Abinger Hall, Dorking. - Mrs Trevelyan's letter of resignation from LHMC [Leith Hill Music Competitions] Committee was read out at the Committee meeting on Friday and 'received with very [emphasised] great regret' and the feeling that her 'old association with the Festival... from its very earliest days' as well as her 'great musical knowledge & judgement' would be a 'real loss'. Evangeline herself will feel it 'personally', as Mrs Trevelyan is 'bound up with all the old happy days of pioneering with Margaret [Vaughan Williams]'; whose 'whole soul was bound up in it' and who always comes to mind first when thinking of that time. Knows that Mrs Trevelyan feels, as she does, that it was an 'inspiration'; she must 'never feel anything but a part of it' even if she is not sitting on the Committee. Will be a pleasure to keep her informed on what is going on; hopes they will 'never grow too big' and believes the 'area limit' has been their 'great safeguard'. Mr Keep [?] expressed what the whole Committee felt; that they would all miss Mrs Trevelyan greatly, but were glad she could enjoy the Festivals 'especially the last one which came so soon after [her] recovery'; she must have had a 'very trying time'. Hopes Mrs Trevelyan will be able to come to tea next week; asks her to let her know when she might be free.
Brunswick Square, as from West Hackhurst, Abinger Hammer, Dorking. - Headed 'PERSONAL'. Was 'so pleased' to see Bessie yesterday, but is 'much troubled' that she has 'so much vexation'. Of course knew that she 'disliked the lady', but had not realised how much; will be 'relieved' when his own present collaboration with her is over. Thinks that 'she can only influence opinions not sway the central part', and though it is 'tiresome' to 'see the opinion of someone whom one loves influenced by someone whom one is far from loving, it is only a superficial vexation', and, he trusts, temporary. Has been 'much distressed', and glad her 'preliminary warning' led him to be on his guard 'against that restless crawling desire for intimacy'. Does not know whether 'the lady' is 'bad, and I don't think you can know', but is 'gladder than ever not to be on the telephone!'.
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Is 'not dissatisfied' with his contribution to the Pageant [England's Green and Pleasant Land, performed at Milton Court, Dorking, 9–16 July 1938], but will be glad when it is over: it has 'meant endless work', and the 'Farrer boycott' has hurt him 'unreasonably'. This is, of course, in line with the 'indifference and hostility' they have shown to him and his mother ever since they came to West Hackhurst thirteen years ago; makes him realise 'how promptly they will turn me out when she [his mother] dies', which is depressing. Hates 'bitter thoughts - they are so tiring'.
Must now 'put on a collar and go to lunch with little Lord Carlow, whoever that may be', then entertain an American writer she will never have heard of, Waldo Frank, to tea. After that will return for a rehearsal at Dorking. Is sure it would be all right if she wanted to come with him to the dress rehearsal; she 'wouldn't mind the absence of the pigs and goats, which we fear will distress the critics'.
84 Plymouth Grove, Manchester. - Was delighted to get "The Bride of Dionysus" as a present from Miss Philips; began to read it last night and could not stop. Had heard a little about it from Lady Farrer, who knew it through 'her cousins, the Vaughan Williamses'. Admires the drama very much, and thinks it will 'make a most inspiring libretto for Mr [Donald] Tovey', who stayed with them [Meta and her sister Julia?] once and impressed them both with his 'real genius'; she believes if anyone can write 'adequate music' for the "Bride" it is he.
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.