Item 168 - Letter from Venetia Montagu to Edwin Montagu

The Manor House, Mells, Frome.—Asks how his party went. She found Diana in bed, attended by various people, but there does not seem to be much wrong with her. Discusses Ettie’s book [Pages from a Family Journal, 1888–1915]. Refers to her companions at Mells. Mary Herbert will not be at Pixton next week, so Venetia may go to Penrhôs instead. Has thought of some things she wants him to get in Paris.

TRANSCRIPT:

The Manor House, Mells, Frome
Aug 30th 1916

My darling I do so wonder how your party last night went off and if the food was really disgusting. Who did you sit between? I found Diana, Duff, Lady Lytton and the Duchess all in Diana’s bedroom, I dont think there was anything the matter with her except the foul weather, and presently Gilbert R. came in but with great tact I prevented him suggesting coming to lunch and dine with you as I said you were going away and very busy.

I read Etties book {1} on the way here with great interest, tho’ there are a few obvious mis-takes in it on the whole I think it good. We have been reading it aloud to day while I have been making a pink chemise! It was pouring and howling when I came here and I found Cicely K. Sir J & Francis and all their children. K. feeling the end of a wet day rather acutely. Mary Herbert has arrived today she is not going to be at Pixton next week so I shall either stay here or if I find it a little tedious I may go to Penrhos from Monday to Friday. I dont know quite how I shall find it. One might either settle down to a placid life quite happily on the other hand I may get res-tive. I could of course go back to London. Its fairly fun to day tho’ up to now (5) we havent stirred but I think we shall play tennis and perhaps bathe now. Francis has gone to London till Friday and I think Cicely goes tomorrow.

Write me a good account of your dinners and various fun.

I dont think either the Lambton or Asquith children very attractive.

I’ve thought of 3 things that you might get me in Paris. I shall look forward to Friday to seeing you. Mind you come.

Much love
Venetia

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{1} Pages from a Family Journal, 1888–1915, privately printed this year. Venetia herself is mentioned in the book a few times.