Item 161 - Letter from Venetia Montagu to Edwin Montagu

The Manor House, Mells, Frome.—‘I see in the papers that your worst fears were realised, I wonder if you had them with you all today as well.’ Asquith’s speech [at Ladybank] was not very good. Discusses her companions at Mells and a chandelier she saw in Bath. Asks him to inquire about Frida at the H[ome] O[ffice]. Has heard that the new War Secretary will be Lord Derby. Sends domestic instructions and inquiries.

TRANSCRIPT:

The Manor House, Mells, Frome
June 15th 1916

My darling I see in the papers that your worst fears were realised, I wonder if you had them with you all today as well. I didnt think the P.M’s speech very thrilling or on the whole really worth making. {1} But perhaps it sounded better when it was made than when one read it. What was your journey like, I gather you didnt miss your sleeper at Warrington because if you had I think I should have had an angry telegram from you about it! I left Penrhos in perfect prawning weather and after an endless journey arrived at Bath where I found Assher {2} and got here about 9.30. Only K. Frances, Sir John, and Barbara and Francis. The McKennae had had to go back to London yesterday. Its divine here. We spent rather a lengthy morning in Bath, going in turn to all the shops. I saw rather a pretty chandelier a glass one which might to† do for the hall but its 2ft 20in long and might be too large. We’ll mesure† it, as it was quite pretty, but costs £14. Otherwise I got nothing except some lace. K and Francis were most leisurely and after we’d been there about 3 hours I got very restive!

Wd you again go to the H.O and see about Frida as Bournemouth is prohibited, but if they mind then I’ll let her go home from here with Huck. That would in a way be just as convenient. You may have to send the Bmouth inspector a telegram asking if she can come or get the H.O to do it. I’d rather hoped to have heard from you by todays second post, but I expect you werent able to write.

Is Ld Derby the W.O appointment. Bluey writes to Francis that that is the gossip. With the P.M as well of course. I dont think it would be very good do you?

If you dine at home tell Mrs Lee you dont want. | A Plaice | B. Chicken.

We are now going to play tennis I think, K, Barbara & I. Francis McL is ill again, after being over-motored by the McKs.

Tell me what the blue covers {2} in the library look like when you write. I’m longing to see you again and look forward to Saturday. Write tomorrow to me again

Love
Venetia

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{1} Asquith addressed his constituents at Ladybank on the 14th. A report of the speech appeared in The Times on 15 June (p. 9).

{2} Reading uncertain.