Work Text:
1st March
Dear Mr Farnon,
How was the trip down to London? I hope your train journey was alright. I do worry about you and Richard in London at a time like this.
How is Richard? How's the college? How's the research going? Quite the change of pace for you! Are you missing all the death-trap gates, stubborn farmers or muddy fields yet?
Things are well here. Tristan and James had a little squabble last night over who gets to drive the rover. They settled it with an arm-wrestle. Tristan won, James said he cheated (which he did) so they're having a rematch later over a game of cricket. They've asked me to umpire. They've both been buttering me up all day, Tris said my lunch was a triumph (it was just bread and cheese) and James is currently sweeping the hall so I can ‘put my feet up’. Long may this last.
Helen sends her love and little Jimmy called me ‘dre dre’ last night. He's such a clever thing.
It's ever so quiet here without you hollering ‘Mrs Hall, have you seen my …?’ every five minutes. Speaking of which, if you were wondering where your brown hat is, you left it here you daft man I’ll send it down.
It's a bit odd writing to you as I'm so used to seeing you in person. Still, you’re only going to be away for three months. I should enjoy the peace while it lasts.
Stay out of trouble,
Mrs Hall
7th March
Dear Mrs Hall,
Your letter was a burst of sunshine on a particularly damp day here in London. I enjoyed reading your words very much. Thank you for sending my hat - I thought I left it on the train. I would love to assure you that I'm keeping on top of all my possessions but it took me 17 minutes to find my good pen to write this letter, so don't think I have a leg to stand on. (It was on my bedside table, in case you were wondering).
How clever of Jimmy to be saying your name. I do hope he doesn't forget me by the time I get back.
The train was fine, I don't think I've taken the train since Evelyn was alive. We travelled down to Bournemouth for a seaside holiday once.
I apologise for not sorting out who is in charge of my car before I left. If the boys can't sort it out among themselves then I, Siegfried Farnon, leave you, Audrey Hall, in charge of the rover until my return.
Richard has sorted out a nice room for me, in the same house as him. It's large enough, furnished and warm. It reminds me of when I was at college which is a long, long time ago now.
There is a housekeeper, Miss Brown. She is young, slightly intimidated by me, and has quite the soft spot for Richard. Not that he's noticed. I must say, I can’t imagine Miss Brown scolding me about muddy boots or my lack of tact any time soon.
The research at the college is absolutely fascinating and it's a privilege to witness Richard in his natural surroundings. He’s settled in exceedingly well and is far better suited to lab work than practical work. At the minute, I find myself quite unable to miss our cantankerous farmers. I do, however, miss our dogs very much.
I agree it's odd writing to each other, although I enjoyed your recent letter much more than the last letter you wrote when you resigned.
Give Jess a pat from me. Dash too.
I’ll do my best to stay out of trouble. But it usually finds me.
Your friend,
Mr Farnon
15th March
Dear Mr Farnon,
How did you ever cope without me to find your things? I distinctly remember on our first meeting you asking me if I'd seen your glasses. I didn't quite know how to tell you they were on your head. I should've known then I'd spend the best part of a decade finding your misplaced things.
We have had a bit of a bad week this week. Candy, Helen's horse, took a turn for the worse. James said it was time to put her down. You can imagine the row, can't you? I took little Jimmy while they had it out. Helen was adamant she wanted a second opinion, so Tristan had a look when he came back from Doncaster.
Sadly he agreed that it was best to put her down. James did the deed. Helen, Jenny and Mr Alderson are upset, but Helen and James seem to have made peace.
It does mean, however, that the car squabble has been forgotten and James and Tris are being very nice to each other about the whole thing. Every cloud has a silver lining as they say.
Robert and I went to Bournemouth once. Wouldn't it be odd if we had been there at the same time?
The letter I wrote when I resigned was not much fun to write, either. I wanted you to know how I felt. I didn't want to leave anything unsaid.
Jimmy won't forget you. I talk to him about you all the time.
I'm glad you're settling into your new home and work. What makes you think Miss Brown is intimidated by you? Have you tried being nice to her?
I've got to get on, it's Sunday and I'm off to church in a moment. I'll let you get on with your day without me prattling on.
Best wishes,
Mrs Hall
23rd March
Dear Mrs Hall,
Sadly, I barely remember our first meeting. Although I do remember being extremely irritated with you that you had rearranged the pantry in your first week. I even told Tristan that I was going to have to let you go. Luckily for all of us, you were making your famous shortbread that day. One bite and I knew it would be madness to let you go. I probably shouldn't have told you that, but I've written it down now.
I was sad to hear of Candy, and sorry I wasn't there to help. I've popped a little note in for Helen, if you'd be so kind as to give it to her please?
I very much enjoy you prattling on. I'd like nothing better right now than to sit down for a cup of tea with you and put the world to rights.
I think, perhaps, we're both a little guilty of leaving things unsaid.
Of course I was nice to Miss Brown. I’m afraid I cannot tell if you’re teasing me by letter (I can barely tell when we’re in the same room) but I am delightful company and am renowned for being easy to get along with.
I am finding the research work fascinating, it challenges me scientifically, in a good way. You know I'm terribly fond of Richard, but working in a whole office of Richards is exhausting to say the least.
Your friend,
Siegfried Farnon
PS Richard tells me that Miss Brown has asked him out to the pictures. He politely declined, of course. I must have a word with him, see if I can talk some sense into him.
28th March
Happy Birthday!
We thought the card would remind you of home, in case you've forgotten us all. Tristan says he hopes Richard will treat you to a drink or two later.
There's some shortbread for you in the tin. I've been saving up sugar rations to make them properly. They're not the same otherwise.
Many happy returns,
Mrs Hall, Tristan, James, Helen and Jimmy.
PS. Please don't lose the tin. It's my best one.
2nd April
Dear Mrs Hall,
Thank you ever so much for the card and the shortbread. I shared them with Richard over a cup of tea and we had a good time reminiscing over Skeldale House. As if I could forget any of you. Although please tell Tristan we went out for a proper drink and talked about women.
Tell me about your ARP duties. I do hope you're keeping Bosworth in line.
Work is going well. I've adjusted to a life of working in research, although I do find myself yearning to go outside. Particularly on a day like today when the sun is shining.
I took a stroll through the park yesterday. The daffodils are out. Tell me, are the daffodils out at home? I always think they look their best around the river up by Kiplin Bridge. Tristan fell out of a tree there once and straight into the river. I thought for sure I’d lost him but he just bounced back up as though it hadn't even bothered him. Typical really.
I am sending the tin home. I do not trust myself, and would rather not incur your wrath when inevitably I lose it. I hope it finds you safely.
Your friend,
Mr Farnon
7th April
I found this postcard in my tin of cards and thought of you. I'll write properly soon - it never stops here! Best wishes, Mrs Hall.
12th April
Oh, to be in Yorkshire
Now that April's there,
And whoever wakes in Yorkshire
Sees, some morning, unaware,
That the lowest boughs and the brushwood sheaf
Round the elm-tree bole are in tiny leaf,
While the chaffinch sings on the orchard bough
In Yorkshire - now!
Robert Browning, Home - Thoughts, From Abroad.
Granted, I had to change the words from England to Yorkshire, but the sentiment still stands.
I eagerly await your letter. Yours, Mr Farnon.
18th April
Dear Mr Farnon,
Firstly, I owe you an apology for not having written properly for a week or two. It's been extraordinarily busy and every time I sit down to write, something else happens. I reckon I've got a good hour before the next disaster strikes so here's hoping I get through this.
Thank you for sending the tin back. You're right - you would have incurred my full wrath had that gone missing.
It's funny you should ask after Bosworth, as he's the reason I'm so busy. He came off his bike on his night rounds (didn't see a pothole apparently) and hurt his ankle. So guess who's been taking on all his warden responsibilities? Yes, you've guessed it. Me.
At home we've had to split cleaning between me and Helen, and the cooking between me, James and Tris (when he's here). Although it's hard as James is busy with lambing, Tris away most of the week and Helen's busy with Jimmy and the victory gardens. I said to James he ought to dock my wages, but he wasn’t having any of it.
I've been doing most of the night rounds plus some other bits and pieces during the day, and I’m in charge of all the other wardens! It's not quite what I had in mind when I signed up, but it reminds me of my days in the Wrens. It’s good to feel useful.
Most of the work has been ok, but a week ago I was called out to look at something one of our planes had dropped in a field. I called Bosworth and he said I needed to check if it was dangerous before I did anything else. I rode up there and it was an unexploded bomb! So I had to call the Home Guard, cordon off the area and keep folk back until they arrived. You won’t believe how many daft beggars came to gawp at it. The Home Guard dealt with it after that. They managed to deactivate it without detonating it. Bosworth was quite put out to have missed all the excitement.
They wrote an article about it in the Yorkshire Post. I’ve enclosed a clipping.
My blood just runs cold thinking about how much worse it could have been if it had been dropped in Darrowby, or it had exploded.
I missed you that evening. I like our little chats when I come back from my rounds.
Best wishes,
Mrs Hall
PS. I've just read this back before I send it and it's not a very cheerful letter. Sorry. And I've not answered your question - yes the daffodils are out and looking lovely. I walked up Kiplin Bridge with the dogs the other day. I like hearing about Tris as a child. Although I am worried about him. He seems in good spirits, but he’s drinking a lot since he’s been back. Has he said owt to you?
I haven't heard from Edward for a while either, I pray he's alright.
A telegram dated 29th April
We heard about the air raid in Kensington. Are you alright. Reply when you can. Mrs Hall
Another telegram dated 1st May
Please get in touch. We are all very worried. Mrs Hall
A telegram dated 3rd May
Richard and I are fine. I will try to telephone tomorrow evening. Mr Farnon
5th May
Dear Mrs Hall,
It was lovely to hear your voice on the phone yesterday. Once again, I am very sorry that I worried you. I am assuring you once again, that Richard and I were unscathed in the air raid.
Speaking of Richard, he has just arrived at my door seeking my opinion on which bow tie to wear. Apparently he has asked Miss Brown to the pictures, inspired by our recent brush with danger.
I’ve got your last letter open in front of me - please don't apologise for not writing a cheerful letter. You never have to pretend with me, Mrs Hall. Besides, I know you quite well and have become attuned to when you are pretending, so it doesn't work on me anyway.
With regards to Tristan, yes I have noticed his drinking. He was painfully shy as a child - as was I believe it or not - and I once gave him my ‘magic mask’. Simply pop the mask on and it will give you the courage to face the day. Sometimes, I think he took my advice to heart and doesn't quite know how to take the mask off any more.
As for Edward, let's assume that no news is good news. It's hard to write at sea. I'm sure he'll be in touch as soon as he can.
The contents of your last letter worried me. An unexploded bomb? I couldn't bear it if something happened to you. Please be careful (I realise you're rolling your eyes at me and pointing out that I am the one who just survived an air raid) but please try.
Although that being said, I am exceptionally proud of you and your actions. And what a smashing photo of you in your uniform in the Yorkshire Post no less! I’ve put it up on my desk at work as a reminder of home.
In other news, work has been rather impressed with my conduct over the last few months and they’ve offered me the opportunity to extend my stay here for a further six months. I’ve yet to give them my response. On one hand, working here stretches my scientific mind like no other - something that is lacking at home. On the other hand, I find myself pining for Darrowby.
Write soon, if you can, with news of home. I do enjoy picturing you all. Jimmy toddling about, Tristan, James and Helen enjoying tea in the kitchen, you writing to me at your desk and keeping everything in order.
Your friend,
Siegfried Farnon
11th May
To All at Skeldale,
Went to the Zoo today. No orang-utans, which was a shame, but I enjoyed the zebras. Thought Jimmy would like the card. Yours, Siegfried.
16th May
Dear Mr Farnon,
I can look after myself, you know that. And Bosworth’s ankle is on the mend now, so he’s looking to take charge again, much to his delight.
You’re quite right about Edward. But it doesn’t stop me worrying.
I think perhaps both you and Tristan are guilty of not knowing when to take the mask off. We’ve said more to each other in a few weeks of letter writing than we have in eight or nine years of friendship. It's easier to take the mask off and to say the unsaid things when it's in writing, isn’t it?
Personally, I’d have you back tomorrow if I could. Tristan, Helen and I have been playing Scrabble together and Tristan cheats worse than you. I’ve got too much of a soft spot for him to call him out on it, so he always wins. I need you here to help set him straight.
James is alright, he’s very busy at the moment. I mentioned to him that you were thinking of extending your stay (I hope I didn’t overstep the mark) and he said he may have to hire an assistant if you do. I’m sure you remember how hard it is on your own. Although, give him his due, Tris does chip in and help with the vet work when he can.
But don’t let us hold you back, these are our problems not yours. We miss you too, but we’ll still be here when you return, whether it's in a couple of weeks or six months time.
Your image of me writing to you at your desk is wrong. I should set you straight - I’ve been using your desk in your study. I know I should’ve asked, but it helps me think here. Volonel is scurrying about in his cage and I can’t help be reminded of all the times I’ve caught you chatting or singing to him when you think no-one can hear you. I’ll stop if you don’t want me to be here though.
Best wishes,
Mrs Hall
PS. Jimmy loved the postcard. It’s on the mantelpiece and he says ‘oo-oo’ to the monkey whenever he sees it.
24th May
Dear Mrs Hall,
Firstly, you feel free to write to me wherever you’re comfortable. If that’s my study, then I honestly don’t mind. Quite the opposite in fact. I find it rather charming to think of you there. Besides, Volonel could use the company.
Your words - we’ve said more to each other in a few letters than we have done face to face in years - struck a chord with me.
Forgive me, I don’t think I’ve been entirely honest in these letters.
The air raid has got me thinking. I know I said it wasn’t too bad, but the truth is, if I was one street over I might not be here writing to you now. Richard and I spent the night in a tube station.
It’s been quite some time since I’ve been that afraid. And what was I thinking about? My safety? Richard? Miss Brown? No, Mrs Hall, I was thinking about you. Wishing you were safe, wishing I could spend the evening with you. Maybe we’d spend it reading quietly, or playing cards, or listening to the wireless. It wouldn’t matter, so long as we were doing it together.
I took this job in London because I’ve had a sense that I’m missing out. Tristan served in Cairo, James learnt to fly, Helen became a mother, Richard started working in research and you joined ARP. This opportunity came up and I thought - Carpe Diem! Seize the day. Go to London, take a new opportunity. Grab life by the hand while I still can.
Since I’ve been here, I feel that perhaps I’ve left all the best bits of my life in Yorkshire, and I’m in the wrong place entirely.
I’ve missed Jimmy walking and talking. I’ve missed the daffodils in Darrowby. I’ve missed all the little arguments, board games and dinner times at home. I’ve missed playing cricket with Tristan at the end of the day.
Being here, I’ve been challenged professionally in ways I’ve not known since I first qualified. I’ve been caught up in the air raids. I’ve watched Richard and the housekeeper, Miss Brown, fall for each other.
Mrs Hall, I’m afraid I can’t keep the unsaid things between us to myself a moment longer.
I find myself thinking of you when I shouldn’t. I keep your photo on my desk. Your letters are the best part of my day. I want to call you Audrey. I want to sign this letter ‘yours always’. I want to gather you up in my arms and show you exactly how much you mean to me.
I’ve turned down the opportunity to stay on for a few more months. Richard was a little disappointed, but I think he’ll be fine. I’ll be home on Saturday 31st, I expect to arrive at the station at 12.10. Send one of the boys to pick me up, if they can.
I don’t know whether you return my feelings. I understand it’s an odd situation given that I employ you. You have my word that no matter how you feel, or where we go from here, you will still have a job and a home at Skeldale, and you will always have my friendship. Even if you turn me down, which would be entirely understandable.
Please don’t think of me as cowardly for putting this all in a letter, but as you say, it’s far easier to write these things down than admit them face to face.
Perhaps, if you are amenable, I could take you out for dinner? Or a picnic? Or to the pictures? Just us.
There’s no hurry for an answer. Take all the time you need. I won’t even bring it up unless you do.
Your friend always,
Siegfried
On Saturday 31st May, thirty minutes after he arrives home, Siegfried finds his last letter tucked into his jacket pocket. At the bottom, neatly written in reply is:
Meet me in the yard at half past. We’ll go for a walk up Kiplin Bridge. Just us. Make any excuse to get away. It’s selfish, I know, but I want you to myself for a bit. Love, Audrey x
Around 5 minutes later, Siegfried discreetly drops his reply into Mrs Hall’s pinny pocket. She can’t suppress her smile as she reads:
You have me.
Yours always, Siegfried.
x