Free Kid Gloves by Anna Martin Page B

you. I didn’t tell him, he approached me and guessed. I so rarely receive letters, and for me to suddenly have so many, and all from the same man, I suppose it wasn’t difficult for him to make the connection. I hope you don’t mind. He’s being rather sweet about it all—instead of passing me your letters out when the other men are around he gives them to me quietly, so I may read them in peace, without them knowing and asking me questions.
    I should thank you for the paper, it is certainly better than what I can get here! All I have to wish for now is more time to sit down and write, and maybe someone to tell me the right words.
    When I am out I carry your letters with me, did I tell you that already? There’s a small pocket inside my shirt that I can tuck them into to keep them safe. I wouldn’t dare to leave them in my pack in case they were lost, or stolen. I read your words most nights. It feels like I’m so very far away.
    Hoping that you are well,
    Your Finn
     
     
    M Y F INN ,
    I was worried for you! I had thought that maybe you were in an area where my letters could not be delivered, and I wondered how long it would be before I could read your words again. The postman does not often have cause to stop by my door and I guess that he, like our friend Tennessee, has guessed that I am receiving letters from someone special.
    Please do not be concerned about Tennessee knowing about the nature of our relationship. He has a rather varied taste in partners himself, and outside of a military setting is not shy of this fact at all. I first met the man in a tavern in London, many years ago, and we became firm friends. I hope that he will look after you, knowing that you are mine.
    I hope that if there is anything else you need you will ask me for it, to be able to send you simple things like paper pleases me, especially when it is returned bearing your letters! I have heard that this great heat that has enveloped London has spread over much of Europe, I wonder if it has reached you, too. I fear that your hand was not built for great extremities of warmth and cold and it may fail to function as I had intended. Do tell me, how is it feeling?
    It is comforting to think that my words are being kept so close to your skin, to your heart. Yours are kept tucked under my pillow.
    Dalton
     
     
    D ALTON ,
    Sometimes it feels like these months apart are passing so quickly, we have already achieved so much here on the ground and we are preparing to move on once again tonight. The only time I feel like time is standing still is when I have time to close my eyes and think of you, sweet memories of that time we spent together. For some reason I cannot quite fathom that feels like so very long ago.
    Our commander is, as always, keeping plans of our movements close to his chest but he has given the impression we are moving further up the border, a journey that would take several days. I only say this so you do not worry for any delay in the delivery in your letter to me, or my reply.
    My hand is working perfectly; it is certainly warmer here than it is in London but I am used to it, and my new hand has adapted admirably.
    I have notified the commander of my intention to leave the company once my term has been completed. He was a little surprised; in the last meeting we had after I had injured my hand I had stated quite surely that I intended to return to full service as soon as I could. Nevertheless, he is supportive of my decision and has referred me for several other positions that are based in London. One of them is for the Queen’s guard!
    Tell me about the shop, Dalton? Tell me about London, or something of home?
    Tell me what I might have waiting for me when I return?
    Your Finn
     
     
    D ARLING F INN ,
    I am not surprised to hear that you have been referred for such a prestigious position—you are, without a doubt, exceptionally skilled. There is a third role for you to consider, though. It is not for any Queen, but a lowly