Northlands, Englefield Green, Surrey. - Glad of a communication from Bessie, as she has long been fond of her and her children; asks if she has been 'decently fair' towards her; Bessie has allowed Donald, whom no-one else apart from Miss Weisse's 'best friend... a dying man' knows as well and to whom she has been 'far more than a mother', to abuse her and has criticised her to him behind her back. Says it does not matter for her sake as her life is 'drawing to its close', but it does that her influence with Donald is therefore 'undermined'; Bessie has 'increased the danger in which he lives as no one else has'. Best to be frank: she is 'German all over in that'. Asks when Bessie expects Donald and his wife [Grettie] and for how long. Wishes them to go and stay with the Trevelyans very much; would be a 'service' to her to keep them as long as they can. Has only really seen Donald's wife once, and 'noticed her so little that [she] would not recognise her in the street'. Has not been in Edinburgh since Donald went to Holland [in January]. The engagement was very short.
Northlands, Englefield Green, Surrey. - Agrees that they will do their best together to help when they can; she is now 'less stunned' [by Donald Tovey's marriage] and knows Bessie loves Donald. They must talk sometime, but thinks this would be best after Bessie has got to know Donald's wife [Grettie] well; hopes they will go to stay with the Trevelyans; they return to Edinburgh for a short time this week. Encourages Bessie to write to Grettie and invite them again. Asks why she always sees dangers so far in advance ; is 'not noble like Cassandra [in Aeschylus' Agamemnon]' but thinks she has a 'bit of her spirit' in her; quotes in Greek from the play [lines 1302-1303]. Wishes she might be 'both patient and brave-spirited'. The wedding was 'very large with pictures in the Daily Mail', but the only invitation she received was the one two days before; Donald had 'really disinvited [her] on the plea that it was to be so very quiet'; she was 'absolutely powerless from the first'. Is most grieved that he has not done any good work for at least two and a half years; asks if Bessie knows whether he has written anything. Regrets the last eleven years, his talent and imagination 'all wasting away'; would not care 'if he had a dozen wives' as long as his work went well.
17 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh. - Has been expecting to hear from The Trevelyans that they are 'greatly ashamed and very sorry for the mischief' made and 'influence exerted' on a 'defenceless' man [Donald Tovey]; must 'express contrition' and 'promise amendment'. Will not 'let the matter rest as it is' though she is prepared to 'resume friendly relations' once they say this, even if she cannot trust them. The 'tragedy here deepens daily [the situation with Tovey's wife Grettie]' and she holds them 'largely responsible for it'; only 'by God's mercy that Donald is not utterly consumed'. Will come south with him when he plays at Northlands this week with Guilhermina Suggia.
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'.
12 Pembroke Gardens, Kensington, W. - As Trevelyan has mentioned the invitation to the Müller boys, she says that Hugo 'wants a change badly', is working too hard at his painting (for its own sake, and because it is almost the family's sole income), and not eating enough. Has spoken to Mrs M[üller?] about it, who sent him to Dr, Caster. Thinks a few days with the Trevelyans would do him good. Hermann looks much better. Glad to hear about [Donald] Tovey's engagement. Since Trevelyan does not mention it, supposes Mrs Mair cannot suggest a suitable governess.
Invitation to the wedding of his daughter, Margaret Kerr Cameron, and Professor Donald Francis Tovey, at St Giles' Cathedral, Edinburgh, on 22 April 1916.
44 George Square. - Thanks Bessie for her letter, which must have crossed Donald's [7/169?], and for the invitation to visit the Shiffolds; they would be delighted to come, but are having 'rather a hard time of it' and hopes for the best when they reach Northlands and can talk to Miss Weisse. Has heard so much about the Trevelyans from Donald that they seem old friends already; has just been listening to 'that wonderful opera' ["The Bride of Dionysus"] and must go back quickly to 'turn' for the last act. Will let Bessie know as soon as she can how things are at Northlands.
30 Norland Square, Holland Park, London. W. - Bessie's letter arrived yesterday, with one from Miss [Margaret Warre?] Cornish who was distressed at the delay. Would have been good to see the Trevelyans on the 17th at Northlands. The Toveys have been here since the 6th, so Donald could play at the Northlands concert though Grettie could not go due to a 'terrible time' at the dentists; they have been to Northlands twice since then, and things seemed 'decidedly less strained' [with Miss Weisse]. There is another concert on the 27th, and they go to stay on 3 August for Donald to carry on teaching Victor. Now the 'business negotiations' are almost completed, through a lawyer, they hope that a 'new happy relationship' may emerge gradually. The sympathy of friends has greatly helped. Thinks it cannot be a good thing for Miss Weisse to have, as she announced at dinner, 'enough aspirin to last until the end of the War'. They have had many invitations, and it has done Donald good to see his friends: the Speyers wanted them to spend a weekend but she felt they should not spend more a day at Ridgehurst until they honoured their first invitations to Woldhurst and the Shiffolds. They should probably stay at Northlands before they go anywhere else. Donald has got in a 'lovely piano', and the Trevelyans are very welcome to visit if they come to town.
Northlands, Englefield Green, Surrey. - A 'wonderful change' has taken place in Miss Weisse's demeanour towards the Toveys, as she sees that Grettie can be trusted 'to do everything in [her] power for Donald's health'. A doctor has decided Donald should take a rest-cure, from which he will go straight to work in Edinburgh at the beginning of October, so all their plans are changed; they are very sorry not to be able to visit the Trevelyans. Is glad to have seen Bessie in London. Hopes the Trevelyans will all have a nice time when away in September.
c/o Mrs Ainsworth, Ambleside, Harvest Road, Englefield Green. - Donald is at a nursing home in Buxton, and 'wonderfully comfortable & cheerful' all considered. Miss Weisse is not allowed to write to him, and she herself cannot write letters so as not to worry him; they are however allowed post-cards, and Donald has sent her a magnifying glass to enlarge her writing. He goes to treatment at the Baths and drinks the waters; she has just sent him a parcel of music and some books will also be sent. She feels it a comfort to be near 'a connecting link' in the local doctor, and to Donald's belongings; she is staying as a paying guest in the house of a young naval doctor's wife which happens to be the front part of the house of a lady Donald knows well. Very kind of Bessie to invite her to stay, but it is better to remain here answering Donald's correspondence and near Dr Floyer. Miss Weisse went to Wales with her brother; they both join Miss Mary Weisse near Edinburgh soon. Miss Weisse will be very sorry to learn of Mr [Francis Warre Warre] Cornish's death yesterday; Donald played to him every evening, which gave them both great happiness. Poor Mrs Cornish has been very kind to both Toveys.
c/o Mrs Ainsworth, Harvest Road, Englefield Green, Surrey. - Thanks Trevelyan for his letter: had been wishing he knew of the difficulties of Don's condition or 'want of condition'; refuses to give up hope. Currently concerned about arrangements for the winter in Edinburgh: Don must be in medical hands, either in his house, or a nursing home, or a hotel where privacy can be maintained, and he is insistent that she should be in Edinburgh too. Is going to Buxton soon to discuss this. It is necessary for his health to 'sever all connections with Northlands' [and Miss Weisse] until Don recovers. Is very sorry they will not reach Edinburgh in time to see Trevelyan; is sparing Don the disappointment. It is very hard for Don, who is not to blame; when 'anyone takes the responsibility of the charge of a child they must do their duty by it' and she pities 'her' [Miss Weisse] 'in her nemesis [sic]'; but all may still be well.
Balmoral Hotel, Princes Street, Edinburgh. - She and Don are delighted that they will see Mrs Trevelyan in Edinburgh; asks if Mr Trevelyan will not come as well. Things are looking brighter now they have a new doctor in Edinburgh: Dr Floyer of Egham was 'too dreadfully discouraging'. They feel thankful to be together and justified in the decision since the doctor approves; they go to furnished rooms on Monday. They are busy at the moment, with lectures and meetings for Don; Grettie goes with him to his class room and makes him tea between classes; he makes a 'fine lecturer & exponent'. As well as the move to Lauriston Place, they have to organise the clearing of their belongings from George Square by Thursday, since it is to be let; it is damp in any case. Don is much better than last winter, and they 'may hope for peace of mind'. The Buxton cure was 'rather a farce' and 'lacking in thoroughness'. Apologises that they will not be able to put Mrs Trevelyan up. There seems to be no doubt that Gerald Cornish has been killed.
47 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh. - The Toveys are very glad that Mrs Trevelyan is coming on Monday. They have arranged with Mrs Banks of 25 Chalmers St that Grettie will lunch with Mrs Trevelyan there; they will then go to Don's lecture on musical analysis at 3 o'clock. Her aunt Jane Anderson will also be there, and they will all take tea afterwards in 'Don's den'. Hopes she will take the evening meal at theirs, with music afterwards.
47 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh. - Is very sorry to think of 'Poor' Miss [Constance] Whishaw's orphanage [Sunnybank, Arnside] 'degenerating in that fashion'; it was at Christmas 1897 that she met her and Miss Cark [sic: Minna Karch?] at a hotel in Cap d'Antibes but she never saw them again; her aunt Jane [Anderson] is also upset at the news. Don is playing from an old edition of Cramer's studies. He has just been reading the full score of "Ariadne auf Naxos" by George [sic] Benda in an 'ancient book' he found in the class room library today; she is to tell Trevelyan that 'Benda's librettist's Ariadne is a very ordinary minx!'. The [Reid?] Orchestra has not started yet. Don has been busy writing his programme notes for his series of Beethoven recitals. Grettie kept him in bed and away from the class room on Monday and Tuesday because of a cold, but he is better now. The Reception at the Union went well: Sir Alfred and Lady Ewing are 'particularly unostentatious little people' and 'gave a homely air to the proceedings'; Professor Barlka sang to Don's accompaniment and 'tried hard' to follow his suggestions for improvement. She has indeed seen Don conduct, in the Mozart concerts: he 'looked perfectly splendid, and so purposelike'. Hopes Bessie's 'invalids' have recovered: colds are going around, Mrs [Christina] Niecks has been ill, and Grettie's sister Isabel is currently in bed ill. Bessie should tell Julian he needs to come and inspect 'the Waverley' himself, as she only saw half of it. Mr [Edward] Speyer has sent the Toveys 'the most beautiful little work of an Old Master' which they are charmed with.
47 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh. - Don agrees it is better that the Trevelyans should have the opera ["The Bride of Dionysus"]. When Miss Weisse put it in the bank she left out sixty-one leaves: Grettie deposited them and hopes they have been kept together under the same receipt; they may have altered it at Northlands before sending it. Don found the third act of the opera at 44 [George Square] so had not taken it to England at all. Thinks he is much better now he is 'not worried by letters & incidents of a galling nature'. [The Reid] orchestra is 'in full swing' after the difficulties of getting it started: about forty professionals and a few students rehearse for two hours on Tuesdays, and Don gives lectures on instrumentation to the students on Thursdays; he looks 'quite impressive towering above his orchestra'. Distressing that the Trades Union men are agitating against two of their number, of German descent but British citizens. The historical concerts are a great success: the audience for the Beethoven programmes is most appreciative. Don is very well, enjoying his social engagements. Grettie wishes they had a home, but knows they must be patient. Will go with Don to Aberdeen on the 20th when he lectures to the public and Teachers' Association at the Art Gallery there; Miss Weisse can keep track of Don's doings as the "Scotsman" always carries advertisements of them. Her father is well, with 'a regular gallery of pictures all about him' at his new house.
47 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh. - Don has taken a furnished house in Napier Road 'almost opposite our aunts!'. They hope to move in next week, and Grettie has found a 'sweet old maid' to help in the home. Don is well; his fifth Beethoven recital was 'splendid'; she missed the last one when unwell but is better now. Kind of Bessie to remember the 'bed & the bottle': her sister arranged the first, and Don the second. The [Reid] Orchestra is going splendidly, and the 'German trouble' [see 6/163] has died down.
14 Napier Road, Edinburgh. - Her father has been very ill, but is now recovering; Don seemed quite upset, as they are such friends, but is all right again now. The nurse has to leave soon but they have advertised for and engaged a couple, the Turnbulls, to stay with him. The Toveys hope very much to move soon into a house on their favourite street which came up to let at just the right time. Aunt Jane [Anderson] has been very good to them. Bessie's rug will be a 'delightful gift'. Don is very well, though busy with [the Reid] 'orchestra, classes & recitals'; he is very glad to have the message about the opera [the "Bride of Dionysus"]
14 Napier Road, Edinburgh. - Apologises for not replying sooner; the month of concerts [by the Reid Orchestra] was 'a time apart'. The concerts were a great success, but in future they will be arranged for once a fortnight. The question of payment then became a concern, but the 'financial member of the [University] Court... a kind, interested friend' solved their problems and persuaded a private individual to pay the hundred pounds lacking; everything Mr Walker could do to relieve them was done cheerfully. Don's programmes, over which he took great trouble, sold well. They have not yet moved house; her aunt Maggie Anderson has invited them to stay at her house by the sea at Elie, which will provide beneficial rest, then they will organise the move. They do not expect to go south this summer, and have taken a house at Yetholm for September; her Aunt Jane will come with them. They all admire Robert Trevelyan's poem about Krishna; she and Don have also been reading 'Tom Sawyer' and 'Huckleberry Finn' aloud. Bessie has asked her to explain 'Sir Walter's "Dutchman"': she can only suggest that 'Dutchman' may be used to mean 'foreigner'. The Toveys went to Glasgow on Friday, as Don presided over the prize-giving at the Athenaeum school of music; Grettie describes the experience of being photographed at Lafayette's in the afternoon. Don is 'resuscitating' Kirkhope's Choir: a circular was originally enclosed with this letter. Hopes to be able to take up Bessie's kind invitation to come to the Shiffolds, and that they will also see the Trevelyans at 'The Wabe', as Don jokingly refers to the new house.
2 St. Margaret's Road, Edinburgh. - Don is well and busy with University work again; the first meeting of the revived Kirkhope Choir takes place tonight under his direction and Mr Kirkhope will be there to introduce him; it is a 'great trial' to her to be absent. They like their house very much: it is 'countrified' and sunny. She is very grateful to be home: Don had a 'dreadful time of it' and she would have been even more anxious if he had not been staying with her Aunt Jane [Anderson]. Her father is very well: by a 'big effort' she went to see him yesterday, for the first time in three months, though he had been to see her. It was 'truly terrible' in the nursing home.
2 St. Margaret's Road, Edinburgh. - The Toveys are very glad that Mr Trevelyan is coming to Edinburgh; Grettie is sorry there is no room to put him up at their house, and suggests the most convenient hotel. Don very anxious for the visit to include an 'unbroken Tuesday or Wed.' since his work is most interesting on those days. Yesterday was the first Historical Concert, next Wednesday the explanatory lecture, and there will be another concert on the 14th. Don is free from University work from Friday afternoon to Monday morning inclusive.
Northlands, Englefield Green, Surrey. - News of his marriage to Margaret Cameron, daughter of Hugh Cameron R.S.A, not D.Y. [David Young?] Cameron. Arrangements still undecided, but would like to come to the Shiffolds soon to work on scoring Ariadne ["the Bride of Dionysus" before the wedding, which is fixed for an inconvenient day he must get changed. Is on his way to the funeral of the Master of Balliol [James Leigh Strachan-Davidson]. Miss Weisse is being 'most generous', but is still 'going through an awful struggle' and does not realise how she is 'poisoning her own generosity'. Tovey thinks though that all will be well; the main trouble is his inability to say 'even the most commonplace thing about a woman to her'. Sends love to Julian; Tovey's father in law is an 'Old Master of the Glasgow School' and Bob tells him Julian is 'the Founder of the Shiffold School'; Margaret is also an artist.
Mitre Hotel, Oxford. - Grettie writes that the Toveys would love to come to the Shiffolds, but that she has been feeling most unlike herself recently, and was upset at having to leave home when she thought she was not able. She could not pack up and her relatives had to help, her memory was bad, and she saw the doctor; his opinion was that she had been doing too much but that the change would do her good. She does not feel that it has; her head aches, and she remembers a severe blow she received a while ago which may have caused her trouble. She only came as Don was so anxious for her to be with him, and now feels she should return to Edinburgh while Don comes to the Trevelyans; he however thinks they should both go to the Shiffolds; she feels 'more like going to a hospital than anything else'. Is very sorry for Don, who has got on so well with the opera ["The Bride of Dionysus"] and wanted to work at it first before going to the Trevelyans; now he thinks they should go as soon as is convenient. Bessie's photographs are quite safe: Grettie brought them as she was not able to write and post them. Don has read this and will add more himself.
Two pages in Donald Tovey's hand then follow: he is anxious, but thinks it cannot be anything that quiet and rest would not cure; at the Shiffolds she will feel free to recover slowly, whereas at Oxford she has minded that she is not paying calls with him or finding rooms. Suggests that Bessie should say 'just as if Grettie's letter did not matter' what would be most convenient for the Trevelyans, and the Toveys will know by then whether they ought to come. The blow on the head was from a 'lowered gasolier, and not from a brutal husband' and seems a likely explanation; her appetite is all right - and they have their meat-cards so this 'encouraging remark' should not be 'considered tactless'.
44 George Square, Edinburgh. - Has been waiting to see 'daylight' in his and his wife's plans, so far to no result: they cannot make visits without first going to Englefield Green, and at the moment only 'lunacy & blackmail' have come from there. His wife's 'great strength & gentleness has so far averted a catastrophe' and they might, as Miss Weisse proposes, get there by June 25th, but only if she completely changes her 'tone'. If not, thinks they will try and get 'some sort of house or farm' near the Trevelyans; will keep Bessie informed.
"Etona", 2. St. Margaret's Road, Edinburgh. - Very kind of Bessie to remember her birthday: is delighted with the Japanese picture of the rabbit. Is very sorry to hear what Julian has had to go through; wonders 'what causes all this modern necessity for operations'. 'Baby' [John Wellcome, the Tovey's adopted child] is flourishing; Don is 'missing so many things about him'. Wishes she could see Julian in his wigwam, and wonders if he plays at the Pearl Tree. Has three 'very nice boys' staying in the house; their mother is a 'Mons widow' and is acting as housewife caretaker. The boys have greatly improved the garden, and take charge of the rabbits, of which they now have fourteen.
47 Lauriston Place. - Will be 'delightful' if Bessie comes to Edinburgh on Monday; the Toveys will find her a room; they can both meet her if she arrives about six but between two and four 'the Mere Military Unfit' is teaching music to 'the Deaf & Dumb University Ladies'. Sends love to Julian and 'the Poet', whom he hopes will soon visit Edinburgh. Has just rescued [Trevelyan's translation of Aeschylus'] "Agamemnon" from their goods.
14 Napier Road, Edinburgh. The 'beautiful rug' from Bessie arrived soon after her letter of the 9th (Grettie organises their correspondence in a 'very businesslike way') and both Toveys are delighted with it; it will look even better in their new home which they will move into in April. His father-in-law [Hugh Cameron] is much better, and the 'new arrangements [the Turnbulls, see 6/165]... are a great success'. The [Reid] Orchestra is developing 'quite a decent style'; was introduced yesterday to 'the Organiser of the Amalgamated Trades Unions' and invited to become an honorary member, so can count on support. Sends love to 'the Poet and the Author of Blood Curdling Fairy Tales' [Bob and Julian].
2 St. Margaret's Road. - Is very glad to hear Bessie's news about Julian. Donald is well and on his Christmas holidays. They have had a 'long spell of the prevailing servant difficulties', but now are attempting to move furniture and settle in properly. This is just a note to send Christmas and New Year best wishes.
2 St Margaret's Road, Edinburgh. - His wife Grettie has been very ill: was ill during the 'flitting' [house-moving], then the doctor called in a specialist and found an operation was necessary; a much more serious one followed a week after. She is now recovering well, and he hopes will leave the nursing home in a fortnight. Her Aunt Jane, whom Bessie may remember, is 'a priceless treasure'. Is getting on well with Homer and finding Crusius's dictionary 'most luminous'.
30 Norland Sq. - Is glad that she can see Bessie on Wednesday. Apologises for the fact that she will have a long staircase to climb.
The Acland Nursing Home, Oxford. - Bessie's letter 'did Grettie all the good in the world' and probably partly in consequence the doctor 'finds her improving rapidly & doesn't think there's going to be anything the matter'. Looks therefore as if they will be able to come to the Trevelyans on Thursday; will write to confirm. Is getting on with Act II [of "The Bride of Dionysus"]. Grettie is worried about sending the meat coupons by post. Tovey continues the letter on the following day: the doctor is more convinced that all Grettie needs is rest; has had to do a lot of rewriting in Act II of the opera but the 'big duet' is better than he expected, and he thinks the act will be finished when he arrives.