Item 56 - Letter from E. M. Forster to Elizabeth Trevelyan

1 sheet

Bessie's letter gave him the news [of Moya Llewelyn Davies' death], which 'is quite shattering'; he 'had no idea she was so ill', though in a recent letter she 'admitted she was not well' and told him not to mention it in his reply. Wonders whether his letter reached her; cannot remember exactly when he wrote.

He 'scarcely knew Crompton [Moya's husband]', and was 'rather frightened of him'. Got to know Moya through George Thomson, and 'gradually became very fond of her indeed'. Has 'managed to write a line to Séan [?]. Heaven knows what goes on inside her or what she will do. It [Ireland] is a lovely land, and those are lovely people, even though we cannot understand them or make them fit our standards'. Wishes Moya had not died - does not think he has even kept any of her letters, and 'they are such good ones'. Supposes they will hear more in time. Cannot find the notice Bessie mentions in last Wednesday's Times, 'It is so distressing'.