Item 16 - Letter from Edwin Montagu to Venetia Stanley

India Office, London.—He was pleased with his speech, but disappointed by its reception in the press.

This is a reply to A1/15.

TRANSCRIPT:

India Office, Whitehall, S.W.

28. 7. 1911.

Dear Miss Stanley

Thanks so much for your letter. Your handwriting is always so welcome.

I was quite happy after the first half hour because it went so wonderfully well.

But I am a little disappointed at its reception in the press—it was shorter than last year and not read like last year. I have I fear many enemies! But it was a better speech than last year and will I think do good. I shall never make another.

There’s a terrific thunderstorm going on as I write so I’m hoping to be cool soon!

By-the-bye why are all Mrs Francis Maclaren’s bridesmaids described in all the papers as flaxen-haired! {1}

Yes do send me an address and I shall love writing to you. You have always the option of not reading them.

Yrs
Edwin S. Montagu

—————

Black-edged paper.

{1} The reference is to the wedding of Francis MacLaren and Barbara Jekyll on the 21st. Venetia, who was dark-haired, was one of the bridesmaids.