chance of her having treatment or of using some sort of instrument which might help her.
To revert to the thought which is uppermost in my mind, and that is Exeter. Do you realise that it is only 20 minutes away from Exmouth, and if the worst came to the worst, I could walk it in just over two hours, and cycle it in considerably less. Of course, I do not know the character of the position, but from a purely selfish point it strikes me as being a gift from the Gods. I am so glad that we were able to fit in that time together at Stowe Cottage, as now I am able to picture you in all the things you are doing. I hope Uncle Hugh will be more careful driver in future, because he carries a very precious burden now and really it is just as easy to go round corners upon the correct side, as it is to take them on the wrong.
I had a very nice letter form your friend Payne Brown (?) this morning. He has got it into his head that I told him that he had done you some good spiritually, whereas, what I really said was that you had a great regard for him. A somewhat different position. Anyhow he says he will be very pleased to tie the knot when the time comes. What an extraordinary idea it is. The knot is always tied a long time before, and the ceremony only covers the alliance with a veneer of respectability. I am enclosed P.B’s letter, which you may destroy as soon as you have read it.
All my letters, my dear one, will always be yours – except perhaps bills.
When shall I hear definitely about Exeter? I suppose if you get the job you will be starting almost immediately. Is it resident or not? There is a splendid train service from Exeter to Exmouth!
L'absence diminue les mediocres passions et augmente les grandes, comme le vent eteint les bougies et allume le feu.”?
Google translates as: "Absence diminishes the mediocre passions and increases the great ones, as the wind extinguishes the candles and lights the fire."
Good-bye, my darling
Your own loving man
Jeffrey
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Handwritten letter. Addressed to Jeffrey Gibbs Esq., 63 St. Andrew’s Rd., Exmouth, Devon. Date stamp on envelope 25 Sept 34, Pershore
Stowe Cottage
Saturday
Sep.22,1934
My darling
Good-night my own man. Here I am once more in my little room, all alone with you and the wobbly table.
I left you this morning when my courage was not so good. I had so wanted to hear from Exeter, but in any case your woman will be brave.
I wanted to register the letter with these clippings so I took Billy’s bicycle and rode off to Pershore.
It is a funny old bike. One seems to be very far from the ground just as in those high wheel affairs of the gay nineties.
Half way to Pershore it began to rain and it poured. Coming back I was riding against the wind and it is quite up hill so I got all the exercise I needed. Of course I got rather thoroughly soaked, but rather enjoyed it. I was wishing I had your big yellow “impermeable”.
This afternoon it rained for several hours and I made lavender bags for Auntie Mim. Two of the nicest are for father Hunt’s vestments, and I felt it was rather a waste of dainty stitched and blue organdy.
After tea, we went off to call on Mrs. Lewis, one of Auntie Mim’s invalids and we had a rather hectic time. We arrived to find the rector and his wife who had just arrived.
Auntie Mim would not go in then, and we were retreating when out came Mrs. P.B. I tried to explain things to her, none to easy, and at the same time Auntie Mim was almost in hysterics wanting me to write down what she was saying.
Mrs P.B. tried to talk to to Auntie Mim who became flustered and ?????? and I thought there was going to be a row. Finally I got Mrs. P.B. to understand that as Auntie Mim couldn’t hear it would be better for us to wait outside till they had gone. We waited, and waited, Auntie Mim getting more and more excited and at the same time not wanting to put off the visit. Finally I went in to see how things were and discovered the P.B’S had vanished long since by a different exit. Auntie Mim then came in and was a bit pacified as I wrote down all the old lady said. Oh me, oh my! What a life.
Uncle Hugh thinks that perhaps the lack of English references has hindered me, so from now on I am going to throw names at them, including P.B’s poor man!
We spent a rather peaceful evening. I went on with the lavender bags, decorating Hunt’s with red crosses (am I getting good!)
Poor Auntie Mim! I do hope her hearing comes back.
Uncle Hugh says that the doctor wants to wait at least a month before beginning treatment.
Good-night, my darling, tomorrow Sunday, I hate Sunday, not letters and they play such an important part in my life now. I suppose that this sounds like a bad little girl, but I am very good all day and well, I need to relax in your arms now and then.
“Bed for girls””
My own dear man
-red lipstick kiss-
Christiane
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Handwritten letter in pencil
Envelope address to Miss Christiane Gibbs at Stowe Cottage, Great Comberton, Pershore, Worcs. Date stamped 24 Sept 1934 Exmouth
635 Andrews Road
Exmouth
Monday
My own darling little Girl
Three letters to-day, and I feel such a very bad boy because you did not get one at all this morning. The fact is that I am laid up with rather a heavy cold (no! nothing serious) and as I have three meetings at the end of this week, I want to be fit and well for them. This is my annual cold, and once it is over I am alright for the rest of the year. The only person who seems to enjoy my colds is Gubbins, and he has been on my bed all day. I am afraid he is a little drunk, as he has had quite a lot of my hot milk with brandy in it. My darling, you do seem to be having a hectic time, and are you being brave?
I am sorry about this letter, but I shall hope to be up tomorrow and will write one of my usuals.
Meanwhile, just bear in mind that I love you more than anything else in the world.
You very own loving man
Jeffrey
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26J
Handwritten letter on paper embossed with 63, St. Andrew’s Road, Exmouth, Devon.
Envelope addressed to Miss Christiane Gibbs, at Stowe Cottage, Great Comberton, Pershore, Worcs. Date stamped 25 Sept 1934
I must get some envelopes
that fit when I go out next.
Tuesday afternoon
My own darling little Girl
Here we are again, downstairs now, but not yet back at the office. I am very much better, and it is a good thing that I went to bed when I did. Colds have a nasty habit of playing funny tricks sometimes, and I have got to take care of myself now that there is someone else concerned. Really I have not had such a bad time of it. Plenty of books and papers, and, above all, a good slack (?).
I am very annoyed to think that you have received no replies from the schools. What is the matter with everyone? They seem to have no manners at all. Eileen sent on a letter to you this morning from Paris, and I expect it was from your cousin, Olga the Beautiful. Little girl I have been thinking things over, and I can’t help being amazed the wonderful courage you displayed when I broke the sad news to you, and all through that lovely time when we were together. It must have been a terrible strain for you to keep it up, and I can well imagine that you may now feel something of a reaction. Please don’t hesitate to tell me if I can help you at all in your sadness, and remember that your man is a good deal wiser now, and realises that radiators always work better when you have let off the excess steam.
My dear One, you do not have to act with me and if it would ease you to pour out your heart to me and tell me all your troubles, you know you will always have sympathy and understanding from me. I realise now, that I should not have spanked you on lots of occasions, and the foolishness of it lies in the fact that I spanked you for loving me too much. I should be spanked really for not understanding.
I am so glad the scarf is getting on so well. No, 14 inches is not a bit too wide, as I always double them over. You will be pleased to hear that I got my scheme through at the Drama Meeting the other night, and, as we always thought, I have been made secretary. I have appointed a small sub-Committee, consisting of Joan, “the freelance”, Alice McLintock, you know the one who wants to see everything in print, and another man, not on personal grounds, but because I feel that they will all do something. All the others have gone off to Exeter this afternoon, and I am by myself – with you, my loved one.
Little girl, things will sort themselves out very soon, and in any case you and me are strong enough to weather the storm.
Until tomorrow, my darling.
Always your own loving man.
Jeffrey
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27J
Typed letter.
Envelope addressed to Miss Christiane Gibbs, at Stowe Cottage, Great Comberton, Pershore, Worcs. Date stamped 26 Sept 1934
The Office,
Wednesday evening.
My own darling little Girl,
I was so glad to get your letter this morning, for it told me exactly what I have wanted to know about how you are feeling about the many troubles which have been poured upon your head the last few weeks. It seems rather, doesn’t it that my letter which you will have received this morning, was in anticipation of what you have told me, and it now remains for both of us to find some remedy. I cannot imagine what has happened to your Mother and Eric. Of course, they must both have been very busy, but, even then, they might have found time to send you details of their plans for the future, and they must have received your cables, and, by now, the various letters which have been sent. I suppose what it is, is that your Mother, being as unselfish as yourself, has got it into her mind that she does not want to do anything to overshadow your happiness, though the truth is that our happiness lies in her happiness. As to your own dear self, I shall have to do some hard thinking, as I am afraid that a school is out of the question for this term. It will, of course, make you a lot easier in your mind when you know what is happening the other side of the water, and you will then be able to make your plans accordingly, so, until then, it does not seem to be very good deciding upon anything very definite.
My Darling, I suppose that, except for being with me, you are as happy at Stowe Cottage as anywhere else, and I know for a fact that, as far as they are concerned, there is no question of your trespassing upon their hospitality. You see, I am so very helpless being right down here, and there is not opportunity of having a talk with you, but after next Monday, we shall be able to speak to each other quite often over the telephone, as the new rate will only be One shilling per call, instead of 3/6d., as now. I hope so much, little girl, that in spite of all these worries you are keeping well in yourself, as mental strains like these have a habit of taxing rather heavily one’s physical resources, and you must let me know how you feeling each day so that I shall not worry about you on that score. Just say “Fine”, and I shall know.
I am very much better now, and I have been at the office to-day. I am just off to Honiton now for a meeting, and I have to call at Sidmouth on the way over to pick up some of my constituents. My darling, there must be no blank hours, as far as possible, and I expect you could guess how I shall fill in my blank ones. (No, not the ukulele).
Good-night, my dear One, loving you and having your love is all I want, but I should like to see you happy once more. Tell me how I can do it.
You very own loving man,
Jeffrey
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Handwritten letter
Envelope addressed to Miss Christiane Gibbs, at Stowe Cottage, Great Comberton, Pershore, Worcs. Date stamped 27 Sept 1934.
To back of envelope is the code J.G. 1-24.59
One more blot won’t hurt Mrs S’s letter
So I have put another on it
The Office.
Thursday afternoon.
My own darling Girl, Oh what a day of joy to hear your own sweet voice again. I don’t think I have ever enjoyed the telephone quite so much, and that in addition to two letters this morning. When I think about that Malvern woman I get quite incoherent, and really feel like tearing my hair with rage. Beastly old hag! I suppose she wants someone more like herself. She is evidently ashamed of herself or she would not write such a damned poor letter. These wretched people always think in terms of their own incapacity and poorness, and if she thinks you are too young I think she is a silly old fool.
I am so glad you have had news from Canada, though I still cannot understand why you have not heard from your own people. Anyway, it must be a great relief to your mind to know that Mother is alright and that your worst fears have been unfounded.
I am afraid that, in spite of all my big talk this morning, I shall not have time to do your stuff to-day, but I will send it off as soon as I can. I will duplicate a fair number of each, and if, as I hope, you do not require any more, we will make paper darts out of them, and throw them from the top of Great Comberton Church.
I am so sorry about the writing, but I have left my proper pen at home. I like the new notepaper very much. It is a big improvement, and looks much more substantial.
When you were ‘phoning this morning, the Gouverneur very tactfully went out of the office, which I though was rather decent of him.
My darling girl, I love you, and love you and love you, and love you, must now leave you to get some more work done.
Goodnight my darling and good-morning too.
My love for you never wavers.
Your loving man
Jeffrey.
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Handwritten letter.
Envelope address to Jeffrey Gibbs EsQ., 63 S. Andrew’s Rd., Exmouth, Devon. Date stamed28 Sep 1934. Something written on the stuck down flap – fragment reads, a …. a perfect……girl….good
I have Thursday evening
donated my trunk Sep. 27, 1934
to the P.B’s. I
Took out all my things.
today, furs smelling of moth balls, a nice black
dress and a blue evening dress.
My darling Man
How wonderful it was to hear your voice again, even if they did cut us short after 3 little minutes.
It was such a relief to know that Mother was all right that I felt quite reckless when I got into Worcester this morning and I thought I was going to be really extravagant and indulge in a phone call to Exmouth. We must do that often when the new rates come in, it is so good to hear your voice talking to me once more.
I hope that your cold is all over and that you won’t worry over your bad little girl. She is going to be so brave and she is feeling “fine”. How can she feel otherwise when your dear letters come every morning?
To-day Auntie Mim and Uncle Hugh went to Wichenford and they left me in Worcester, where I had 2 hours to myself. You know the first thing I did; after that, I set off to find a hat as the beret contributes to my youthful appearance, drat the people! I found such a pretty hat and I doubt if it is much of an improvement on the beret, but I am going to stay young all my life if I can manage it, and I’ll pull old man Fate’s whiskers till he does give me a break.
The hat is a dark brown felt which will go well with my fur coat.
Continuing my wild career I bought some brown leather gloves and some suede shoes with rubber soles, I badly needed something for the wet weather as I seem to have lost the black overshoes.
This afternoon I had tea with the Browns and I think they may put in a good word for me if they hear of anything.
I spent the evening washing the blue sweater, washing dishes and knitting.
Whatever happens, I am going to make the best of things and smile because I am Mr. Jeffrey Gibbs’ woman.
I do feel that at present I may be a help here but I do hope something will turn up.
If you hear of anything, little boy, you might see if there is an opening for me. You are energetic to have already begun those copies, thank you so much, but you should not have hurried, you must still be feeling tired.
No, of course, my own man, I will not let the hours be blank. I always seem to find plenty of occupations.
This, however, will always be the hour I like best. Alone with you, no humans, just you and me, me and you.
My darling, I am really happy, for to have your love is so wonderful. Everything you do brings me happiness. Your letters help me to face each new day with a smile and a knowledge that I can come to you with my troubles comforts me so much.
Old man Fate will never get the best of a woman who belongs to Jeffrey Gibbs, remember that.
Good-night my darling, take care of yourself.
I am so happy in your love, it makes up for everything else.
-lipstick kiss-
Christiane
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30J
Typed letter – mentions returning of cable – see document 27+ telegram
Envelope addressed to Miss Christiane Gibbs, at Stowe Cottage, Great Comberton, Pershore, Worcs. Date stamped 28 (or 29) Sept 1934.
To back of envelope is the code J.G. 1-24.59 plus this handwritten list in pencil (Christiane’s writing)
Eckington 8.05
Ashchurch 8.34
Bristol 10.00
10.35
Exeter 12.13
The Office,
Friday – after tea.
My darling little Girl,
Thank you so much my dear for sending on the cable, which I am returning, and which, as you say, tells us a good deal of what we want to know. Don’t worry about schools or jobs or anything like that. These things have a habit of straightening themselves out when we least expect them, and I do not want you to wear yourself out rushing around. As I said over the telephone the other morning, be guided by what Uncle Hugh says. He is a very astute old bird, and can do a great deal if he sets his mind on a thing. I will, of course, make what enquiries I can in this neighbourhood, though, as you will realise, it is rather late for this term. I should not go rushing into other jobs if I were you.
I am feeling like you just now – fine, and have quite recovered from my cold, and feel much better now that the wretched germ is out of my system.
I am making very good progress with the ukulele, and have learnt some very pretty solos, and I am now only waiting for an audience.
I have accepted a lot of engagements to speak during the coming months, and shall be kept pretty busy with one thing and another, but ever too busy to think of my darling, who, every day, seems to occupy a bigger place in my life.
Uncle Hugh must be very glad to have you around the place just now. I only wish I were in his place.
Exmouth is very deserted just now, and will be as quiet as the grave until about next May. I cannot imagine existing in this place if one did not have plenty to occupy one’s mind, but I am not going to allow the place to ”get” me.
Eileen is doing a good deal of the driving just now. It is a change for her and she enjoys it.
Little girl, it is so hard to talk to you of trivialities. You are so vital to me that I want to tell you of my love all the time, and it is difficult when one has to do it from a distance. You and I were meant for each other, and nothing in the world is every going to stop us having one another when the time comes. I am so glad that I set my standard high and waited for you. Think of what I might have missed if I had done otherwise.
All my heart is concentrated in these words – I love you, my darling and will always love you for ever and for ever.
I have always longed for an aim and an ambition, and now my aim and ambition is to do everything I can to make you happy and to make you glad. No effort is too great to make for your sake and no sacrifice too large. My pride in you and my respect for you are only exceeded by my love for you. Bless you, my darling.
Until tomorrow,
Your own loving man,
Jeffrey
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31J
Postcard to Miss Christiane Gibbs, at Stowe Cottage. Great Comberton, Pershore, Worcs. Date stamped 1 Oct Exmouth and 2 Oct 1934 Pershore. Address crossed out in pencil (Christiane’s handwriting?) to 63, St Andrews Rd, Exmouth
Exmouth
Monday
1-24.59
I will meet the train which reaches Exeter (St David’s) at 12.13.p.m. tomorrow Tuesday. Unfortunately there is a certain well-established etiquette with regard to the writing of post-cards, which forbids me to say more.
JRG
By now my father had obviously decided he could wait no longer, so one day as they picnicked down their favourite country lane with the fingerpost pointing to Salcombe Regis he proposed and my mother delightedly accepted.
My father was so ecstatic he hurled his cup at the fingerpost - they must have known the further family upset that their engagement would cause, but maybe by now they did not care.
On their arrival back at the house in Exmouth, the maid declared: "Master Jeffrey broke a cup." and Grandfather Raymond greeted the news of the betrothal with obvious displeasure.
But the sweethearts had an ally in Marion Lewis-Taylor, the wealthy widow who had entered Grandfather Raymond’s life after the death of his wife two years earlier.
She told him in no uncertain terms: "If you don't leave those young people alone, I won't marry you." - so he relented, albeit reluctantly, and the arrangements for the long-awaited wedding began.
J c?????? date around the end of Sept/early Oct see mention of Eckington in 30J – did Christiane return the same route? Though in 23C Christiane mentions having to write down things for Auntie Mim (Sept 34)
Handwritten letter.
Envelope addressed to Miss Christiane Gibbs, at Stowe Cottage, Great Comberton, Pershore, Worcs. Can’t read the date stamp.
Code to reverse J.G. 1-24.59.
The Office
Wednesday afternoon
My own Darling
It is such a joy to be able to sit down and write to you each day, and however busy I am I shall always make time to send you just a note. The day does not seem complete without this little bit of time with you, and I am thankful that in the afternoons I can get peace and quiet and so be in the right atmosphere when I meet you. It was wonderful of you to have found the time to write me such a long letter, after what must have been an exceptionally tiring day, culminating with the long walk from Eckington, but you see little girl, I do not marvel at it because I know you so well. When I look at other girls and compare them with you. I pity them.
I am afraid the swimming season is now over – for me at any rate. I had a swim last evening, but the water was very cold, and to-day the weather is rainy and miserable, so I don’t think I shall trouble the Pool again. In any case, it closes for the season on Saturday, so there are only a couple of days left.
I have got a Committee Meeting on Friday night at the Beacon, to discuss details about the proposed Monthly Readings in connection with the Drama League, and I think we shall carry the idea.
By the way, I don’t think I should accept the principal part in that well-known production “A September Morn”, if the temperature were as low as it is to-day.
It is certainly very sad bout Auntie Mim, and things must be pretty bad if you have to resort to drawing funny pictures for her. I am very much afraid of the permanency of it, as I have known similar cases.
I was reading one of the letters you wrote me from Paris, just now, and it is only too plain that we must both have known, even as long ago as that, but we were both fencing with one another, and were not sure how to make the next move. It was bound to happen sometime, my love, and the cup episode, although it precipitated matters is comparatively unimportant, as other similar opportunities would, of course, have presented themselves. I am so very glad about it all, especially as it came at a time in my life when what I needed was someone like you, to stimulate, encourage, and at the same time comfort me.
Do you get my letters by first post always? If not, please let me know, and I will post them at a different time. I like to think of you getting them in the morning. Also, in future, I shall always try and write the letters. I feel you are worth much more ffort than the typewriter entails, and it is such a lazy way of doing things. I can’t make the excuse that my writing is not legible, as you have often assured me that it is.
And now, good-bye my own darling little girl, and remember, the good time we have had together are mere shadows of what is to come. Just an aperitif as it were.
Your very own loving man
Jeffrey
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With the engagement now official, my mother decided that the best chance for her to find a job in Devon would be to take temporary digs in Exeter.
32J
Handwritten letter on Honiton Division Conservative & Unionist Association headed paper.
Envelope address to Miss Gibbs, St. Clair, Richmond Road, Exeter, date stamped 16 Oct 1934, 1pm
16th October 1934
My Darling
Thank you so much for your sweet letter.
I shall look out for the “ad” in tonight’s paper.
Very good Meeting last night, and I spoke for 50 minutes by the clock. You were there all the time. Don’t go overworking yourself.
I am very busy, but not too busy for Thursday night
I expect it will be about 8.o’clock.
All my love
Gander
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33J
Postcard addressed to Miss Gibbs, St. Clair, Richmond Road, Exeter, date stamped 16 Oct 1934, 5.45pm
Exmouth
Tuesday.
Have just seen
Your advertisement in the paper. The wording is O.K. but the punctuation is wrong.
There should be a full stop after Diplomas in French, and a comma after conversation.
It will then read. Diplomas in French. Conversation, beginners and children.
I should get this put right first thing tomorrow morning.
Luv (?)
JRG.
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4 x Postcards addressed to Miss Gibbs, St. Clair, Richmond Road, Exeter. Also an empty envelope date stamped 2nd Nov
First card has an illegible Nov date, second is 7 Nov, third is 19 Nov and fourth is 26 Nov.
Some reversed words towards the end.
Ottery St Mary
11.50 am
One thought is uppermost in my mind:-
“The memory of One is perpetuated in the life of One”.
Luv JRG
---------------------------------
Exmouth
Wednesday
I should not like to miss the last, which I hope will be the last to Miss.
Thirteen was always my lucky number, so twice thirteen should bring a double dose of luck. The appropriate greeting is impossible until after 7 o’clock, but nevertheless……….
JRG
___________________________________
Exmouth
Monday
I think I left a copy of “The Cat’s Cradle” in your room. It is a cloth-covered small yellow book.
Will you please bring it with you tomorrow without fail, as Joan wants it.
I have arranged for you to have a meal here before the show. Comme je t’aime!
JRG
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(written in pencil)
Exmouth
Monday
I expect it will be sometime between 11.45 and 12.15 tomorrow for a few minutes.
Can you be in?
I evol ouy os hcum, tub I tonnac tup ti no a drac-tsop.
JRG
__________________________
Postcard addressed to Miss Gibbs, St. Clair, Richmond Road, Exeter
Date stamped 6 Dec 1934
Exmouth
Thursday.
Sorry about tonight, but Guvnor has decided that he must attend two Whist Drives, so naturally where the “star” is, there also must be his satellites. Tomorrow I am addressing a Meeting at Sidmouth.
Ieggif ffud I evol uoy erom dna erom. Noos I llahs tsrub.
JGF
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2 x Postcards addressed to Miss Gibbs, St. Clair, Richmond Road, Exeter. Also 2 x empty envelopes date stamped 30 & 31 Jan 1935
First card has date of 3 or 8 Jan, the second is 17 Jan 1935
After the reversed words on the final card there is welsh for Wales Forever ?!
The Office
6pm
Sorry about tonight, but the supply of jam has been exhausted. Only temporarily, of course. Re. tomorrow. I have to drive Gouverneur to Taunton, and shall not be back until about 4 o’clock.
You come down when you like, and make yourself at home with kind Alice. I suggest you could usefully employ your time in drawing a life-size representation of yourself in the process of figgy-duffing. Doog thgin, ym gnilrad. Cymri am byth.
JRG
The Office,
About the same time
as yesterday.
My own darling Figgy,
I am almost certain now that I shall be able to come up tomorrow evening, and will arrive about 7.30 so that dear Miss Mosely will be able to have her full time. (Give her my love.). I think it is almost equally certain that you will be able to come down here, as usual, for the week-end, so that on Saturday, I should call for you after the football. I have been working with Guv’nor, and I think I have go you “in good” with him again, if that matters at all to you, which I do not think is the case. However, for our own purposes, it is more convenient that we spend the week-end together, so we will not say any more about it. I have made arrangements for you to go to the Musical Festival at Sidmouth on Wednesday next, and after the show you must come back to Exmouth and spend the night there. That is, of course, if you deign to grace our humble habitation!
New Wednesday, I have to go to dinner with Sir Edward Cave, before the show, so that if you can make your own way to Sidmouth it will help everything. I have reserved a seat for you at the show, and, of course, I shall be there and be with you most of the evening. To-day has been a very busy one at the office, and it looks as if it will be an equally busy evening, as we have no less than three shows this evening. One at Uplyme, another at Sidford, and a third at Broadhembury, the residence of the (worth) member of parliament for this Division, although (*and I can hardly say it for sobbing) he will not be there to-night.
I have just been faircopying an article by one of our people on a visit to Canada and the States. I think you met the gentleman at the Dance at Seaton. His name is Allhusen, and his middle name is “Union Jack”. You will be able to read his stuff, as we are printing the whole of the article in the next issue of the magazine, which I hope you and I will take to Honiton on Saturday evening. The Guv’nor is going to ventilate the question of my salary when Miss Acland comes to tea tomorrow, and this is a step in the right direction, as she has a good deal of influence in the Division and can pull a good many strings.
“As pants the hart for cooling streams”. I like this line, and should like to rearrange it. What about “As screams the heart for warming pants” ? Sorry, it is the best I can do at the moment, and I can only think of that when I am sitting down.
THOUGHT FOR TO-DAY “ I love you” (please note that his is to be retained every day through the year and until further notice – Editor) Now I come to think of it, you can put pants on your hear, can you? I have heard of the expressing “My heart was in my boots”, but I have never heard “ My heart was in my pants” Perhaps I am thinking of the proverbial kick.
What a lot of drivelling nonsense! I hope you won’t keep this letter among your archives. Just imagine this coming to light in about 50 years’ time.
I must fly now my darling (you see how agitated I get), as we have to start at 5.15.
Your own for ever and for ever . . . . . . …
. . . . ..ad infinitum.
Duff
37J
Typewritten letter.
Envelope address to Miss Christiane Gibbs C/o H.E. Wood Esq., Stowe Cottage, Great Comberton, Pershore, Worcs.
Date stamped Exmouth 1 Aug 1935
The Office,
Thursday
5pm
My Darling,
You have waited so patiently for a letter from me, and, in spite of what you said, that you did not want me to write to you, I know that this was only your usual unselfishness, and it would be my selfishness if I did not write to you.
Such a lot has happened since you turned away on Sunday last. I cried a bit, but not very much, as I remembered that you had promised not to, and I felt that it would not be playing fair if I did.
I had a very easy run home, via Tewkesbury, Gloucester, Bristol and (I am sorry to say) Weston, where I stopped for lunch. It was not very nice there, as there was a high wind blowing, and also it seemed to me that the place had altered a very great deal since I was there last. I cannot quite explain what I found to be different but no doubt, you could help me over this. I did not have a swim, but, instead, went on to the Pier, not the one where we went, but the Old Pier, which is some way away, and I had a deck chair and went fast asleep for about an hour.
I left Weston about 3.30 and drove straight on through Bridgwater and Taunton and on to Honiton and home. Everyone was out when I arrived, so I made myself a copy of tea and had some of your cake, which I think is the best you have every made yet.
Since I came back I have been working very hard indeed, and, although I have managed to get in a swim every day, I have really had very little spare time, and have worked nearly every evening.
Monday was rather a special day. I happened to be passing along the Strand, close to where your sandals came from, when I hear someone calling me. I turned round and the voice said to me (“it’s ready”), and beckoned me into a shop close by. Once inside the shop the owner of this voice bade me extend my left hand, and when I withdrew it Lo! And Behold! To my amazement and delight I found a band of light, surmounted by a glittering gem, encircling my little finger. He said that it was for me and that I could keep it, and when I asked him from whence it had come, he said that a lady of a loveliness unsurpassed had commanded that it should be for me. Oh, lovely lady, if indeed ‘twas thou by whose command this priceless gift was bestowed upon me, my gratitude shall ever be never-ending, and I will wear it all the days of my life, and, if that be possible, even after life itself.
The Division of property at home is still proceeding, and I have acquired for you a rather good and still more useful coffee set. Auntie Flo has sent a Pyrex in a stand, and from the Division I am getting a wallet and a sum of money (uncertain at the moment).
“there is a young lady called Stokes,
whose mention my anger evokes.
I hate her like Hell,
And her husband as well,
……………………………………..
Let me have your suggestions for a suitable last line. No prize is offered.
I shall have to have a chat with Eileen about any invitations to be sent to any people here, and I will think over the matter of a suitable Hymn, not so easy as thinking over the matter of a highly suitable Her.
I am sending your sandals to-day, and will dispatch your bicycle as soon as the holiday rush is over.
I had lunch at the Var yesterday, and I saw a letter she had received from a certain party. The writing seemed vaguely familiar, but perhaps it was a trick of the light.
Oh, my dear, this is such a rotten letter and you deserve such a good one. As I believe was once said by a very distinguished gentleman :- “I don’t want to write to you; I want to hear you and see you and feel your touch”. My darling Figgy, of all Figgys the best, wind your watch up twice a day, and see if it will make it go any faster. It is …….let me see……3,456,000 beats of my heart, until you and I will be joined together for ever and ever and ever, and, believe me, I have never wanted the summer to be over so quickly before.
My Darling, I do love you so very much indeed and if I seem silly at times, you will understand, and not blame me too much. Everyone loves you, and, no that you have gone, they have told me how they admire you, heaps and heaps of people.
All my love to you, my loved one, and focus your attention on one day and one day alone, and wish hard with me that the time may soon go by.
Your very own,
Man
P.S. How’s the troub’ ?
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Typed letter
63, St. Andrews Road , (liar)
Exmouth,
Devon.
September, 1935.
My Darling,
Will you please, if and when you have time, complete the enclosed two forms, and I will then hand them to the newspapers concerned.
I also enclose your season ticket for the Football and a fixture card, because, now that you are a SUPPORTER, you must know what is happening.
Now comes what is to me the most disagreeable part of all! As you know they are getting a presentation up for me in this Division, and it will anything in the region of £50.0.0 (Eileen got £100.0.0). As you also know this presentation is not to take place until we return. What I am trying to say is “Will you advance me £25.0.0 to ver the expenses of our honeymoon, and I will then repay you after the presentation”.
Oh! Jeffrey, Shame!
I have got together about £12.0.0 of my own, but I am afraid this will not be enough. So if you could very kindly accommodate me, I should be very grateful.
Thanks goodness . . . that is off my chest now. It has been worrying me for some time, and I have been putting off and putting off speaking to you about it. Was there ever such a marriage? The Bridegroom having to borrow money from his Bride for the honeymoon.
Darling, you don’t mind, do you? I hate having to ask it, as you know, but there it is.
Naughty Figgy, for buying more handkerchiefs. They are lovely ones, though, and just like silk.
I think I shall send the ring to you by registered post a few days before, in case I should forget to bring it with me.
All my love to my Lovely Lady,
Your own love,
Man
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Jb???
Handwritten letter on embossed paper 63, St.Andrew’s Road, Exmouth, Devon.
No date
Ticket 47571 Exmouth U.D.C. Swimming Bath, Adult bather 6d. – to the reverse is a special offer at Braid’s Pharmacy, 13 The Parade, Exmouth.
Saturday. 6.30pm
Dear my Girl
All letters and enclosures have arrived safely, each one more welcome than the last.
By the way, would you be at home on Sunday morning next, if a gentleman called to see you. I think he is rather anxious to have a word with you, but he can only stay until after tea.
Let me know if this is convenient and I will tell him
I did so enjoy my swim with you this afternoon, and I am sending you your ticket which I think you must have dropped.
Never have I realised as much as now, how absolutely essential it is for a man to have a mate, and I cast envious eyes at every couple I see. Nothing seems the same, when you are alone, not even baths or beer (?) of sea or country or car or all those lovely things we can only do together. Hells Bells! I am getting morbid.
I am busy house hunting just now, and I am not sure yet whether it will be a self-contained flat or a week bungalow.
At all events, I must get some nice home to which I can bring my bride, and, according to the custom of my tribe, I must carry her over the threshold.
Don’t let that dentist fellow hurt you. Tell him that if he does there will be trouble.
Goodbye my own lovely lady (can you hear me say it)
“My Lovely Lady”
Who grows lovelier every day, and whose sweetness and love has been the greatest thing in my life
Your own loving
Man
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