The Manor House, Mells, Frome.—Asks how his party went. She found Diana in bed, attended by various people, but there does not seem to be much wrong with her. Discusses Ettie’s book [Pages from a Family Journal, 1888–1915]. Refers to her companions at Mells. Mary Herbert will not be at Pixton next week, so Venetia may go to Penrhôs instead. Has thought of some things she wants him to get in Paris.
The Manor House, Mells, Frome.—‘I see in the papers that your worst fears were realised, I wonder if you had them with you all today as well.’ Asquith’s speech [at Ladybank] was not very good. Discusses her companions at Mells and a chandelier she saw in Bath. Asks him to inquire about Frida at the H[ome] O[ffice]. Has heard that the new War Secretary will be Lord Derby. Sends domestic instructions and inquiries.
India Office, London.—He was pleased with his speech, but disappointed by its reception in the press.
18 Mansfield Street, Portland Place, W.—Thanks him for the loan of his motor-car, and describes her excursion in it to Wolverhampton. Asks him to lunch.
(Dated Tuesday.)
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Transcript
18 Mansfield Street, Portland Place, W.
Tuesday
My dear Mr Montagu
I must write you you† a Collins for your wonderful motor. It was too glorious yesterday, we came like the wind to Llangollen where we had lunch in the shadow of Vale† Crucis Abbey and by a delicious stream, and when we arrived at Shrewsbury we simply couldnt leave the motor and came on to Wolverhampton, the 30 miles between the 2 places being done in an hour.
I wish you hadnt yielded to the call of duty as it really was great fun.
If you can face disgusting and scanty food will you lunch here Thursday at one o’clock before the McLaren wedding {1}.
Yrs
Venetia Stanley
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Black-edged paper. Marked ‘McClaren wedding | July ’11’ in blue biro.
{1} The wedding of Francis McLaren and Barbara Jekyll at St Margaret’s, Westminster, on 20 July. Venetia was one of the eight bridesmaids. See The Times, 21 July 1911, p. 11.
† Sic.