My Plaster Wall Substitute,

I think of you every moment of peace. I close my eyes, lay against the cold marble column and image I am leaning against you. It is my only comfort, except the beer. I have gotten used to the taste. I imagine Mother Vastra upset at my palette being ruined for quality wine. Please assure her that my taste buds crave a hot cup of tea ... and one of Mother Jenny's sweets.

I hope you are doing well, better than well.

I think of York and your detective uniform, which is absolutely stunning, something I want to see again.

My uniform, this heavy wool weight is nothing I would want to wear again. I suspect in the future, far future, I might have pride in what we are accomplishing here in Antwerp. Right now war sickens me and the damage it brings. I wish the Germans would just go back to their own land and leave well enough alone.

Update: Lights are out earlier and earlier as the bombing has become habitual. Surgeries come with new difficulties. The plaster keeps falling and a makeshift covering from sheets protects the patient and staff but hinders our light. Therefore, we use more candles which captures heat. I imagine you and your mother would find the warm table quite gratifying.

Once during an extremely difficult amputation I pictured our family at Redlap Cove lounging on the beach. The nurse saw my smile and inquired. So I told them of my family's holiday in the private cove, the detective work and talked of the history of Redlap. After tell the story I looked around and saw an audience has formed. A solider asked if my family found any treasure or hidden passages. Tempting to tell the truth, but looking at their faces I began to invent a story where the Great Detective found hidden passage that leads to underground caverns. The family traverse the cavern to overcome many deadly traps set by an infamous pirate, One-Eyed Willie. Eventually arrive at a large underground lagoon where Willie's ship, the Inferno, lies waiting. I told them we reported our findings to Scotland Yard immediately and rewarded with a week on the beach.

You are right, I believed I miss my calling for the dramatic arts.

Update: Forts around have fallen and bombs fall on the hour. The Hospital remains full as we take out the healed or dead an influx of new wounded come to take their place.

Guess who visited today? Louisa! My heart sang. We took to hugging immediately. The happiness only lasted for just a moment when aeroplanes flew overhead dropping messages that bombardment will begin at midnight. Orders received to evacuate the hospital and all patients move to Ostend. Louisa and I worked together to handle the last few surgeries and then head to Ostend ourselves by ambulance. She remarked how my skills as a doctor and surgeon has excelled past her expectations. I shared with her how my education is being held hostage by Elsie. She shook her head and said not to worry.

Louisa offered a position in Paris or Wimereux. I asked which site will benefit most of my services. She said, Wimereux.

Update: I am in Wimereux. Flora is here. Flora and Louisa introduced me to the staff and put me on surgical rotation. Since I am the last hired I am on the night shift. I welcome the challenge. I had a good day sleep, once I move the bed against the wall and closed the blackout curtains.

Louisa and Flora are heading back to London shortly. Louisa has already contacted the Scottish Women's Hospital Committee. Flora and Louisa instructed me and the head surgeon that I stay in Wimereux. I am not to leave until I either hear from the Scottish Women's Hospital Committee, Women's Hospital Corps, Flora or Louisa. Flora whispered if Elsie becomes bossy tell her you answer only to the WHC or SWH. It will make her angry, but she knows it's true. I stood a little taller.

I love you. If I stand at the shores of Wimereux with my head of hair untamed, can you see it from Dover?

Your Love

Fiona

PS Please make sure you remove all the hot water bottles from the bed before I return. I'm concerned you have developed a fetish which I will not take part or encourage.