I Tatti, Settignano, Florence. - Starting South this afternoon after ten days with the Berensons; B.B. is anxious and not sleeping well, but seems more cheerful since their arrival; his wife also seems to be in poor health and when she returns B.B. hopes to go to Sicily for a holiday. Asks whether Fry will be in Italy in March, the probable time of their own return, and whether Daniel will accompany him. Glad Fry's watercolours were successful and that he likes the [Band of Hope] banner. He must not forget his picture of H[elen] and J[ulian], and Helen her 'Bronzino infant'. Has seen Moore's young brother [Bertie] who paints in Italy; hopes Fry might be able to give him advice. Has heard about 'Lina's artist' [Aubrey Waterfield] from her, the K[err] Lawsons, and Moore who knew him at the Slade: tends to think that Lina is right about Waterfield, 'the Oxford manner' makes him a little difficult at first but he is fundamentally decent, and that [Lina's aunt] Mrs Ross has treated her very badly; Berenson is also 'perfectly silly' about it. However, Lina is being sensible and they will marry in a year or so. According to Moore, Tonks thought highly of Waterfield's drawings. B.B. 'nicer than ever' himself but much more intolerant of others (not Fry). Is sorry about the book [problems with the reproduction of Fry's illustrations for Trevelyan's "Polyphemus and Other Poems"] but it was not Fry's fault and his illustrations are much appreciated by all there. Bessie sends regards to all.
Since Miss Russell was kind enough to send him Aubrey [Waterfield]'s postcard recently, sends her one he has received himself from Lina; the Waterfields hope they will soon be able to get a boat to bring them to Britain so it is probably not much use writing to them; certainly they do not seem to have received the postcard Robert wrote. Hopes that the Waterfields' 'troubles are over' and that they will soon see them. Hopes she has been having a 'quieter time lately', as he and Bessie have.
I Tatti, Settignano, Florence. - Has spent most of his time at I Tatti with flu and unable to enjoy the company. Was pleased to see Aubrey and Lina [Waterfield] last night. Mary [Berenson] is suffering from rheumatism and feeble, but getting on fairly well; B.B. is well on the whole. Has written to Trevelyan's brother George again with his publisher Einaudi's decision about the title of the translation [by Morra of G.M. Trevelyan's "British History in the Nineteenth Century, 1782-1901"]. Einaudi is grateful for Trevelyan's suggestion of Buchan's "[Oliver] Cromwell" as another translation project. [H.A.L.] Fisher's "History [of Europe]", however, has been translated, and the edition confiscated some months after publication; efforts to get it released even in bowdlerised form have been unsuccessful.
Thanks Miss Russell for letting them [Robert and Bessie] see Aubrey [Waterfield]'s postcard. A 'great relief' that the Waterfields are safe, though it looks as if it will be some time before they can come to Britain. Is writing to them at Oporto. Does not think Aubrey had ever been to Spain before; his 'four mornings at the Prado must have been a great event for him'.
Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Sure Elizabeth's 'outing' will do her good and she will go back 'fresh' to Julian. Mary thinks he is doing well. Hopes Mrs Catt [the nurse] will return 'well & cheerful'. Robert's letter was cheerful; is amused that he has 'been induced to run in a Hunt', even though he says they are 'not so energetic as George's party'; must have been pleasant from the names he mentioned. Hopes Elizabeth found the Waterfields well; asks if she saw the Northbournes, and is not sure whether they have yet come north. Mary is sending her children to Wallington around 13 July and coming herself around the 22nd; Charlie probably will come at the beginning of August. George and Janet will not come till September
Originally enclosing a letter to Julian which Bob found on the return home, probably from Nicky [Mariano]. Lina [Waterfield] said in a telephone call that she thought it would be all right even if [her husband] Aubrey had not written to Aulla; he is currently away in Gloucestershire, but [the people at Aulla] will understand Julian's telegram and get things ready [for his and Ursula's honeymoon]. Hopes Julian and Ursula had time for everything in London. Bob and Bessie stopped to see Mrs V[aughan] W[illiams] and Adeline on the way back, and gave them some cakes; Ralph [Vaughan Williams] is 'getting on well'. Glad that everything went so well, and hopes they have a good time.
Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - He and Caroline agree that it is 'poor work' seeing North Italian cities at the beginning of January; the contrast between the North and South of the Apennines is very great: even so early the Val d'Arno was lovely. Expects the 'quiet life' at Welcombe will soon 'set him up'. Much interested by Robert and Bessie's accounts of the New Year festivities at Aulla [Fortezza della Brunella, home of the Waterfields]; could not find an account of the siege in Gregorovius as he ends in 1527, so must look it up in Sismondi. Parliament has been dissolved [for the general election]; they have a 'very energetic candidate' [Thomas Kincaid-Smith]' at Stratford who 'has canvassed the whole division in a motor' and is 'learning some politics as he goes along'. There are plenty of 'humorous incidents all about', including at Elland [Charles's constituency]. Balfour 'kicked off at the beginning of a football match [at Manchester United] and Sir James Fergusson in the middle' and both were 'hooted'; comments on 'such a function' being given to 'a London swell, born in 1832, who was wounded at Inkerman! [Fergusson]'. Is finishing Bergk [his edition of the Greek lyric poets] with the help of Weir Smith [Herbert Weir Smyth]; an excellent book recommended to him by 'dear Jebb'. Sends love to Bessie; the [new] piano has come and 'looks beautiful'.
Mill House :- Thanks her for the letter and the tie, which he thinks 'a very pretty one'; wonders if he should wear it at [Charles and Mary's] wedding. He and Bessie have just been to visit the Waterfields at Sandwich for a couple of days. Their own 'plans for the house are getting on', and they are due to see the architects again next Monday; they hope the 'legal difficulties' are now 'practically over'. Encloses the 'Bryce Review' [of The American Revolution?] which his father sent him, with thanks; since Bryce is, Robert supposes. 'a scientific historian, his evident approval of the book is all the more valuable'. Hopes that, as Bryce says, his father will go on to include 'rather more... of the English Parliamentary history': what he has already said is good, but it is possible it will 'come more naturally in later volumes'.
Bessie is 'delighted' with Caroline's present of a handkerchief, and will soon write to thank her; it was very kind of Caroline to send something for the Enticknaps. Mary Fletcher, who has just returned from America, is staying with them today; they will all go up to London tomorrow 'to see architects, dentists, dress-makers etc'. They are all just about to call on Lord Farrer and 'the new Lady Farrer', whom Mary knows. He and Bessie hope C[harles] and G[eorge] have enjoyed their stay at Wallington. Have written to Aunt Margaret [Holland?] that they will dine there on the 5th, after going to the pantomine in the afternoon.
Hotel de France, Palermo, Sicilia :- He and Bessie have been in Palermo for two pleasant days; the weather is 'quite good so far', and the Waterfields are here, having taken 'a villa on the outskirts of the town'. They went for a picnic in the country together yesterday. He and Bessie like him [Aubrey] 'very much, and are glad to get to know him better'. He and Lina seem very happy together. Aubrey's painting seems interesting, though they have not seen much of it yet. Bessie is well, and they are about to go to Monreale for lunch, which she has not seen before; they saw the Capella Palatina yesterday.
It is 'very kind' of Caroline to have 'persuaded B[essie] to join the Grosvenor Crescent Club, and paid for it all'; is sure she will find it 'very useful'. Mr [Henry John?] Roby was staying at Ravello with some friends when they left; they liked him and 'the old lady, Miss Williams, who was with him'. Calls Roby 'quite a humorist in his way'.
Robert's play [Cecilia Gonzaga] should be out soon; was unable to choose 'quite the binding' he wanted, but expects it will 'do well enough'. Is glad to hear G[eorge] 'has got sufficient subscriptions to start his review [see 10/4]; asks if she knows exactly how much he has collected, and whether he would like more if possible. Bessie sends her love, and will write soon; Robert hopes it will be 'a longer and better letter' than this as they have to start now. Hopes his parents are both well.
8, Grosvenor Crescent. - Thanks Elizabeth for her letter from Palermo; the orange flower is still fragrant. Glad they are seeing so much of Sicily, and hopes she is now with her cousins [Bramine and Tuttie] at Taormina. Has paid Elizabeth's subscription to the [Grosvenor Crescent] club and will do in future. Sir George has finished writing his book ["The American Revolution"] and will soon start getting the proofs. He is very happy and seems 'so much better already'; he is seeing his friends, they are dining out 'moderately', and have had a few people to dinner. George 'seems to live in Committees and interviews about the ["Independent] Review'. Glad Elizabeth is having music, and that the Waterfields are happy. Excitement in London about a new young violinist, Marie Hall; the story is that 'some connoisseur' heard her playing on the street and trained her; has not yet heard her. Has a ticket near Elizabeth for Joachim's concerts; hopes they can go together often. Robert's play ["Cecilia Gonzaga"] not out yet. Sends love to Elizabeth's relations and the Cacciolas. Asks if she could call on Mrs Bayley, daughter-in-law of Sir George's old friend Sir Steuart Bayley, whose health is not good enough to live with her husband in India.
c/o Conte Umberto Morra di Lavriano, Villa Metelliano, Cortona, prov. di Arezzo, Italy. - He and [Umberto] Morra send best wishes for the New Year. Has been here a week after a fortnight at I Tatt; Mary [Berenson] was 'very ill', but seems to be recovering; it will however be a 'long illness'. Only saw her twice, for a couple of minutes; she was 'very charming' and asked after Julian. B.B. [Bernard Berenson] was 'subdued, but very sympathetic'. There were no dinner guests, so most nights Nicky [Mariano] read aloud "Anna Karenina", which he found very fine and much 'more subtle' than he, or B.B., remembered. Aubrey and Lina [Waterfield] were 'a bit tired out by their two pupils'; they and [their daughter] Kinta all asked after Julian and seemed to have enjoyed his visit. Hears from Bessie that Julian's show opens on 15 January; if he stays in England until the end of the month Bob will be sure to be back at home. If C.A. [Clifford Allen] goes to Paris, will try to meet him there. Expects he will stop for two or three days at I Tatti when B.B. returns around the 20th, then come back home. Though it is very cold, has been out in the hills every afternoon trying to start a long poem. The "Nation" have at last published his 'blasphemous poem'. He and Morra read Shakespeare, Ariosto and Tasso in the evening; Makalé [the dog] barks on these moonlit nights, which makes him 'open the window and shout at him in English and Italian'. Sends love to [Maria] Germanova, [Alexandr] Kalitinski and Andr[usha Kalitinski] if Julian sees them. Is going to Florence to celebrate the new year with Alda [Anrep], Nicky etc. Glad Julian is seeing Millet; John Walker will probably be in Paris for a few days so Bob has given him Julian's address, but explained he is likely to be very busy; got to like Walker, who will probably stay at the [Hotel] Londres, 'very much this time'.
Julian's letter from Rome arrived this morning; hopes this will catch him at Poggio and that he found [Umberto] Morra at Cortona. Sends love to all at Poggio [the Waterfields], also to the B.B.s [Berensons] and Nicky [Mariano]. Going to Edinburgh from 9-13 November as he has a lot to do there with Donad [Tovey, re the new production of their opera "The Bride of Dionysus"]. He and Elizabeth are going to a concert at Haslemere involving Jelly [d'Aranyi] and Adila [Fachiri], and are bringing back Jelly for the night; if Julian wants to come to that concert, he should let Elizabeth know, but expects he will not want to return to England so soon. The 'elections are very queer. Labour has made a fool of itself'; hopes it will 'learn its lesson'. Everything depends on MacD[onald], whom C.A. [Clifford Allen] has been 'actively supporting throughout', Bob thinks rightly, though it is difficult. Charles has lost his seat, 'of course'. Will be very interesting to hear Julian's 'adventures'. Has to go to London to have a tooth out now.
Exhibition to be held at the Beaux Arts Gallery, 1 Bruton Place, Bruton Street, London, W.1, from 23 January to 23 February 1945. With one page foreword of appreciation of Waterfield's work, which is unsigned but quotes Kenneth Clark, and a list of thirty one works for sale with titles, material and price.
Poggio allo Spino, Consuma (Prov. di Firenze). - Elizabeth sent Julian's letter giving Belgrade p[oste] r[estante] as an address, so hopes this will be forwarded. Glad Julian has had so good a time; expects he will be in Greece by now. Is at B.B. [Bernard Berenson]'s; [Raffaello] Piccoli is here at the moment talking to Berenson about Sir Thomas Browne, whom he has been translating. He is evidently still 'far from well', but seems better today; if Julian is passing through Naples on his rerun from Greece Piccoli hopes he will visit him there. The Waterfields [Aubrey, Lina and their children] are also hoping Julian will come to Poggio [Gherardo] on his way back; he himself spent 'a very pleasant week in camp with them', doing some work on [his translation of] Lucretius and his own writing; they were all very nice, though Aubrey 'as usual was often very cross, chiefly with Lina, who always takes it very nicely'. Everyone seemed to have enjoyed Julian's visit, and he 'had become more or less legendary': Bob was for instance taken to see the rock which Julian 'had split by painting it', and Aubrey had done a sketch of the incident. Cecil [Anrep], who is 'very nice, and knows English much better' is here for a few days. Bob is travelling to Paris on Tuesday, will spend two nights with [Hasan] Suhrawardy and [Maria] Germanova, then go to London on Friday and the Shiffolds on Saturday. [Aleksandr] Kalitinski and Germanova, and he supposes Rex [the dog], will probably go to Prague for the winter; S[uhrawardy] is going to India after spending a few days in England. Kalitinski seemed much better when Bob was in Paris a month ago; while there Bob went to the Colonial Exhibition and saw the Bali Ballet. B.B. and Nicky [Mariano] would be glad to se Julian if he comes to Poggio. Roger [Fry] seems to have been at Florence and to have 'got on quite well with B.B.'.
Everyone hopes Julian will be 'very careful about the dogs' if he goes walking in Greece; he [and his friend Ralph Parker] 'should both have big sticks, as long as possible'; B.B. is sure that 'the young man who was lost on Parnassus' was killed by dogs, though Bob thinks it more likely he fell down a precipice. B.B. thinks Mistra [Mystras] is 'much more interesting' as regards art than Athos, though he has not been to the latter; he is 'very much irritated against Biron [Robert Byron]', who is now writing for the "Statesman", and says he 'talks great nonsense about art'; still, 'one might get a good deal from his book ["The Station, Athos"]'.
Wonders whether Julian will come to England before settling at Paris again; he should find the Shiffolds 'more or less in order'. Does not understand the 'political upset in England', and is reserving judgment until he can see C[lifford] A[llen] and others; T.M. [? ie Thomas Sturge Moore?] writes that Allen is also reserving judgement until the facts, which are 'very complicated', are clearer; Bob however thinks it a 'bad business', and that the Labour movement is 'smashed up for some time'; this is not a 'National Government', but a 'Tory-Liberal Coalition, which may, or may not, have been necessary to save the pound from collapsing'. Hopes Allen will not 'take it too tragically'. Encloses a 'poem in Po Chu I's manner', "Comano" which refers to a wonderful view he, Aubrey and Lina discovered one day; dated Aug 1931.
Does not think he will be able to come to Italy before 3 August: has to go to the Toveys again next week to for proof-reading, then must spend a few nights in Paris with [Hasan] Suhrawardy and [Maria] Germanova. Might go to Aulla 'and to the camp for a few days', but wants to get to the Berensons as soon as he can, so will not be able to stay long. Hopes Julian is having a good time and will get to Athos soon. Will let Aubrey [Waterfield] know his plans as soon as he can. Sorry he will miss Julian at Aulla, and sends love to everyone. He and Bessie are in the Shiffolds now, 'more or less camping' but it is all right and Bessie is well.
c/o B[ernard] Berenson, Poggio allo Spino, Consuma (Prov di. Firenze). - Glad Julian is having such a good time; expects he will be at or near Aulla by now. Unsure whether he himself will be able to get to Aulla; expects he will stay here until the end of the month then go home; hopes Aubrey and Lina [Waterfield] will not be annoyed with him. Might be able to come for a few days early in September, but fears Julian would have left by then. B.B. [Berenson] likely to go to Paris then so Julian would probably miss him, or the house would be full since Mary is coming from England with some guests. Nicky [Mariano] and the Anreps [Alda and Egbert] are here at the moment, and [Alberto] Moravia is staying in the village nearby. Julian could maybe arrange to do this, but will probably want to go on to Ravenna.
Spent some time in Paris with the Allens [Clifford and Joan], and saw [Hasan] Suhrawardy and [Maria] Germanova; then went with the Allens to Bolzano for almost a week. Clifford Allen seems much better in health; they will return home soon via Heidelburg. Bessie writes that the 'last difficulties to the building contract have been removed'; she has probably signed it by now. Roland [Vaughan Williams] will not allow the house to be 'plastered smooth', so the 'old part shall remove rough-cast, and the new part be brick': he is sorry, but Julian may prefer it. Is reading a lot, but has done little work, except on translating the "Medea" for Germanova, who 'seems to want very much to do it in America next year'. Received Julian's letter at Bolzano about 'adventures in the Pyrennees [sic] and in wolf-caverns'; glad Julian is seeing [Frederick] Porter, will pay for any lessons when he returns so he should keep an account. Sends love to Lina and Aubrey; will write soon to let them know whether he can visit.
c/o [Bernard] Berenson, Poggio allo Spino, Consuma (Prov. di Firenze). - Glad Julian is having a good time at Aulla, and would have liked to join him but cannot manage it. Will start for home around the beginning of September, and may stop at Paris for a few nights. Julian unlikely to have time to stop here on the way to Venice or Ravenna, but there may be room, or he could stop at the hotel at Consuma; Nicky [Mariano] will have written about that to Lina [Waterfield]. The countryside here is in some ways the finest he has seen in Italy, hard to be beaten 'even by Aulla'; Julian should see it some day, perhaps next year. Went to Laverna [sic: La Verna], where St Francis received his stigmata, on Monday by car. [Umberto] Morra has left, but [Alberto] Moravia is still staying at the hotel and comes to the house every day; the Anreps [Alma and Egbert] are here most of the time. His hotel in Rome was the Albergo Elyseé; if Julian stays there he should ask whether he can get a room looking over the Borghese gardens; his own looked the wrong way, but he used to go to [Guglielmo degli] Alberti's. Sends love to A[ubrey], Lina, Kinta and J[ohn], and to Adelina and 'the Fortezza itself'. Morra almost certain to be at Cortona and glad to see Julian.
Hotel de Londres, Paris. - Has been in Paris with the Allens for three days, and is going on with them to Bolzano; will be at the Berenson house around 15 July for about a fortnight; may then go to see [Umberto] Morra at Cortona, or to Aulla [to see the Waterfields]. Saw [Jean] Marchand yesterday, who was glad to have seen Julian, and that he is coming to Marchand's academy in the winter; liked some of Marchand's latest work. If Julian returns to Cambridge he could still spend some time with Marchand this winter; would of course be very pleased if he chose to return, but he must use his own judgement. Has seen a lot of [Hasan] Suhrawardy and [Maria] Germanova, who were sorry to have missed Julian; Suhrawardy may be away on Julian's return, but Germanova should be in Paris. Allen is 'fairly well, but easily tired'. Saw Terence Gray briefly in the street, who looked well, and was 'very friendly and cheerful, and almost without his stammer'. Suhrawardy sends love; the Allens are upstairs packing and resting.
Thanks Julian for his letter; fears he will not be able to come to Cambridge next week, as he has scalded his leg; may be able to visit after Julian's tripos [exams], but does not know has long his term lasts. Expects the Waterfields [Aubrey and Lina] would be at Aulla in September, but that is a long time away. He and Elizabeth seem a little nearer a settlement with Roland [Vaughan Williams] about the house: they are holding out for a thirty five year lease, at least one longer than the twenty one year lease he is offering. Hopes Tom [Sturge Moore?] will not be 'too cantankerous at the Heretics [Society]'. Bessie is still in the Netherlands, and seems to be enjoying herself; C.A. [Clifford Allen] is recovering, but 'very slowly'. Thinks Roger [Fry] is painting a portrait in Cambridge and Julian could see him; tells him to ask Goldie [Dickinson] or at King's.
May try to come to Cambridge before the end of the month. Bessie went abroad on Thursday. C.A. [Clifford Allen] is much better, it will be some time until he and Joan can travel abroad. Joan has chicken-pox and is in quarantine. Does not know about the Waterfields: they have had a lot of paying guests at Aulla, until one, 'a young man from Oxford, suddenly lost his memory and more or less went mad, and is being looked after at Poggio [Gherardo] with nurses'. Expects the Waterfields will go to Aulla soon if the young man can be sent home, but then [their children] Johnny and Kinta will probably come out to visit. Had thought of arranging for the Allens to stay when Clifford is strong enough, but it is unclear when that would be. The Waterfields want him to visit, but he cannot go abroad until the building plans for the Shiffolds are settled, probably by August; may then go to Aulla for a while and on to the Berensons at Vallombrosa. Thinks Julian should write to Lina and ask if he could stay as a paying guest, though he should remember there is not as much space at Aulla as at Poggio, and if the Allens could go they should have preference. Currently here alone, but will go to London on Monday for [Wagner's] "Rheingold with the "Walkyrie [sic]" on Thursday. Desmond [MacCarthy] printed his epistle to him in the May "Life & Letters", but forgot to use the corrected proof, so there are '5 monstrous misprints'. Hopes Julian is finding some time to do some reading. Unsure whether he will be able to come to Cambridge next week. Asks when Julian's exams are, and how he likes Granville Barker's "Shakespeare"
I Tatti, Settignano, Florence. - This is his last day here; will stay with [Hasan] Suhrawardy in Paris for five days, then go home. Hopes Julian has received the set of photographs from [Fratelli] Alinari which he sent last week; Mrs B[erenson] says she will give him one of the [?] Gasetta, which Alinari's does not have. Hears from B[essie] that Julian managed to see some of the pictures at B[urlington?] House. Reminds him to 'find out something about [Richard] Hughes of the "High Wind [in Jamaica]"' and send the invitation to [Umberto] Morra at Cortona. [Alberto] Moravia has been a couple of times, and 'seems to get on with B.B. [Bernard Berenson'. The Waterfields [Lina and Aubrey] have gone to Aulla to install the new stove.
Casa Boccaccio, Thursday. - Glad to hear that Trevelyan got home safe. Waterfield has not yet seen the Mothersills. Has not yet heard from Wilfrid [Gibson] but presumes he is married and gone to the Gallows. The Abercrombies start from home on Monday and go straight to Grange [over Sands] on Wednesday; Marsh has asked them to lunch but there may not be time. "La Julia Grassa" has not returned, for which they are grateful, the "real Julia is doing admirably for us". This trip to Italy seems to have been even better than the last [in 1911]: very kind of Waterfield to have them at Aulla; the drive from Fivizzano to Castlenuovo was "glorious"; they liked Lucca too but the "zanzare" [mosquitos] plagued them; excellence of the wine provided by Will [Arnold-Forster] at Montefiano. Cannot sufficiently express their gratitude to Trevelyan. Sends love to Trevelyan, his family, and the Bottomleys. His wife asks for the name and address of Grant Watson's mother-to-be at Grange, as they have a book to return.
Villa Morra, Cortona. - Assumes Julian is leaving on 5 or 6 January, so is coming to Florence on the 4th; will take a taxi from the station unless he finds the car from I Tatti there, as he has let Nicky [Mariano] know when his train arrives. Has not heard from [Roger] Sessions yet, but assumes he would like him to come to the Villino; if necessary he could go to the Anreps [Alda and Egbert], or to I Tatti at once. Wonders if Julian got a permesso di soggiorno, or whether the Waterfields [Aubrey and Lina] thought that was unnecessary. Expects there will be a concert in Florence on Sunday the 15th, and might go; Mary [Berenson] may have an extra ticket for him. Was rather relieved when [Alberto] Moravia left 'as he talked so much', but 'liked him in a way'. Expects Julian has written to [Hasan] Suhrawardy. [Umberto] Morra is not coming to Florence until the 6th or 7th. Hopes Julian had a 'good New Year's festa, probably at the Anreps'. Tonino [Morra's attendant] made them some punch; this morning they 'had to eat grapes for breakfast' to bring 'plenty of money all this year'. Will visit from the Villino one day after lunch if Julian is there.
c/o Prof. [Herbert] Grierson, 12 Regents Terrace. Edinburgh. - Encloses a cheque for expenses and 'fee as designer and scene-painter' [for a recent production of Robert's "Meleager"]: Julian did 'a great deal of work' and 'the result was very successful'. Will also send a cheque. Has just read his paper on metre, which seemed to go all right with 'a fog-diminished audience'. Bessie is at Welcombe; will join her there next week then go abroad. Has not yet heard from [Umberto] Morra, but will probably visit him first, then go to Aulla [to see the Waterfields] around the time Julian comes out. May get [Hasan] Suhrawardy to come out with him, but is not sure. Sorry that [Arthur?] Waley is 'trying to get out of his heresies [ie, of giving a paper to the Heretics Society]; wonders how Wittgenstein's paper went; asks if 'Francis B.' [possibly Birrell?] is going to read a paper despite an initial refusal.
c/o Conte Umberto Morra, Villa Metelliano, Cortona (prov[incia] di Arezzo). - Has just heard from Bessie that Julian is coming out to Florence and will be at Poggio [Gherardo] today or tomorrow; if he is travelling on to Rome and Naples, he should stop at Cortona on the way; Morra would send his car to meet the train at either Cortona or Terentola. He and Morra will not be there much later than Christmas; is planning to travel on to Assisi, Florence, or Aulla. Morra sends his love. Asks Julian to pass his own to A[ubrey] and Lina [Waterfield]. Must go out now for his 'afternoons... pursuit of the Muses, on the wooded hillside here'.
Cortona (Arezzo). - Expects Trevelyan has just arrived in Italy, and is looking forward to him coming; hopes the weather will be better than the mist and rain today. Has just had a visit from the 'disciple', K. [Kenneth] Clark, who is charming. Would like Trevelyan to come on the 21st to meet his friend [Guglielmo degli?] Alberti, who has to return to his home at Turin for Christmas. He travelled over with Mr and Mrs Waterfield, so Trevelyan can ask for their impressions of him. Clark gave him good news of the I Tatti household, including 'Miss Nicky' [Mariano]; B.B. [Bernard Berenson] is in high spirits despite finding 'on the center of his roof a tower with a clock'.
Il Villino, Corbignano, Settignano, Firenze. - Aubrey [Waterfield]'s letter to Siena has not produced any results; hopes nothing very important to Julian has been lost. A wire arrived from [Hasan] Suhrawardy the morning after Julian left saying his house was full so he could not put him up; hopes Julian has now made contact with him. Has sent some letters, including one from Bessie, on to the Hotel Londres. Hopes Julian had a successful visit to Paris. Is quite comfortable here, and gets on very well with [Roger] Sessions. Asks Julian to let him know how he found Suhrawardy, and [Jean] Marchand if he saw him.
c/o Aulla [on headed notepaper for Poggio Gherardo, Settignano, Florence]. - Is going to Florence, probably next Monday, and will stay at Poggio Gherardo with the Waterfields; around 8 December will then go on to the Berensons at I Tatti, where Julian will join him, until about the 22nd or 23rd; they will then return to Poggio or perhaps visit [Umberto] Morra at Cortona for a while. Nicky [Mariano] writes that the Berensons hope Julian will come on the 10th or 11th. Suggests arrangements for reaching Florence via Bologna; Julian and Elizabeth must decide when he will start. Tells him to remember the Italian, French and Swiss money he left with Elizabeth, and the Baedeker; would be best if he brought dress clothes as the Berensons dress for dinner; also tells him not to put his feet on the train seats or he will be 'reproved and fined by the black-shirt who wanders along the corridor, seeking whom he may bully', and to check whether he needs to disembark for his luggage to be examined at borders or whether this will be done on the train. He should bring pocket dictionaries, but not more of other books than he needs, as 'there are millions of books here'. A shame that he will not see Aulla, which has finer scenery than anything else he knows of in Italy. Hopes the ballet goes well, and the scenery [painted by Julian?] is a success. John Waterfield and his sister [Kinta] will come out later, and Julian will see them at Poggio. Spent two nights at Lerici last week, and saw Shelley's house. Expects Elizabeth is now in Scotland, and will soon come to Cambridge; sorry that Julian is missing Donald [Tovey]'s concert.