July 24, 1947

Tuesday

Dearest Doc,

The above is just a gentle reminder - I didn't receive a letter today.  Of course, I should give you a royal going over. It is still so very cold. I'm sure you have read about the cold wave that has hit the midwest - Ok, so you don't read my letters. Anyway, I'm out in the back yard in my read woolies trying to steal some heat from the stun, which is trying it's damnest to come out.

Oh yes- I really am sorry you are not around - you are missing a lot of fun.  Elixir had to leave today she will be gone until Friday and Carl and I are keeping the home fires burning. Carl really is a lot of fun when in his sillier moments - and we have fun having them.  We are taking turns doing the cooking and it is a big laugh. He is almost as bad as I - which is really bad- I have just found out. I can't cook. Doc - do you mind?  Shredded wheat for you. That is along with bread jelly twenty times a day.

I suppose my many duties interrupted me for it is after dinner and we are listening to the Berkshire concert - so my thoughts are of you.

Really, Doc, if I don't see you soon I shall go bats - and what would you say to that??  Imagine what your friends would say if you cause a "nice young girl" like me to go haywire.  Do you know what to do about that - Hop in that plane and come here - leave note "gone to see Annie" I'm sure your father would understand, wouldn't he? After all - we are only young once. That is a very weak argument. We are only  young once. perhaps if I tell you I love you and need to see you badly, soon - please come.  What do have planned for August?

I wish I would hear from you. It seems such a very long time since i've heard from you and it only was yesterday.  Tomorrow I should have a letter, you must have written Sunday. Don't you think I have been very good? Say yes!

And word today - my brother is home from Alaska - That is all.  I'd like very much to see him, guess I will, he may stop here on his way back.

K-2 reporting for more flying time.  Frankly, that record is pretty bad. Listen - if you'll ever get one in the air you really won't be able to do much flying. I'm going to establish the world's record - That is with your expert help.

I'm trying to read Bernard Shaw. Notice I said trying.

July 22, 1947

Sunday

Dearest Doc,

I'll be a good  (  ) and write to you today. There really is nothing new - I love you but that's old stuff. Let's see how long have I known you?  That's how long from the first night - even though , I acted rather badly the first night. I can act like a lady, you know that but I feel so good when you are around, really nothing bothers me, it's wonderful. Nothing seems dull, dark or of little value. You are good so me, Doc. If only I can do as much for you, I'll try - In fact, I do try. I'm completely happy with you, we have had so little, Doc, our happiness is really just beginning. 

I really can't say I have done much of anything since you were here. I have tried to do some reading - unsuccessfully, with you, you have taken my powers of concentration.  I don't mind, you have replaced them with something so much better than what can be gotten from stuffy old writers.

Tomorrow is Monday and the mail can't come fast enough. I shouldn't expect a letter because it is such a disappointment when I do not get one.

Monday

Frankly I don't know what happened to the remainder of this letter yesterday.  Thank you for the letter - The cards are very nice - as are the letters.

This may be too short and dull but I want to get this off before Elinor goes downtown. Really, Doc, you can't be serious about not receiving any letters. Saturday I know you didn't but soon you shall receive a bundle. I have been writing honestly - How could I keep from writing?

I hope you are considering coming here soon. I believe Jo will be here, so the three of us should have some crazy fun.  I'll be a good girl, you don't even have to kiss me if you don't want to - just sit around and look handsome. How is that?

I'll continue sometime later. I don't know who or what is responsible for all the interruptions - forgive them - I hate being interrupted - with trivial things. Let's see why was I saying? Seems I've said enough already.

Oh there are several cases of mumps in Faresh Park, oh boy, I hope I get them. Wouldn't that be sweet?

It has been very cold - Why aren't you around? Perhaps I'll have to engage a Westinghouse - second though, you had better rush right down.

Doc, are you suspicious of me - why would I want to have any secrets?  Don't you think you know everything?  It really is very funny - it is so simple. What a big joke on you - Rounds - I really can't write you but I'll tell you why. Don't let your imagination give you the run around.

Elinor has to leave now, so I'll drag this on and give you no peace. I really have nothing to do right now so you'll have to stuffer - Stop here and throw it away - the letter, I'm referring to.

Guess you wouldn't be interested, but the invitation is good anytime.  Perhaps you remember my speaking of "Mother" Goodrich, one of the nurses.  She has invited us up anytime - see she knows about you.  She is the one who sealed my letters SWAK. Her husband has been taking flying lessons. They both are gems. The most generous two people I have ever met, their home is humble, but the most welcome place I have ever been.  I feel more at home there than at home.  Is that hard to understand? It was rather strange well as she became labeled "Mother Goodrich" She had been doing many wonderful things for me so she was one mother to be remembered on Mother's Day.  She really was thrilled to know I remembered her.  She said, "you'd make me so happy if you'd call me Mother Goodrich, as I want so much for my daughters to be like you." She has three - Boy she is wonderful and I'd like so much for you to meet here - So, Doc, please say you'll come.  What have you planned for August?  Please, no work!  Some wife I'd make - not wanting my husband to work - But I'll change with time.

I miss you, Doc, so very much. Seeing you was good for me - but now I am unhappy it was for such a short time and you are so far away. I can never express myself completely through letters.  I need you around to do that - express myself completely. After all, it's the added attraction that counts. 

You should see the position I'm in. On the couch per unusual, the kids are sleeping. Oh peace, it's wonderful. I wrapped in a long blanket - who said it wasn't cold?  Why aren't you here? I feel like I am coming down with the mumps so you had better rush right down.  I need a good nurse.  One who really is an expert on making a bed with the patient in it - you really are wonderful.

Excuse me - I really have to go - for now!  love you! I must get this letter finished I shall post a "do not disturb" sign out.

Gosh, this weather - you must come to Indiana and heat the place up - will you? What was that your father called your mother when they were first married? Hot-something? Oh yes, I remember now. We won't go into that!

Carl is going to mail this - must close

Be good and write

Love Always,

Precious

Flap note - To compensate for this terrible letter, I send many many kisses - Maisie 

July 19, 1947 (Saturday)

Saturday

My dearest Doc,

My, what a serious letter it was - the one I received this morning. I am glad you have been doing some serious thinking. But promise you won't do too much!  It is a glorious, wonderful feeling being in love with you. Doc Rounds, What have I done to deserve it? and everything will work out beautifully well. Really, Doc, we have no desperate problems.  Firstly - of course, I shall come to Boston - Because I want to be with you and also get to know your family and have them get to know and like me.  Do you think they will?  Nothing is really difficult if we do it together. What do you think?

Also we have no religious p problem - yes it would be easier if we were of the same religion - But we aren't - so we shall face reality and go on from there.  This would be so much easier if you were here, please come. It does not matter to me what my parents think - you are the one that counts. But I am getting off the subject - I really have no right to ask you to turn Catholic and I wouldn't want you to if that is what you did not want to do.  Religious is important to me - perhaps because my parents have always been so strict - but it is not my entire life, if so, I would dash off and join a convent.  We could still have our religion if we were married. Are you, or have you proposed?  If you don't - guess I'll have to be the aggressive one and do it. Really, Doc, I can't wait for "leap year."

I'm sorry, Doc, but tell me of a person who can forsee the future - Alone, do you know what's ahead? You're wonderful if you do!  What do you see for me?

Doc, I don't care what Elinor or any other sister of mine has done - I know what's good for me and also, what I wand to do with my life. We are all individuals. Yes, it was an unfortunate experience for Elinor - not for the family though. There are no scars, unless one looks might long and deep. Elixir has a wonderful life now and is very happy - Don't you know that?  It was all wrong - from the start - she was only 19 - out for excitement - which sh got - but that has nothing do to with us - If I hadn't told you about that you'd have never known - so what would you have thought about?

We can't say we know a little about each other - That is not so. We know enough to be in love. You do love me - don't you, Doc?  Gosh, I love you I'm so sure of it.  To think the first time I tell you it would have to be via mail. Oh hell, why aren't you here? I would tell you it a million times.

Excuse me - I have just retired to the back yard. Carl has been given me a bad time. Really, the sun feels good it has been quite cold and rainy. Why aren't you around? Are you getting anything out of my letters? It is all so simple when you are around. Listen my pet, why don't you come, in August and I could go back with you - to stay in Boston for the winter or forever - as we see fit. California can with.  We can go together - you see, you are the important one in my life - the thing, the utmost is for us to be together, "Together" that's my theme song form now on.

As for knowing my family, you have met most of it - Elinor has really been a mother to me. Strange, but I really have never been very close to my parents. Dad may be very difficult to understand. I'm all too serious.  Let me tell you - I love you.

Thjis has been bothering me. Why do you say you feel sorry for me? You haven't changed your mind, have you? Doc, don't do anything you don't want to do, really. I'm being honest with you. I love you. Is there anything else I can say? Don't feel sorry for me. I don't need sympathy. That is not what I want!

No, I don't know what you mean, yes, we have cheated ourselves out of sic months of living, but why cheat ourselves out of a lifetime? I'm responsible for those six months - I'll make it up to you, promise I will.

Something on the lighter side - you should have been here last night. A neighbor couple came over about 9:30 with mint and a thirst for mint juleps, which we had.  They were pretty good but not being a drinking woman I had only one. Also had a putting contest on the living room rug - everyone was pretty stiff so the putting was unspeakable. After my golf game of the a afternoon. I wonder why I try?

Keep up the good work.  I'm referring to your letter writing. I love your letters, they are all we have beside memories - and each other - You are really in my life now, Doc - and you can't get away. Do you mind?

Tomorrow is Sunday and no mail. - to bad - I'm continually waiting for letter so be good. This - as you mentioned is not one sided. What can I do to make you understand? What do you mean by being onesided anyway?? It is definitely not that!!! Doc, what do you want straightened out? Doc, don't do anything you don't want to do - Oh hell, why didn't we go through this when we were together - I can't express my thoughts very well on paper - Some critic I'd make.

No matter what you think - or how much you weigh - measure - and decide - remember - love you! That should make all unpleasantness (there can be none) oblivious.

Say you'll come - in August - please!

All my love, 

Anne

Card flap - I hope this letter doesn't make you weary. I don't want you to be unhappy ever. A big kiss for you.

July 19, 1947 (Friday)

Friday

Dear Doc,

I'm waiting for Carl, he is stopping and after that we have a golf date.  A break for me. The three of us have the "bug". Elixir and Carl play in the a.m. and he and I in the afternoon. So watch out. I feel hot today. I really have to do something about my game - understand  I'm speaking of golf. It is pretty bad - but even you could beat me. I 'm glad you are taking up the game. Seriously though, it would be fun playing with you, golf or otherwise.

Thanks for your letter. You are a little behind, don't you think? I'm patient though. In the meantime I'll be real good and write.  If ever you tire of this dullness, let me know - remember what I told you about letter writing?

Gad man, the trip back sounds as though you needed K-2 for quickness. I would have loved it - rain - and all. Good gosh, man, when will I ever get some flying time in?  All I can tell you is I'm glad you are home and you really should have stopped off in Valparaiso - but we won't go into that. I believe I have quite completely, do you not agree?

I keep relieving the days we spent together. What fun. Last Friday right about now. It was a perfect day. I hope you think so - everything was right, even the train times.  We must make plans for a return visit, Mr. Wrigley.  No fooling, Doc, why don't you come down the first two weeks in August?  Visit Mother Anne, would you be happy if we sent you an engraved invitation?  We shall. Boy, I wish you had stopped on your way home. Gad woman, will you ever forget that?? Frankly, I think not!

Let's see what else I can fight with you about? You really should have sent me a message (telegram on arrival. If you think so or not - I am concerned with what happens to you - so don't let it happen again.  Guess I'll have to take you hand - sometime - would you mind? I'll be gentle.

My apologies for losing your appetite. What else can I say? I know, nothing like the Beacon Hill Gang to satisfy one's appetite. That's what I always say.

Please elaborate and the statement - "Save all your affections for me - you have hardly enough" - Brother, you ain't seen "nothing" Wait until I really pour it on - you'll retract that comment hurriedly.

As for photos - I'll see what can be done. How about a nude?  Now will you be silent?  really "precious," I'll have some taken as son as I feel a beautiful day coming on - After all - we beauties have our days. Here is Carl, wish me luck with the golf game - Bye.

I'm afraid all the luck you could ever wish me couldn't help my game today. Oh my heavens I really was a rat on the course.  What terrible golf. Now I am convinced, you could beat me - no kidding.  My brother would die if he had played along.  Carl did alright - poor competition I am.  I must get some lessons.  I like the game too well to give up in disgust.  What a big fat laugh.  I'm sorry you were not along. Big joke for you.

Carl is preparing for the knock out blow of the day - you are right!  Cocktails. So from here on I am not responsible. Understand? Good.

The couple on the card could hardly represent you and I  - not if I had anything to do about it. I'm sure I would.  How does that suit your fancy - fine for me. Haven't you learned to close  your eyes yet?  After a ll, that is what is done in Hollywood - we must do as the elite do.  Tell me, how does the Beacon Hill Gang do it?  Another dirk and I'll illustrate, ok?

Listen my love, whenever you abandon me for an old 22 caliber rifle, I'll have to be around, so make with the writing, or else!! Also, it never occurred to me there was any similarity to a rifle and Anne Roberts - you may have a different impression. Of course, we both are quick on the trigger, good joke.  But that is not what you were saying - what were you thinking?

What do you really think??? about anything.  What are you not here?? When are you going to come? How about the first two weeks in Aug? I'll play golf with you - also promise to be a good girl - and not give you a bad time.

An interesting note about your appetite, my "skin-flint".  We have appetites - they can be satisfied in many ways - not necessarily by eating. Boy did I get myself into this - I'll just be a rat and stop - use your imagination . 

Excuse me - a joke. Did you say you lost seven pounds? Hell, Daddy's little fatty how you did it?  Probably from eating hot dogs. So, if you really had come around and stayed longer we would have fattened you up.  How about it?  When?  We'll promise you.  you needn't eat any salads - Peter Rabbit.  People are strange - that is the way we eat.  I may conform - providing it's steak for lunch.  "Bread'n jelly twenty times a day."

Why can't this be last Friday?  Time could stop right there.  I hate this - being along with only memories to cling to - Guess I should be happy with them - so much time is spent ' waiting and wanting.  I'm so tired of snatches of happiness. Why can't it be consistent?  perhaps someday!  And I AM not PLASTERED - 

Tell me, what have you been doing?  Are you having any fun?  And why not?  Have you been fling?  Also , did you have a good time at  Bills?  And why didn't you take me along?  You really should have, you know!  No, I have never been to Zinzinniti, where hell is it?

Perhaps I should apologize for my litters - but I won't because I don't want to - I am honest with you, what more can you ask?  Ask me anything!!!

I really do miss you, Doc, I really can't concentrate on anything for l ing without thinking of you and wishing you were here.  Even my golf, you better stay away from that.  Forgive me, I promised you I'd never call you a (  ) - I wasn't.

Please write - and tell me what you think, 

Love,

Maisie

Card flap - Sorry you had to wait so long for this. I wonder is it really worth it? Why do we have to wait for all good things? When are you coming? Please say Aug. I have some records to establish.  A Big Big fat kiss for you. Wish I could do it personally.

July 17, 1947

Flap Note: Read the Pitman letter last.  A big kiss... for you.

Wednesday Afternoon

Dear Doc,

Really Do, I am not very happy with you for not stopping on your way home as I hoped you would. Why?  Are you tired of me? Do I shock you? Is anything wrong? You see, Mr. Rounds, I do have a wicked imagination.  Until I hear from you I shall not try to control it.  So there.

We were expecting you yesterday.  No kidding.  However Carl was most considerate and tried to soothe my anxious nerves and suggested a game of golf.  It was a lot of fun but my game was rather lousy.  I was concentrating on your trip.  So see what you do to my game?  Be it golf or otherwise?  Anyway, as I was saying, after the game the three of us really got stink. In the meantime both Carl and Elinor remarking how good it would be if you were here.  Of course, I had nothing to say...not much. Carl "is" struck by a brain storm that is beside the drinks, so he says, "Why don't we call Austin and see if he has left for home...if not get him down here" and so we did.  But you were on your merry way.  And I hope it was mere.. Frankly I can't understand why you did not come.  I'm sure you had your reasons.  But they will have to be mighty strong to influence me... Please note.. My typing represents my mood.  So watch out.  Rounds you are my victum.. that's spelled vic tum.. so there.

Here is what I'm going to do, Doc, You'll be sorry.  You really have to come and take me in hand.  It's the vices for me.  Smoking, Beer, Men, MEN, wild living and anything else my idle mind can think of.  So watch out.  As for Boston, I shall not include it in my territory.  I won't even give you a chance..

Carl was also interested in chartering you and the plane for a trip to Madison, so you see you really could have killed two birds with one stone.  That is besides one Anne Roberts, second thought you did that too.  Also for your information I have a bathing suit. a bathing suit, did you get that?  All for you.  But you are not here so I will have to find someone else to exhibit it with or shall I say to? 

Oh yes, as I was saying, Carl was planning a trip to Madison.  So being the good kid that I am, I sent Elinor along.  I'm beginning to enjoy staying home alone.  But perhaps I am a case.  That is an involved subject.  We won't go into it in great detail.  I'm sorry you are not here.. but I am having fun.  Of course we could have a lot more fun together but I guess I'll have to be content with the paper hangers.  The young one who was not interested in women. Do you suppose I could interest him?  Fat chance but it would be worth the try.

This typing really is the nuts.  My typing is like my golf..that is not saying much for my golf but I am a modest girl...fat chance.. I really could go places if I used the or my powers of concentration.  I really can type..OK, ask me for proof.  Can't have it.

Last week at this time we were together.  Weren't you happy?  You know it is all your fault.  It is not the same this week.  Oh hell, Doc, why didn't you come?

Let's see what else I can fight with you about?  Listen my fine friend, there better be a letter for me tomorrow from you. Or else.  Now wasn't I a good little girl for writing you the letter you received on your arrival?  I hope you appreciate me, Doc Rounds, Guess I'm just a lost child. 

Had a surprise for you but I'll be real mean and make you wait.  Station W.A.I.T. waiting. It really is good news but you are deserving of any good news from me.  That is if you still care.  I have my doubts.  Doc am I giving you a bad time?  Good.

My maternal duties are calling me so I guess I'll have to give you a bit of peace.  Not that you deserve it.

I don't know why but really Doc I am mad about you.  Being mad about you describes my present state.  See what you do to me?

Please write and tell me what you think.

Anne

Wednesday Evening

Dearest Doc,

I'm sure Sir Isaac would throw up his hands in horrors if he saw me using his Pitman paper, but I'm sure he wouldn't mind after I used some of my Ivy tactics.  From now on you may call me Precious Ivy.  How's that?

Really Doc, what have you done to me?  I can't take my mind off you for one moment.  Is that as it should be?  Guess so.  I'm sure you have gathered as much from my frequent letters.  Do you mind them, Doc?  No kidding, I really do not know what to do with myself.  That is a state I am not at all certain of, personally..what I mean is I have never felt this way before.  even when I thought I was in love with the fellow whose fraternity pin I wore.  I wanted to tell you about it but somehow it didn't seem right.  Would you have wanted me to tell you?  Now that you're not here I find I want to talk about it.  I shall  wait though.  Perhaps you don't want to hear about it.  It is nothing, really.  Guess every girl has an uncertain affair that never woks out as it should, for the simple reason that it shouldn't.  Everything happens for the best.  Remember the six months you spoke of?  It was a period where I made up my feeble mind.  Which really was not hard to do.  How happy I am that I met you. Can I ever tell you what you did to me?  When you met me I really was twenty six.. I acted that age because that was the way I was expected to act.  All the old uppitty Army stuff.  His father was a Colonel in the Regular Army.  And I hated it.  All those false airs.  Why impress anyone?  I was so tired of it all I just wanted to let down my hair which I was able to do when with you.  Thank you, Austin Rounds, so very much.  It is good to know what true love really is. Look me up in your little book and see what it was.  Bet you could write a thesis.  Why don't you?  Does all this tire you?  If so, I shall say no more.  What do you want to know about me?  Doc,  except that I am in love with you?  Or shall we not speak of love? and why not?

Gosh, if you knew how anxious I am for a letter. Please let there be one tomorrow.

I don't think I really ever formally thanked you for the music, have I? If not I have a million times already.  Thank you so much.  In fact, I thank you every time I play it.  I shall suffer a relapse or what ever is suffered if I hear Borge's phonetic punctuation.  That is the damnest thing I have heard.  Did I embarrass you? Oh yes, Mike waltzes beautifully.  The Blue Serenade is really a very lovely thing.  The record will be worn out before you have a chance to waltz with me.

Listen, Precious, when are you coming down.  After all, it has been a week already?  You are more then welcome at the Steven's home.  We want you to come... excuse that we stuff.  I want you to come.  Will you please?  It was so good having you around.  Did you have a nice time? Perhaps I am blowing my off..Brains.. I'm speaking of.

Much as I would like to rattle off for hours if you will listen I really have to feed the baby.

I'll enclose this in the other letter. if my letters bother you please feel free... Speak your mind man.. I'll listen.

Be sweet.. I think you are pretty wonderful.

Precious 

July 14, 1947

Forest Park Avenue, Valparaiso, Indiana

Sunday

Dear Doc,

I find myself suffering from a phobia.  Overtime a plane flies over I keep hoping it will be you.  I'm being very good and writing you a welcome home letter.  Hope you had a good trip also that you stopped at Valparaiso.  Really Doc, we "Didn't" have a lot of time together.  You must come back.  I am not very happy now that you are not around.  Gosh, Beetle, I do miss you.  Of all damn things, it rained today.  Guess I don't live right.  I'll try and use a bit of mental telepathy and get you on your way back.  I'm telling you it will not be easy for you to leave.

Say when will I get some flying time in?  K-2 reporting.  Boy was I a dope, that isn't a very good start,, should at least be K-1000 WX.  So there, You must realize how anxious I am to get some flying time and you will dash right over.

It was fun having you around, as though you did not know.  Right now it is too damn quiet and lonely. Elinor and Carl are gone to the movies I guess.  Why are you not here?  I'm asking you.  I have no one to take care of the records.  You are such a good record changer, especially when you forget to put the arm of the machine on the record.  Not once, but several times.  All is forgiven.  I was worth the kiss.  Do I shock you, Beetle?  Right here I promise never to call you a beetle again.  I'm sure you must know.  remember there are many species of beetles.  It is a very interesting subject.  Pardon me time for a bottle of Millers, first one today.  See how good I have been?  Just because you are not around.  I really don't like it.  So please stop off on your way back.

I have been having a terrific time recuperating from our trip to the big city. How are you feeling, Mr. Wrigley?  It was all worth it.  Best time I have ever had.  Perhaps that can be tribute to the company.  Suppose? Silly question.  Oh, an airplane is overhead.  Guess it isn't you.  And why not?  What can I do so you will stop off.  Of course, if you have not stopped.  You are feeling like a big heel. As it should be.

I could really go places and do exciting things if I could operate this D... thing.  But you'll forgive me won't you?  The only advantage is that you can read what I'm trying so very badly to say.  My brain woks faster than I can type.  That isn't very fast.

You should be here today.  Nothing exciting.. just having you around is enough for me.  Do you think I am eager, Doc?  I'll be honest. I am. What do you think??? I really don't have anything to offer any man. really.  You may think that sounds silly but I"ll not elaborate.  You wouldn't believe me anyway.

I wish Jo could have been here.  She would have enjoyed seeing you.

From the looks of this typing the only asset I have to offer any employer would be my lap.  He could set on my lap and reverse the procedure.  What say?  May I submit an application?

Elinor is going to the city tomorrow and I believe I shall go around.. excuse me along.  Perhaps I may find a bathing suit.  Now will you stop off?

Oh Doc, I forgot.  Thanks million times for leaving your shirt for me.  Gosh I really didn't think you would.  Much as I'd like to I couldn't possibly come to Boston to collect.  It was sweet of you and I appreciate it.  You'll never know.  It looks just beautiful on.  You should see it??  That's a question, son.  Boy, am I a dreamer.  But it is fun and I would look very nice in it.  After all, Doc it really takes a woman to that.  So please? Say man just what do I have to do to get it.  I'll join the crew then you'll be sorry.  Boy?  would I give you a bad time....

I must close.  Don't let me tire you.  Can I ever tell how good it has been for me to see you?  I will some time.  When will I see you again?  Let's make it soon. Promise it won't be years again.

Please be careful when getting that fling tim in and remember I have some time to get in to..K-2.  Some record for me but I guess you are pretty used to it.  Tell me, do you kiss all woman in your plane?

Be good and write won't you?

Love,

Precious