106 Thirlestane Road, Edinburgh. - Feels ashamed that he has not written sooner; got Trevelyan's letter and cheque just before leaving London, and managed not to bring Trevelyan's address with him; then has been caught up in a great 'confusion of arrangements' involving alterations to the programme since Sir Donald [Tovey] could not play and subsequent corrections when he was told the Scottish [Symphony Orchestra] and Reid [Orchestra] had already played works this season. Was also given contradictory information as to whether he was to conduct the whole concert or not; eventually Dr Grierson conducted the first half and he the second; encloses one of the notices [no longer present]. The orchestra misses Sir Donald very much, and there has been a concerning fall in attendance. Sir Donald is 'much better and quite cheerful', but Renton does not think he will be fit enough to return soon, so either Tovey will 'come back too soon and wear himself out', or the 'confusion and lack of direction in the Faculty and in the Orchestra' will become dangerous; Dr Grierson 'does heroic work' but 'cannot be more than a pale shadow of Sir Donald' and there is nobody else. Will stop at Birmingham on his way back to London to see [Victor] Hely Hutchinson about the SA [South Africa?] job, though thinks this is 'no good'; however, has heard from the NBC [National Broadcasting Company?] manager who is 'very hopeful that he can pull off the American job'. Will send further news from London; hopes Trevelyan is having a good time in Italy; here they are 'enveloped in snow and sleet'.
11 Greenhill Terrace, Edinburgh. - She, Mollie Grierson, and Donald [Tovey]'s doctor are seeking help in getting Donald 'out of a very precarious situation which she cannot describe now; hopes that Bessie is at the Shiffolds and might be able to see her next week when she will be at Englefield Green again; asks her to telegraph. Donald 'practically well, and could have been convalescent and on his feet before June was out'; they are not anxious about his health.
18 Buccleuch Place, Edinburgh. - Describes how, after a disturbed night with her 'poor patient here', she was disturbed at breakfast by Donald [Tovey] charging 'up the stair like a majestic King Elephant' saying he and the [Reid] Orchestra were 'rushing down' to the BBC House to hear a London broadcast of Donald's symphony. Describes the occasion: the orchestra all with their instruments as they had just started rehearsing, and their pleasure at hearing themselves, Donald 'sitting wrapt with his head thrown back, and Molly Grierson with every note of the score in her head'. At the end Donald got up and made a speech, looking 'as affectionately as if they were, regardless of chronology, his own children'.
93, High Street, Knaphill, Woking. - Is very sad and anxious: there has been a reversion to 'the state of things at Hedenham' before the Trevelyans made their 'most merciful and helpful interviention'. Had just written to Donald [Tovey] to invite him, Clara, and the chauffeur to stay with her in the case of 'anxiety about the Hospital buildings [due to the war]'; he would then be able to stay in touch with Dr de Souza at Harley Street; she got her housekeeper to ring the hospital and was told he and Lady Tovey had gone back to Hedenham on the 24th. Has just had a letter from her and Donald's solicitor in Edinburgh; gathers that Lady Tovey has been 'very impudent.. paid all the bills, and wound everything up at the Hospital'. Worries about the damp at Hedenham and Donald's medical care; the local doctore [Dr Corbett] came to see her and was 'obviously incompetent and untruthful'. It is cruel: Donald's hands were recovering to the point that she and Mary Grierson both hoped he might be able to make some recordings of his playing; he has been 'induced to ask the university for a term's leave of absence' which means he will spend months at Hedenham. Thinks he 'would not be sane now' had it not been for the Trevelyans' intervention; also blesses Dr Bluth. The prospect of another great European war is 'the blackest cloud'. Says 'we are not really a European power'; always made her shiver when 'that kind man Mr Chamberlain... talked of Europe as if it was a schoolroom and he its governess'; keeps reading Donald's essays and remembers that her mother used to say 'Beethoven did not beg for peace, he ordered it' (quotes the German), but they cannot do that
'Mile End House, Englefield Green, Surrey' printed on the first sheet, but '93 High Street, Knaphill' written on the second. - Bessie has several times apologised for not addressing her by her 'Mus. Doc' title; she 'shrank from it at the time', and does not mind what she is called, but has to be 'careful to be "Doctored" because Donald [Tovey] cannot endure me to omit the "Dr". Dr Bluth is 'most kind... and very helpful' and his letter greatly distresses her; does not care about the violin concerto but cares 'everything in the world' about the recovery of Donald's hands 'so that some record may be left of his playing'. There is none, and Lady Tovey has 'lost' Sophie Weisse's entire collection of press notices; Lady Tovey intends to stay at Hedenham till the middle of January, a very damp spot and 'as Dr Thin indignantly says "you step down into the house from the grass"', while Lady Tovey 'may or may not be infectious'. Dr [Hugh Andrew?] Gordon Watson and his colleague in Bath told her they were anxious about Donald and believed that 'all his ill health' sprang from his association with Clara Tovey. Knows this is true, but in addition Hedenham is 'a fatal place'; wants Donald to 'come away altogether' and has offered them this house with she herself going to Edinburgh where she has 'arranged a complete bombproof shelter'. Also cares about the 'burden on Mollie Grierson', who has commented that it is 'like a miracle' seeing Donald 'straighten up the moment he has a conducting stick in his hand' but is struggling with all his work while her mother is ill after two operations. He will have to give up the Royal Terrace house; ought to live where Professor Niecks lived, near his classroom on the warm south side of Edinburgh; Lady Tovey bought 'the Royal Terrace house for a song: the owner having committed suicide'. John [Wellcome Tovey] writes that Lady Tovey is weak and therefore irritated, and there are rows [this in German] ; John may himself be rude; he also says Donald cannot play at all on the large piano, and they did so much for his hands at the Westminster Hospital.
93 Knaphill High Street, Woking. - Sends the Trevelyans all good wishes, and is 'thankful' they are alive, for Donald [Tovey]'s sake. Originally enclosing a volume which reached her on Christmas Day; she 'nearly cried with joy' as she has been 'so alone and "ausgestossen" [pushed out]'; she should have been in Edinburgh with Donald, and now Lady Tovey has even 'roped in' John [Wellcome Tovey] by giving him lots of money and allowing 'a very violent flirtation with the then chauffeuse', which even Dr Blut [sic: Bluth] noticed. Feels that Dr Bluth only saw the surface of things at Hedenham; asks why he did not question there being 'two cases of rheumatoid arthritis in the same house''; Donald only started to show the signs of rheumatism 'if it is rheumatism' shortly after his marriage and went to Bath, where on a visit to see him she was visited by [Andrew] Gordon Watson and another doctor saying they were anxious about him and that all his ill health was 'caused by his association with Mrs Tovey'; she was too emotional to discuss the matter further. Hedenham is also 'one of the dampest places in Britain'; on a visit there in November she once saw rainwater from a storm come in under the front door, flow along the passage and out of the back door. Was very disappointed in Dr Bluth for not seeing the truth of things and has not written to him, but is now tempted to ask if he can do anything else to help; liked him very much. She and Mary Grierson believe Lady Tovey wants Donald to give up his Professorship., when 'even giving up playing would cause him to drift into insanity'. John talks of him as 'not sane'. Lady Tovey, Miss Morrah and even John have told her that Donald does not practise only because he is 'lazy'; she has told John he 'cannot come here if he dares to speak like that' of Donald. She and Mary Grierson believe Donald must have work to recover: '[p]ut a conducting stick into his hand and after three rehearsals he will be himself', but 'Lady Tovey does not like Edinburgh'.
Is alarmed by the inscription in the book she sends; asks if Bessie and Dr Bluth can help. There is a good Swedish masseuse here who has been helping her with sciatica; longs to have Donald 'in this warm little house and see his hands correctly massaged'; he will go mad if he loses his hands. Has been ill herself but is slowly recovering; Dr Bluth could perhaps read the letter and look at the inscription in the book, which she asks Bessie to send back soon.
The final sheet seems to be a copy of the inscription in the book sent by Sophie Weisse, perhaps in Robert Trevelyan's hand, calling Volume VI [of Tovey's "Essays in Musical Analysis"?] 'a Christmas Card partially completing a record but completely exhausting any reasonable persons patience... This is written with paralysed finger tips but by a perfectly sane and very courteous writer'.
Is newly anxious about Donald [Tovey]. As often before, is 'full of great gratitude and admiration for Dr Mary Grierson', with whom she has had no communication for a long time but who has seen as clearly as she has 'the evil and danger' of Donald's life in Hedenham, though she has 'not realised the evil effect of John [Wellcome Tovey]'s being there too for himself and for Donald. Has heard from John today that, in spite of her mother's bad health and other family trouble, Dr Grierson has gone to Hedenham and persuaded Donald to return to Edinburgh as soon as possible. Donald should never have let himself be persuaded to take a term's leave from work. John says that they wish to travel by motor, and he wants to drive them; they have 'a craze for motoring' and each time they have done it before Donald has been ill, 'once with a month of pneumonia'; they should take a warm first class carriage in the through train from Harwich.
Thanks Bessie for her 'kind and cheering note'. Cannot do justice to her feelings of trust in and gratitude towards Mollie Grierson, who has acted just as she would expect. The 'great cheap house in Royal Terrace in Edinburgh was the worst possible house for Donald', as she always knew; she wanted him to live opposite her in Professor Nieck's old house, but his first wife [Margaret Kerr Cameron] wanted to live 'more in the country'. Remembers how Grettie 'after a visit to London returned with the baby John [Wellcome Tovey] and two white rabbits', travelling through the night, without having taken 'a drop of milk for the baby'; she was a '[p]oor mad thing' but 'very honest and entirely honourable', and the news that after her suicide 'Minnie Wallace had written to Donald, then in California, and proposed to marry him' appalled Sophie Weisse. Bessie's note brought much more cheering news. Does wish the excellent Swedish nurse who is treating her own sciatica could treat Donald's hands. Thanks Bessie for returning the book, and now her mind is 'relieved of the fear of John's motoring plans [see 8/130]'; hopes ' a change of weather or John's having been called up will make them impossible'. Longs to see John but he has been at Hedenham all summer. Hopes in Donald's absence 'a nice little enemy bomb will fall on that evil little house'. Is sending Donald a few letters at a time to try and 'amuse and interest' Donald: some from Sir Hubert Parry to her, some from Sir George Grove, who 'describes himself as [her] "slave," when Donald was Sir Hubert's pupil'. Has 'some beautiful letters too from the Master of Balliol [Sir Edward Caird]' and his wife: there 'was never a student so much loved'; it may please Donald to read then. A postscript says she has heard Donald does not now have a secretary; the 'one who came here in pursuit of John was an evil little creature'.
18 Buccleuch Place, Edinburgh. - Thanks Bessie for a kind letter: she left Donald [Tovey] on the day of his death at quarter to one and he 'spoke those words' [see 8/133] to her 'quite clearly', but he may have become unconscious after that and when she returned around six he had died. Wonders whether Bessie went to Worplesdon for the burial of Donald's ashes; an old friend went and told her about it, but she herself had not heard it was to take place, yet Worplesdon is only about fifteen minutes drive from her house at Knaphill; wishes she had known. Has not been well recently, but has been working slowly on a project of turning most of this flat to a memorial: Molly Grierson says that there is nowhere for the students to do quiet work; would be happy to gift it to the university. Molly is 'overburdened in every way', especially family troubles. Some of Donald's old books are still here, such as his old "Missa Solemnis" over which she found him weeping [see 8/132] and from which he chose what was to be played and sung by Mona Benson. The memorial service in St Giles was very beautiful: old members of the Reid Orchestra came 'from far away places'; the 'whole University came in their magnificent robes'; Mollie conducted the orchestra in her red Doctor's robes, while she in hers 'crouched in a corner weeping'. Donald 'need not have died so soon... in such agony about his hands', if he had been left in London with Dr de Souza and not 'that damp place [Hedenham] where Lady Tovey and John [Wellcome Tovey] told him he was 'only lazy' [for not practising]. Dr de Souza had arranged somewhere safe for him to go in London if there was anxiety about the [Westminster] Hospital. Wonders whether Dr Blut [sic: Karl Bluth] is interned; very much 'admired and agreed with him as a doctor' and wishes she could help him. John has been sent suddenly somewhere in the South, for coastal defence: 'they have grown quite reckless with the lives of young men by the thousand'. Originally enclosing two poems by Professor [Oliffe Legh?] Richmond, which she thinks beautiful and like Donald. Her taxi driver today commented that she would be missing Donald and said 'We all thought there was nobody like him'; used to go on Sunday nights to hear him. Found herself 'sobbing on the man's arm'.
Oxford University Press Music Dept., 36 Soho Square, London, W.1. - Very kind of Trevelyan to write about Peterkin's retirement, and send him his "From the Shiffolds". Will continue to help the Press in various ways, as they have asked, and is 'very glad to do so', but this will be in the 'background' so he will not have the 'heavy responsibility of the lsat few years and... be tied down' as he is now. Is not giving up for reasons of health, though has been told he should take things easier: always thought of himself as 'simply the utility man who had to step in... when Foss dropped out', and keep the department going through the war; now feels the 'post war conditions' should be the concern of the younger men whom he has been training. Wants to take up many interests again, though doubts whether he will want to return to composing: has 'had enough of music' at the Press. '[Donald] Tovey matters are well in hand', and his "Essays" should be published in spring. All the Tovey material Foss had collected was sent up to Dr [Molly] Grierson a while ago; thinks she has found things she wanted. Saw the first chapters of her book [a biography of Tovey] some time ago and liked them, but has no recent news of it. Sends best wishes to Trevelyan and his wife for Christmas and the New Year.
18 Buccleuch Place, Edinburgh. - Apologises for not replying sooner to Bessie's 'kind note': is in 'agonies of packing up all vestiges' of her life here, and 'cowed and horrified at the spectacle of Europe in flames of war'. Remembers what happened to her in 1914, spending six weeks in Berlin as a prisoner of war before being allowed to leave for Holland, in a troop train on the way to the siege of Paris carrying 'die dicke Bertha' [one of the 'Big Bertha' cannons'], with 'thirty trucks of concrete for the emplacement'; the troops suddenly had to turn round when Russia over-ran East Prussia. Cannot get thoughts of this, and the Russian war now, out of her mind. Would be comforted if Bessie could send her any pictures [of Donald Tovey?] and perhaps the copy of the "New Statesman" she mentioned. Has heard nothing from Mollie Grierson and is anxious: 'Professor Richmond seemed bent on putting her out of the university altogether!'. Cannot dislike Professor Newman, but thinks he seems likely to be 'a small round peg in a large square space'; list of his prizes printed by the "Scotsman" means little as she fears 'they manufacture mediocrities'. Wishes Casals could write to them. When Joachim and Hausmann volunteered to play three Trio concerts in Berlin with Donald, she thanked Joachim and said she was glad he could say she had made Donald a good musician; he replied that Donald was not just a good musician, but 'was music' (quote given in German).
Hedenham Lodge, Bungay, Suffolk. - Is very sorry to hear bad news of Dr [Julius] Röntgen. The doctor told Donald yesterday that he would not be well enough to go to Edinburgh this winter: he is 'very depressed', though he must been prepared by his own feelings, but he is also full of plans and wants to have Molly Grierson and Margaret Ludwig down to arrange the winter's work. Clara fears this will be too much for him, and as it looks as if they will have to stay here for several months, hopes the Trevelyans will not mind delaying their visit. Donald feels it best to say at first that he will not be ready to go back in October, so she asks for discretion.
Hedenham Lodge, Bungay, Suffolk. - Thanks Bessie for her understanding. Donald has definitely improved over the last ten days. Professor [Sir Herbert?] Grierson came for a weekend and cheered him by assuring him that good arrangements can be made to carry on the Edinburgh work for the winter. Donald has applied for leave until Christmas; he talks as if he will return in the spring but she fears this is unlikely. Molly Grierson is here now and Margaret Ludwig coming on the 23rd to be coached for the teaching she will give. She has given him Johannes Rontgen's letter and the music, since he now takes an interest in everything; Bob will see a great chance in him since he can now concentrate as he could not in August. Thanks Bessie for what she says about not talking of Donald's plans. When they are alone again in October, it would be very nice to see her.
39, Royal Terrace, Edinburgh, 7. - Thinks she is a little better than in the summer, and has let 'so many things slide' that she is not busy at all. Misses Molly [Grierson?] very much, though Miss Morah [?] is 'most helpful and obliging'; Molly has not been to see them as she is busy at home, but they went to stay with her for two nights last week; good to see her looking 'very well and very interested in all her household & parish things'. Have heard nothing from [Edward] Renton; believes he is coming up to conduct [the Reid Concert] on 26 Jan, but that is a long way away. Does not know what to suggest: perhaps Bob could ask to see what he has done; Donald is 'so vague' it is hard to get definite opinions from him, although perhaps if Bob wrote he might reply with an opinion on what is to be done. Gathers from [Victor] Hely-Hutchinson that Rontgen is unlikely to get the South African job. Donald was glad of the news about Joachim Röntgen; as ever, he likes to have news of his friends.
39, Royal Terrace, Edinburgh, 7. - Donald got home safely; he is tired, but Dr Thin saw him on Saturday and is satisfied that last week's activity has not done him any harm. He enjoyed himself very much and Clara wishes she had been there; they heard the Cello Concerto very well on the wireless but the applause was cut off; Donald says she should mention that Molly [Grierson?] played the Brahms Concerto 'absolutely magnificently'. Last night his usual Sunday concert was transferred to St Mary's Cathedral - programme [originally] enclosed with the letter - which was 'packed', with 'hundreds' standing, and many people turned away. Is afraid Bessie will miss Mrs [Margaret] Vaughan Williams, since she visited her so often.
Hedenham Lodge, Bungay, Suffolk. - Donald is much the same, better some days and worse on others; she has been very depressed seeing his lack of progress. Sir John Weir has been treating him for a week, but there is no change so far. Does not know when, if ever, he will be fit to return to Edinburgh. Molly [Grierson] is coming on the 27th, but probably only for one night, which Clara does not think is long enough to judge Donald's condition and how much he can do. Christmas wishes.
Hedenham Lodge, Bungay, Suffolk. - Molly Grierson has been, and the Toveys have decided to return to Edinburgh, if possible, at the end of January or beginning of February. Molly will find them a flat as neither of them can cope with the stairs at the Royal Terrace house. They feel it is 'an experiment' but they 'must take the risk'. New Year's wishes.
Edinburgh. - Very sorry to hear of the death of Bessie's sister [Abrahamina Röntgen]: hopes she was not long ill. Is still in Edinburgh, and expects to be for some time since there are soldiers in Hedenham Lodge. Nurse Monks is nursing for the Air Force; she wrote from Reading but expected to be moved. Clara misses her very much: has 'quite a nice young woman' to help her, but she is not nearly as good as Nurse Monks. Her brother is still with her, which she is glad of as she would not like him to be at Kew. John [Tovey] is 'very busy carting munitions': was in camp in Worcestershire, but has moved into billets for the winter. Molly Grierson is carrying on the work of the Chair of Music: wishes they would appoint her Professor, as it will not be easy to find someone 'so suited all round for both the degree work and the Orchestra'. Believes there is an intention to make no appointment until the end of the war, but hears Professor [Oliffe Legh?] Richmond is looking for someone and fears he will 'fix on some quite impossible person'; the Court are responsible for the appointment but she does not think the members knowledgeable about Music. Is sorry about Mrs [Florence] Barger; hopes her house is not 'damaged past repair'. Miss Weisse still in Edinburgh: supposes she thinks it safer than Knap Hill or prefers it. Molly Grierson has started Reid Concerts with 'what can be collected of the orchestra', fortnightly on Saturday afternoons; she is also continuing the Historical Concerts. Clara gets around very little as the wet weather does not suit her, and cannot think of travelling. Is glad Bessie's house is 'still whole', as many of her friends in the South 'seem to have no glass in their windows' which cannot be easy in this weather.
1, Route de Canigou, Prades. - Thanks her for her letter; he had already been happy to receive the postcard from Johannes [Röntgen?] and his wife during their stay with Elizabeth, imagining their pleasure at being together and also that music would not be neglected. Was happy to learn that Miss Sampson was there too: she is charming and an exquisite musician. At Prades they have also had lots of music, with his students, friends, and colleagues, during the spring and for a good part of the summer. This has been a marvellous cure for him, as opportunities to play chamber music are rare. Had the pleasure of meeting Joachim and his wife in Zurich, with his friends the Seilers, and they played together. Joachim is a worthy representative of the Röntgen name. Had not known that Mary Grierson was working on a biography of Donald [Tovey]; cannot think of anyone more suitable for the task. Asks when the work will be ready, and requests that she congratulates Dr Grierson from him. Sends best wishes to Elizabeth's husband.
39 Royal Terrace, Edinburgh. - Trevelyan should not worry about [John] Tainsh, who now knows his part [Theseus in "The Bride of Dionysus"] very well; his voice is the 'best of either cast' and he will be 'far better than the other man'. Wishes he had coached Mrs Everitt [who was to play Ariadne, but has dropped out] once more before putting her out: what 'the old stagers & chorus of the company' say about the second cast is not evidence, and they 'give themselves away about Harford' [the second Minos] but it is true Mrs Everitt was not learning quickly. Coached Harford this morning, as well as Tainsh, Miss Burnett [the second Phaedra] and their 'now only Ariadne' [E. Naysmith Young]; Simpson, the other Theseus, is coming this afternoon. Instead of a floor rehearsal on Saturday, all the principals from both casts, except Ariadne, are coming to Tovey's house, and Miss Benson [now producer] will also be there. Trevelyan could do 'some useful gesture work' on Saturday to help her on Sunday. If Miss Morris, the first Phaedra, 'turns her nose up at such help' they can always say they have no time to considered 'the professional feelings of local amateurs [nobodies struck through] who don't want to learn', that even now they could easily replace the whole double cast, and that the second cast is quite safe to do all four performances. Miss Grierson will be back now, and will be 'a great help, as always'. Will want Trevelyan to lose his temper if the theatre arrangements are not better this Sunday.