Timothy misses you also. He arrived home last Thursday from school crying, telling us that Robert Smith said you were an awful man for being a soldier in the war. His father is a conscientious objector and he is going to prison soon for being one and saying badly about the war and the soldiers. He will never be half the man you are Father, for being so brave and fighting for Britain.
We still go to church every Sunday to pray for you. Father Williams mentioned Mr Merryweather's son, Winston, in mass yesterday. Apparently he didn't make it back. He must have got lost when coming back from the pub. We prayed for him and all their family that they find him soon and that they will still be strong and happy without him. I hate to see my older sister upset, but Julia was crying so much when we prayed for Winston Merryweather. She loved him dearly and they were engaged to be married! She told me that we won't see him again but I still pray that you and Uncle Philip help find him. She cried and cried and told me we are still lucky to have you. I think she just means to be in contact with you, but all the same, we are lucky.
Julia is growing into such a beautiful young woman Father. Her hair has grown half way down her back and her beautiful blonde curls are so bouncy! I look up to her very much, as she is always smiling and she is so caring. Just the other day she helped Timothy when he fell and cut his knee and she cleaned it all up for him. She was so calm with him, even though he had been crying so much is face looked like he had ate lots of lemons! I couldn't imagine that I'd ever be so helpful and kind as Julia, she is just beyond great! She walks me to school every morning and we giggle and talk all the time.
Oh! That reminds me Father; we have been doing art classes in school and painting things from this century! Everybody chose things about the warm but i decided to paint the Titanic. The teacher said that i was very imaginative and I'd done very well to include detail! Our classroom is not dull and grey anymore, but covered in paintings of soldiers and weapons! Rose, the new girl in my class, made fun of me though and said the only reason I didn't draw soldiers is because I don't know what it is like in France. She made me wonder, what is it like? You never tell us much of where you sleep or live Father! I would like to know more, please do tell!
Timothy and Julia were at the market with Grandma today, so I decided to stay with Mama and clean and bake. We were having so much fun then Grampa told us to be quiet because we were louder than fireworks and he couldn't hear the radio. He is really rather boring now and is always so tired. He just sits in that dull grey armchair of his, and is as still as a statue sometimes. He says his old friend Arthur is hurting him in his bones, and he is always feeling sick. Mama says he hasn't long left and that makes me sad. I hear him in his sleep sometimes. He calls your name and cries for Uncle Philip. I heard him shout once, "Not my boys kill me instead." You aren't going to die, are you Father? You are my best friend and I need you to come home alive!
I have to go now, it is bedtime and I need a good night's rest. With this letter, we send our love, and presents for you! I do not know if I will be able to write to you before Christmas, but I send all my wishes to you. Goodnight Father, I love you and miss you dearly.
Love your darling 10 year old daughter,
Daisy.