Showing 11 results

Bessie's letter gave him the news [of Moya Llewelyn Davies' death], which 'is quite shattering'; he 'had no idea she was so ill', though in a recent letter she 'admitted she was not well' and told him not to mention it in his reply. Wonders whether his letter reached her; cannot remember exactly when he wrote.

He 'scarcely knew Crompton [Moya's husband]', and was 'rather frightened of him'. Got to know Moya through George Thomson, and 'gradually became very fond of her indeed'. Has 'managed to write a line to Séan [?]. Heaven knows what goes on inside her or what she will do. It [Ireland] is a lovely land, and those are lovely people, even though we cannot understand them or make them fit our standards'. Wishes Moya had not died - does not think he has even kept any of her letters, and 'they are such good ones'. Supposes they will hear more in time. Cannot find the notice Bessie mentions in last Wednesday's Times, 'It is so distressing'.

"Lady, you said a mouthful" might be your reply to Moya's epistle, but I don't expect will be'. Has also had a letter from Moya recently; thinks she is lonely, and that 'letters of any sort... should cheer her'. Would very much like to see Bessie, but it cannot be this week; will be in touch.

Is lunching with Florence and Evert [Barger] in London tomorrow; Evert 'seems in good form, and has achieved his purpose in coming to England'. Though Forster has been 'told several times', he is unsure what this is, and 'dare not ask again'. Margaret was 'safely conveyed by Florence to Bristol'.

His mother is 'fairly well, though rather depressed because she has made some chutney which hasn't turned into proper chutney. It is delicious, but what is the use of that?'. Very sorry to hear about Sturge Moore's health; fears he 'can't think of anyone who could give any substantial contribution'

West Hackhurst. - Thanks Bessie for her kind letter. His 'contusions swelled to exaggerated proportions' at Cambridge; he 'fell on [his] nose at the Wings for Victory Garden Party' and also bruised both wrists, but 'carried on as usual afterwards, and no bleeding'. Had not heard Max [Beerbohm?] 'nearly tumbled'. Wishes he had seen his lecture: has just been sent the proofs from Cambridge and 'as reading, it is rather flimsy'.

Has just had a letter from Moya Davies; she asks him to tell Bessie that she is 'very anxious to know about Leo Hubrecht and her children, especially Julie'; thinks they 'were at Switzerland just before the war, the younger children at school in Holland'. Also has a 'dear friend in Burma, Carola Toennies' and another in Italy, and has not had a word from either since the beginning of the war; supposes 'it is the same with everyone'. Gives Moya's address as 'Killadreenan House, Newtownmountkennedy, County Wicklow, Eire' in case Bessie wants to write direct, or he could send a message for her if she prefers. Richard [Moya's son] has a new wife 'in the place of Ann Stephen, who has got someone else [Richard Synge]'.

Is very pleased with the new Abinger Chronicle; 'not entirely carrried away' by his own contribution, but Bob's is 'very good'. Asks whether she agrees that they are generally *much more comfortable and vigourous [sic] on our own'; found S. S. [Sylvia Sprigge] a 'most enervating editress'.

His mother is 'fairly well, though she hasn't been up to her former level since illness at the beginning of the year'; she is enjoying the garden, which is 'lovely'. Hopes that Bessie will be able to visit soon, though next week he will be away a great deal. Went to see Florence [Barger] yesterday, who 'seems very well and is on yet another committee - reforming London University'; gathers Edith Mathews is staying with her. Margaret is 'cheerful, but no better, whatever Florence says or thinks or pretends to think'; would be better if she went to an institution, and she will have to one day as it is 'too much for Florence and Harriet'.

Sends his and his mother's love.

Solicitor's Department, Central Post Office, London. - Is flattered by the notice Trevelyan takes of "Arethusa" (see 2/28) and wonders if [Thomas Sturge?] Moore might look at it, but otherwise disturbed by his letter. Asks whether Bertie [Russell] has succeeded in his appeal; has seen nothing about it in the newspapers. Has had a letter from Ottoline [Morrell] about the money but has not yet answered; discusses his feelings on the matter. Thinks the [Apostles?] dinner ought to go ahead, even though it may not be pleasant; otherwise, as Moya writes, 'it would look as if the Pacifist group think they are the Society'. Asks about Silverdale.

Fron Isallt, Treaddur Bay, Holyhead, North Wales. - Wishes he could have welcomed Trevelyan at the Bridges, but the house is let to Maurice [Llewelyn Davies], his sister-in-law and daughters; he himself will return to England next week and would like to see Trevelyan to discuss 'the rival attractions of clink, hard labour & work of national importance, including the building of the lofty rhyme' [subsequent to them becoming liable to conscription]. Considers that having married an Irishwoman he himself has become a neutral: Trevelyan might do the same. Has not seen Bertie [Russell] but is very concerned about his situation [Russell's conviction for pacifist activities]. Feels the legal appeal will be of no use, that Russell should make a written statement, and that his friends should concern themselves with the mitigation of the punishment and do what they can to save him from imprisonment. Has been taking steps along these lines with Buckler; from what he hears from Morel, Russell should not suffer six months of ordinary imprisonment. Is enjoying a family holiday by the sea; Richard can walk miles and climb any rocks. Version of the Arethusa legend by Llewelyn Davies originally enclosed.

Three Bridges Copse, Three Bridges, Crawley. - The table and chairs are set up and perfect for outdoor meals. Hope that the Trevelyans will visit them soon.

14 Barton Street,. - Jokingly apologises for calling them 'Bobbie & Bessie' rather than 'Calverley & Elizabeth'. Announces his engagement to Moya O'Connor, and asks if they can recommend somewhere to live, as she won't live in London.

c/o Mrs Wilson, Myers Farm, Silverdale, near Carnforth. - Was very glad to hear, from Bessie and his mother herself, that his mother is 'much better' and will probably be able to travel to Welcombe early next week. Also very glad that Julian will be going there with his grandparents for a while, and that he 'makes himself sociable' so that his grandparents like having him. Bessie seems to have had a 'very busy time at Cambo, while Mrs Clarke was away and Mary ill'.

Robert's friend George Moore has announced that he is to marry 'a young lady who recently went to his philosophical lectures at Cambridge. The difference of age is considerable, but such marriages seem often to be very happy'. There is a similar age gap between Crompton [Llewelyn] Davies and his wife, and that 'has been a singularly happy marriage in every way'. Almost all of Robert's 'contemporary friends are now married'.

Has never known 'such continuously bad weather' as there has been since he came here; it is very bad for Robert's 'invalid friend [Gordon Bottomley]', though he is 'better than might be expected'. Will send his father a copy of the new Annual [of New Poetry] when it is published; has ended up having 'practically to do all the business with the publishers, and a good deal of editing too', but it is 'quite interesting work, and Constables so far have been remarkably pleasant to deal with'.

Stock's Cottage, Tring. - Thanks Bessie for writing about Mr Dakyns [his death]; was good to hear from her though they had seen the reports in the newspapers. Wishes she had known him better, but after her family left Haslemere she did not see him much so he is 'just a childish memory'; George of course was 'very fond of him'. Asks 'what will become of Frances', for whom she feels very sorry. Hopes that all goes well with the new nanny, and that Bessie might manage to visit for a few days before they go; suggests some dates: Moya Llewelyn Davies is probably coming for the day on Friday, and Bessie might like to meet her; the [Charles?] Mastermans may be coming on Sunday the 9th but there would be room for Bessie too. Will understand if she cannot come, and look forward to seeing her at Wallington, and getting 'to know each others' babies really well'. Humphry is 'such a delight' to her now, and since his 'bush of curls' was clipped has 'turned into such a real big boy'. Notes in a postscript that it is almost certain the Mastermans will not come.

2, Cheyne Gardens, S.W. - Bessie's note was the first they had heard of the 'great event' [Crompton Llewelyn Davies' engagement]; have now had many details from Evelyn Whitehead: the fiancé is an Irish girl, Moya O'Connor, age not yet known; Crompton first met her on 7 October and was engaged by a week ago. Evelyn has not met her yet, but saw Crompton earlier today, then lunched with Janet 'simply dancing with delight'; she thinks they will be married quite soon. Good to think of him being so happy, as he has 'had an awful year with poor Sylvia Davies's death'. Moya is 'a fine speaker' and has addressed meetings for Crompton's 'Land League thing [English League for the Taxation of Land Values]!'