Very glad that Bessie is 'comfortable and doing well'. Mr MacEvoy went yesterday; 'he seemed cheerful, and so did she'; admires 'their way of taking it very much'. They [Catherine Abercrombie and Bob] came back from Leith Hill Place this morning; he is quite well, and sleeps through the night. Will be good to see Bessie again; could come up to town and visit next week, on 14 or 15 December; asks what time would be best to call. Julian and Mary came on Sunday, and seemed 'quite cheerful and happy'.
W[est] H[ackhurst] (Postmarked Abinger Hammer, addressed to ‘Mrs Trevelyan, The Shiffolds, Holmbury St Mary, Dorking’) . - Thanks Bessie and Bob for their 'kind letters' and for [Hasan Shahid] Suhrawardy's address; thinks he only met Suhrawardy once, at the Shiffolds. Expects to stay in Calcutta, probably in November.
Now looks as if he leave London on Thursday for an 'airport near Poole. All very odd'. Is 'looking forward to it - with occasional tremors'. Has 'been inoculated against 3 sorts of typhoid, cholera, smallpox', and Chi'en has lent him 'a lovely light suitcase'; asks if he has mentioned that before. Sends love, and says that air-letter is best if she writes [to India].
A postscript in another hand gives Forster's address to the beginning of December as c/o Thomas Cook, Queensway, New Delhi.
Apologies for opening a letter to Julian by mistake, originally enclosed. Will not be able to come to Cambridge as a scalded leg is keeping him in bed. C.A [Clifford Allen] is recovering, but very slowly. Bessie is still in the Netherlands; expects she will return next week. Wishes Julian good luck for his exams: tells him to remember [the names of the seven ancient branches of the Nile] which 'one can always get... into any exam, except sometimes comic sections',
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Looks forward to discussing his book ["The American Revolution", Volume II] with Robert when it is read. The preliminary reviews are good, and the longer reviews in 'the great provincial papers' are 'most satisfactory'. He and Caroline are very distressed about the [Roger] Frys. They have had a 'famous old Harrovian shooting party': [Lord?] Ridley, [Lord?] Belper, Kenelm Digby, Charles and Sir George; good to increase 'old friendships, which had been loosened by politics for so long a time'. Belper is 'great fun, a humourist of a rough and strong sort' and a 'wonderful man of public business'; he took up an old argument about whether Sir George should have left him a gun-bag in Ireland exactly as it was left 41 years ago. Glad the plans for Robert and Elizabeth's new house are 'in fair train'.
Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Sorry that Elizabeth is having such a long wait (before giving birth); glad she likes the nurse. Has been busy talking things over with Booa [Mary Prestwich]; went for a long walk with Sir George yesterday afternoon. Brief discussion of blanket patterns and knitting stitches. Glad Alice went to the dance, 'as now both the girls have had an outing'. Thinking having a tea party for the 'gardiners [sic] & people close here about' but they have not yet settled this; the 'school tree [or treat?]' is on 4 January. Sir George began work today; he is well, but whenever she returns after being away she 'can't help seeing how old he looks!'; he keeps up too many fires for Caroline's comfort. Hope Robert could talk to Mr [Donald] Tovey; supposes he will take on the work [the libretto for Tovey's "The Bride of Dionysus"?]. Hearne [the butler] went to a concert in the village last night 'with the girls' and says it was 'very good'. Sir George very indignant with the Lords; she is sure it is 'the beginning of a long struggle'. Glad Robert is reading aloud to Elizabeth.
Concluding sheet of 9/56: see that item for details.
Hopes that all is well, and that Mrs J. Fenwick's cold is better. Has been talking to Miss Goddard; they think Bob should go in the car to London next Thursday to bring back Catherine [Abercrombie]; he could read the Leopardi to Bessie. Would bring up Miss Goddard, who could look after Bessie if Miss Jones still had her cold. Does not know how this would fit in with Bessie's own arrangements for visits from friends or medical treatments, but hopes it would suit. He would take Miss Goddard to the nursing home, talk to Bessie, and leave Miss Goddard there while he perhaps visited Lady Daniel; would then come in the car with Catherine to pick up Miss Goddard. Is 'so much looking forward' to seeing Bessie again. All 'well and harmonious here'; encloses a letter from G[eorge] M[acaulay] T[revelyan] and some others; is keeping most cards and letters in a box. His 'Greek book' ["Translations from Greek Poetry"] is 'out at last'; will bring Bessie a copy.
Tolson Hall, Kendal; dated 'Tuesday'. - Carrie has reached the time she herself dreads: a son's engagement. Curious that Elizabeth should have stayed in this parish with their cousins: she and Alice Jones were at St. Andrews together. Remembers her as a 'girl with a sweet dignified manner - tall & not apparently foreign' and as a 'charming violin player'. Sends Robert good wishes.
Hôtel Bellevue, Bad Nauheim, Hessen. - Is sending a letter from Bobbie [Trevelyan] to Donald [Tovey] at Pablo Casals' in Vendrell; wishes she herself could have news of the Trevelyans. Regrets that she was too exhausted the day after Donald's party to see them again. Still feels tired and depressed. Regrets that Ariadne ["The Bride of Dionysus"] is 'so far our of Bobbie's hands' that it does not keep him and Donald together and that she seems to see Bessie less; invites her to visit soon when they all return, and hopes Bobbie will not yet have 'scrambled off to the Antipodes'; it would make her very happy to see Julian again. She frets about Donald getting 'sunstroke and cholera and yellow fever' but trusts the Csaals are looking after him. Asks how the 'dear Röntgens' are. Is just booking the winds to perform [Julius Rontgen's] serenade at the first Chelsea Concert. Postscript says she hopes they were pleased with the "Times" review [of "The Bride of Dionysus"; Donald was, and so was she 'on the whole'. Asks if Donald mentioned that she read "Ariadne" with her girls this term.
Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Thanks for news of Julian; he is bound to be homesick sometimes, but she thinks he will enjoy school; it is worse for Elizabeth, so is glad she is 'having a change' with a friend. The Runcimans came for the day yesterday; it rained but they talked all day. Asks if she may keep the photograph, and what news Elizabeth has had [of Robert?]. The garden is in a 'deplorable state' because of wind and rain; Keith has gone on a well-earned holiday and only has one man and a boy now. Nora [Trevelyan] is still here; Caroline worries about her catching a chill. Julian's letter was very good. Hopes Miss Barthorp [his old governess] will be happy.
11 Old Square, Lincoln's Inn, W.C.2. - Thinks that Mr [Peter?] Grant-Watson is coming to stay for a week with Mrs Anderson at Peaslake, and hears it would be a 'great pleasure' to both if she could bring them to see the Trevelyans. Understands Mr Grant-Watson is a friend of the Trevelyans, and Mrs Anderson is a 'great admirer' of Trevelyan's poetry; asks him to send a postcard to Fourways, Gomshall, Surrey, where she will be all next week, if the visit will be convenient. Knows that a 'visitation of 4 people' - those named, herself and her 'friend & driver Mrs Gabriel' will have 'implications' in 'these days of rationing'; asks whether they may bring their rations of tea and milk if they come in the afternoon. Would be a 'great pleasure' to see the Trevelyans again, and to thank him for his Christmas poems ["From the Shiffolds"] in person which have been a 'delight'. Has had a message from the India Office saying that [her husband] Fred arrived in Tunis yesterday [on his way to India for the Cabinet Mission on Indian independence?]; he 'went off full of serenity [?] & optimism'.
Reform Club, Pall Mall, S.W.1 (address embossed), sent to ‘Mrs Trevelyan, The Shiffolds, Holmbury St Mary, Dorking’) . - Tried to ring Bessie from the station this morning, but 'phone recalcitrant. All seems going well'; hopes all well with her.
High Buildings, Haslemere. - Thanks Trevelyan for his letter about [Pearsall Smith's book] "Trivia"; Trevelyan is the only person of his generation he knows of who is seriously occupied with literature, so is glad he likes it. Quotes some of Trevelyan's poetry. Asks if he is still thinking about finding a house 'among these hills which the Muses love'; if so Shulbred Priory is to let for 100 pounds a year, it is 'a romantic old place'; there is also Moses Hill near Marley Common, says Trevelyan could 'act the part of Moses splendidly and... might see the back view of Jehovah'. Invites Trevelyan and his wife to stay if they would like to look at either house; the Berensons will probably be here for a week or two.
Copies of fifteen letters, most handwritten but a couple typed, to Bertrand Russell, and one copy letter to Edith Russell
Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Delighted to have the news of the birth of Elizabeth and Robert's son; wants to know how much he weighs and so on; hopes the labour was not too hard. Wonders if Robert 'has ventured to hold the baby'; he must start when it is small. The hounds [the local hunt] have been here this morning and she and Sir George went out to them; looked 'very pretty'. Asks whether they have decided the baby's name is to be Paul; Sir George likes it. Amusing to think of the 'three boy cousins' [with Theodore and George Lowthian Trevelyan] so close in age.
Menu card with illustration of sailing boats in a harbour; dated 5 June 1900 on the back and signed by Robert C. Trevelyan, Bramine Grandmont H[ubrech]t, George Otto Trevelyan, M[aria] Hubrecht Pruys v[an] d[er] H[oeven], Am[brosius] Hubrecht, Caroline Trevelyan, P[aul] F[rancois] Hubrecht [?], Marie Hubrecht-Molewater, A[lphonse] Grandmont, P[aul] F[rançois] Hubrecht, Jan Hubrecht, Tuttie [Hubrecht], Charles Trevelyan and Elizabeth des Amorie v[an] d[er] Hoeven.
W[est] H[ackhurst]. - Encloses the letter about Goldie [Lowes Dickinson: enclosure no longer present]. Has an 'unpleasing piece of news' which he 'kept back and indeed lied about yesterday', as he 'did not want to spoil our first meeting [after his return from India]'. Has been given notice to leave this house in November; the owner, Lady Bridges, 'wants it for a "near relative", and since this is so', and also because he has his Chiswick flat, it seems he will not be able to 'benefit by the Rent Restriction Act'.
Has 'already refused to buy a house for £2200 at East Molesey' and is 'trying for one in Hertfordshire'; if he is unable to get one anywhere, 'which is very likely', he 'may warehouse what I haven't sold of the furniture and go for a few months to America'. Hopes 'Agnes will last out the summer'; they are 'looking for unfurnished rooms for her'.
On his return from the Shiffolds, he 'flew back in the car and duly remembered to post your letter. It was so nice seeing you both'.
Transcript
March 18. 1946
11 Old Square, Lincoln’s Inn, W.C.2
My own Beloved.
You are packing, & I have come into my room to rest and not hamper you. For many days I have had no thought, no life (except on the surface) apart from you & your great mission. {1} I have not put what I feel into words, because the high adventure, upon which you are starting out, is too important to allow any place for personal consideration, but you will know how my love & my thought & my prayer will be with you every hour of the day. That is what was expressed in the little charm or keepsake I have given to bear you company. I have very deep roots in you as you have in me. We share our deepest attitude to life & being. To some extent at any rate, like the Buddhas in Tibet, we have found our being outside the wheel of Birth & Death. Outside or inside, we know that we are part of the Cosmic whole, and to the extent of our realization, are beyond anxiety or fear. If not only we two, but all three involved in the great enterprise of reconciliation can live, even if only for a few minutes every day, in this consciousness, the “Miracle” may happen. I have always felt that the marvelous† outpouring of what we call the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, was due (in part at any rate,) to the sudden consciousness of oneness generated by the vigil together, and to the realization of what St. Paul in his great chapter in Corinthians, {2} calls “Charity”—Understanding—Fellowship—oneness—so that all spoke in language understood of every tribe & nation.
I rejoice greatly in the letter signed by the Archbishop of Canterbury & others. It is what I have wanted & wished for, but did not expect. I believe it will deeply impress many Indian leaders, whether they admit it or not. At any rate you & your colleagues are going with the ardent goodwill of the whole of the country. This realization will bear you up as on eagles wings {3}.
When I leave the Drome {4} & return here, I expect a visit from Miss Mulock (“Baby”) {5} and on Wednesday {6} Naomi is coming to see me. On Thursday unless we are lucky enough to get theatre ticke[t]s for a Ruth Draper Impersonations†—I shall go to see Mai Mai. On Friday we shall all return to Fourways. And I hope & intend to spend the whole of the next week organizing the garden. On Monday April 1st I have seats for May & myself at an Indian Ballet, Sakuntala. {7} On April 2nd the Sculptor Huxley Jones & his wife are coming to tea. They are from Aberdeen & are bringing to London his clay figure that impressed us all in Edinburgh, “the Common Soldier”, hoping it will be accepted for the Royal Academy Show.
During the week at Fourways, I hope to take Grant Watson in the car to call on the Robert Trevelyans. And all the time until next Saturday, one part of me will be flying flying—or sharing your experience in Tunis or elsewhere. And a part of you will be with me, because there will not be the urgent call on your attention which will follow, after next Sunday. May we celebrate our May 26th in thankfulness & joy together, looking back to that memorable day 45 years ago. With my hearts love & blessing
Your own.
—————
{1} The Cabinet Mission to India.
{2} 1 Corinthians xiii.
{3} Cf. Isaiah xl. 31.
{4} Hurn aerodrome.
{5} Emily Maud Mulock? Cf. PETH 4/161.
{6} 20th.
{7} Full stop supplied.
† Sic.
Ellergreen, Kendal. - Congratulates Caroline on Robert's engagement to Elizabeth van der Hoeven, whom she remembers as a 'most attractive & rather impressive girl of 19' who played the violin 'delightfully' and whom they all admired greatly; she knew one of Mary's 'young cousins' [Alice Jones] from school at St Andrews. Very glad to think Caroline will have 'a daughter so loveable and interesting and accomplished'; also good to have 'a link of peace with Holland just now' [at the time of the Second Boer War]. She and her father much enjoyed their Sunday with Caroline; he is ill with a fever at the moment, though she does not think seriously.
Northlands, Englefield Green, Surrey. - Asks if Bessie can visit for a night or two next week; say the 29th to stay for the concert on the 31st. Wants to talk to her: 'poor Donald [Tovey] has indeed been in deep waters this summer' [a reference to the quarrel with Pablo Casals over Guilhermina Suggia].
High Buildings, Haslemere. - Mrs Berenson says she has written to tell Trevelyan about the house to let at Fernhurst; urges him and his wife to come and see it, as it might suit them for a year or two until they get Blackdown Cottage; they could stay with him. Ought to have thanked Trevelyan for his play ["The Birth of Parsifal"], which he likes very much; is glad he tried prose and tells him to carry on. Asks him if he has read [Robert] Bridges "Hexameters", and what he thinks. Is swamped in 'pedantry & MS.': wants to prove he can 'be as dull & dry as B.B. [Berenson] or Bertie [Russell]'.
Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - A letter from Bob has come, with news about his job as librarian [with the Friends War Victims Relief Committee]; seems sensible and pleases him; she thinks he will be 'very useful'. Good to hear that Elizabeth has found interesting work; had thought she might have found something with the Friends and spent the winter in Paris, but then there is Julian. He will learn self-control, and that he cannot have 'things always the same'. Good that Mrs Fish [headmistress of Dunhurst] takes an interest in him; Elizabeth will be very glad to see him. Kitty's behaviour is 'most pleasant'. Very good that Mrs Tovey is back with her husband; hopes it is a 'real cure'. The village has been busy; the 'Sayle' was very successful. Yesterday Meta Hearn was married to a young farmer; went to see the presents and meet the family; Hearn is very glad it is over. Must have been exciting to get into Edward Grey's 'big meeting'; has read the speech, and heard he spoke 'quite vigorously'; he is 'nearly blind, but in much better health'. Thinks they will leave Wallington on 5 November, stopping a night in York.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Encloses two reviews of his book [the next volume of "The American Revolution"] which Robert may not have seen; asks for them to be returned. Satisfied that he must 'have avoided all contemporary allusions' given that the book was 'inspired throughout by [his] view of the South African [Boer] war'; the "Daily Mail", "St . James's Gazette" and 'any number of Tory papers unreservedly accept the views given in [his] volumes of the American war'. Also, according to a postscript, sending a letter which is 'almost as elegant as a sonnet'; no further details given.
Very glad to hear that all is well; hopes Mrs Fenwick Jones is better and able to come to Bessie. All 'pretty well' here, except Mr MacEvoy, who is 'at any rate cheerful'. Is going this afternoon 'with Valery to the Leith Hill Place party'. Has heard that Joan [Allen] is back home; she will come on Tuesday for tea. Will come to London by car to see Bessie and then pick up Catherine [Abercrombie]; thinks he should get to the nursing home before lunch.