Letter
Ida Carroll, Geoffrey Griffiths
1940

It seems Ida Carroll has written an apology to Griff for being so preoccupied with work lately. He is very gracious, as it "is so very easy to understand and I swear it hasn't disturbed your usual sweet nature."

He mentions books he's recommended - one which she used as a writing desk instead, an (H.G.) Wells volume. He recommends Locke's "House of Baltazar" or Verne's "Round the World in Eighty Days" if she finds Wells too upsetting.

We learn about some of the effects of the Second World War on civilians. Griff admits that being taken unawares by a train whistle in the distance is enough to send him under a table. "It is almost odd to recall the happy pre-war years," but he hopes that "we shall settle down some day, a better world may emerge, if there isn't too much inflation."

He discusses spending time at the travel agency's office in Stockport with their real coal fire and cocoa to drink.

Though he admits he is tired with these nights disturbed by war, he promises not to fall asleep at the cinema, especially as he is "intensely aware of you, my dearest, for I love to sit and walk beside you."

Last time he did sleep, he dreamt of a train ride in the local area and seeing her waiting for him at a station and agreeing to walk with him. He was proper made up.

Ref: CARROLL/IGC/3 GG
With thanks to the Ida Carroll Trust
Date is unknown.

Part of the #NSM2020 project "A 20/20 Legacy: the centenary of the Northern School of Music" supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.