India Office, London.—Refers humorously to her ill health. His holiday at Inverness was ‘all right’, but a contrast to his memorable visit to Archerfield. Makes arrangements for visiting Penrhôs.
Alderley Park, Chelford, Cheshire.—Is sorry she missed him at Archerfield. Refers to his forthcoming visit to Alderley. The Prime is on good form.
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Transcript
Alderley Park, Chelford, Cheshire
Sunday Dec 24th 1911
My dear Mr Montagu
I should have answered your letter sooner {1}, but I thought I should certainly see you at Archerfield as I was told you were coming there on Friday. It was very sad just missing you. I left with deep regret last night and am still rather somnolent after a night journey which landed me here at 6 this morning.
It is very nice of you to have wanted to give me any present at all, I am sorry that it caused you such an unpleasant and unprofitable morning. You must have a very high standard I think of niceness and suitability, because I always find my great difficulty is to stop buying things.
I cant bear to think of you all having such fun and not being there, but its nice being at home too. We had a lot of chess at Archerfield, my great triumph was mating the P.M. twice and that old walnut Elwes {2} once.
Do you come here straight from Archerfield on Monday {3} or have you got to go to London first, Bongie is coming too from there.
Dont you think the Prime is in very good form, he was wonderful all the time I was there.
You’ll just miss Jonah here, but catch Bluey.
Yrs
Venetia Stanley
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{1} This is a reply to MONT II B1/26.
{2} Probably Gervase Henry Elwes, a singer.
{3} 1 January.