20 Somerset Terrace (Duke’s Road, W.C.).—Sends some hymns (for their wedding), and gives directions for printing them. Invites him to dinner to meet a couple who are about to be married. Expresses her love for him.
(Place of writing not indicated.)—Reflects on her love for him, and praises his character.
(Place of writing not indicated.)—Sends some ties, and refers to Mac’s height. Hopes his cold will be better soon.
(Place of writing not indicated.)—Sends a loving message on their wedding morning.
(Undated. The Pethick-Lawrences were married on 2 Oct. 1901.)
The Mascotte, Holmwood, Surrey.—Writes a brief message as she lies asleep on the morning of her birthday. Reflects on the progress of their relationship since ‘the day of Regent’s Park’ nearly half a year ago.
(Undated.)
(Originally marked ‘Please burn these unopened at my death. These letters are from Emmeline. F.W.L.’ The first sentence was later struck through, and ‘1901’ was added below.)
(Place of writing not indicated.)—Expresses support for him in connection with an interview, and reflects on the question of suffering.
(Undated.)
(Place of writing not indicated.)—Will return as soon as possible. Mary was prevented from attending the Echo meeting by another engagement.
(Undated.)
Templemead, Bromley, Kent.—She has a big list of things to go through with him when they meet. Chris is in fine health.
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Transcript
Templemead, Bromley, Kent
One word my dearest, though the time has slipped by, doing business & there are only a very few minutes to post—(I forgot you couldn’t post till midnight as you can in London)
I shall have a great big list of things to go through with you or to merely show you, just as you like—on Sunday or Monday. We shall not have time tomorrow.
Chris {1} is splendid—healthier happier & bonnier than ever!—But oh this isn’t talking to you a bit. I shall be doing that presently upstairs sitting by my open window: Then there will be no more thought of tableclothes & towels—but only the great sky & the soft infinite night and my arms will go round Freddy’s neck with limitless love—
Ever thine—Sweetheart
Emmeline.
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Templemead, Bromley was the home of Emmeline’s sister Annie and her husband Thomas Mortimer Budgett, whose first child, Christopher Felix, had been born there on 25 January 1901 (see the Sussex Agricultural Express, 1 Feb. 1901, p. 4). The letter appears to have been written on a Friday.
(Place of writing not indicated.)—Discusses ideas for furnishing their home.
(Dated Saturday.)
(Undated.)
(Place of writing not indicated.)—Has received his letter. Refers to their ‘sweet time’ together last night.
(Dated Tuesday.)
87 Clement’s Inn, W.C.—Is missing him. They have had a busy day.
(Dated Wednesday.)
20 Somerset Terrace (Duke’s Road, W.C.)—Has had a visit from Mrs Newnham and done some reading. Is just off to the children.
(Dated Monday.)
(Place of writing not indicated.)—Sends a greeting to await him on his return (to London?), and reflects on their relationship and their plans for the future.
(Dated Thursday.)
87 Clement’s Inn, W.C.—Wishes him good morning. Will meet him near Paddington at ten.
(Place of writing not indicated.)—Has sent some pulleys to the Club with instructions. Arranges to meet at a restaurant.
(Undated.)
(20 Somerset Terrace, Duke’s Street, W.C.)—Reflects on her feelings for him, and sends a Cornish ballad, ‘The Wedding Day’. Is just off to the Club.
(Dated Monday.)
(Place of writing not indicated.)—Arranges to be at Victoria this afternoon, and gives an account of her activities last night. Is glad he went to see Nance.
(Dated Saturday.)
‘The Echo’ Office, London.—Will be thinking of her while she is away at The Mascotte. Advises the expected time of his arrival at Dorking.
(Place of writing not indicated.)—Expresses sentiments of love and hope at Easter.
‘The Echo’ Office, London.—Sends a letter to meet her on her arrival home. Is thinking of her. Expresses his support for her in her current difficulties.
87 Clement’s Inn, W.C.—Expresses his love for her and his reliance upon her.
87 Clement’s Inn, W.C.—At today’s meeting they discussed the coercive measures introduced in the Transvaal and the Orange Free State, and it was agreed to form an unofficial committee to receive information from South Africa and act in concert with the Dutch.
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Transcript
87 Clement’s Inn, W.C.
Beloved
Just going to bed, I see the stars are out & I think that will mean my Mumsey will sleep well. I kiss this at the foot {1}.
Courtney, Lehman†, Gooch & F Harrison and others were at the Mackarnesses this afternoon. One of the things Fischer talked about was the Peace Reservation Act which is a kind of stringent coercion Act enforced by Milner in the Transvaal & O R C {2} and prevents a man from saying or writing anything of which the Govt does not approve. It appears there is not much to be done but to protest.
The principal thing we discussed was the possibility of forming some sort of unofficial Committee which might receive information from S. Africa with a view to using it. How far could it act in concert with the Dutch in the T & O R C & with the Dutch Party in Cape C. We formed ourselves into a kind of unofficial body, which I regard more as as† bureau of information than anything else.
Mrs Mackarness was interested in J R M {4}, & I suggested they shd come to dine here with them some day, which she thought very pleasant. So I suggest Tuesday fortnight. Mumsey will be fit as anything by then; & I don’t think we have engagement. I have fixed up provisionally with the Ms {3} and unless there is anything to the contrary, will you send off enclosed.
Some time later I should like to ask the Bunces {5}.
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{1} There is a cross at the foot of the page.
{2} Orange River Colony.
{3} Mackarnesses.
{4} James Ramsay MacDonald.
{5} Reading uncertain.
† Sic.
‘The Echo’ Office, London.—Sends his love. He has had a busy day.
87 Clement’s Inn, W.C.—Is missing her. Expresses his love for her.
In the train.—The thought of her has sustained him through a cold day. Sends his love.
West Cornwall Golf Club, Lelant.—Hopes she is having a good journey. They (he and Percy) have just played their first round of golf.
Maison Espérance Ltd, 80 Wigmore Street, Portman Square, W.—Discusses the printing of circular cards and prospectuses, and other business matters.
(Cornwall.)—Has sent her a letter from Carbis Bay. They (he and Percy) intend to visit Falmouth on Sunday.