My Darling Nell......................

When we had some building work done on our house a few months ago, the builders found a little folded note in amongst the joists of the (lath and plaster) hall ceiling when they took it down.  On the outside, in lovely copperplate handwriting, it says 'Nell' and 'Private' -

Once opened (to our delight! ) - 

It's difficult to decipher some of the words, but it seems to read -

"My own darling Nell,

I certainly should have gone to church yesterday but for my cold, so you must excuse me this once ducky. What do you think of the (?) old letter place? Nell my pet  ? ? ? I meet you at Shrewsbury I shall be half wild. I do so long for it you cannot tell its the one bright star left now with the exception of ? ? ? to long for and look forward to. Why do I not say Bless you my Nell?  If I did not say it, I meant it and with best love.  

(Signature -  hard to read - ?Maureen   ?Maurice )

Bless you my little pet"

Isn't it sweet?  I wonder who they were?

Maybe this girl -

Or this one? - 

Have you found treasures in your house?