Item 171 - Letter from Venetia Montagu to Edwin Montagu

Pixton Park, Dulverton.—Has arrived to find Mary alone with her children. Praises the estate, and discusses arrangements for a dinner next week. Asks for news of the strike and Montagu’s fight with the M.P.B. [Man-Power Board]. Is planning to go to Knole, via London, on Saturday, and encourages Montagu to combine a visit there with his visit to Maythorn. Is working on her counterpane. Suggests shopping for some cocks.

TRANSCRIPT:

Pixton Park, Dulverton
Nov 15th 1916

My darling I had a perfect journey and arrived very snugly to find Mary alone with her 3 children, but I like that and we had a delicious evening of work and conversation and went to bed very early, about 10. This morning I stayed in bed till nearly lunch, and am not going out at all today as I think I shall have a really slack day, I hope Frida will take out the deplorable Huck, poor lamb. Its too lovely here, the house is on the top of a wooded golden hill with rivers on every side. I do wish it was ours we should have such fun here, marvellous shooting, fishing, riding and general delights of life. There wont be many birds for you to shoot but they are I believe amusing {1}. Is there anyone from yr office you would like to dine on Wednesday 22nd? {2} I’ve asked Mr Bentinck Harcourts & Mildred Buxton so if there was someone there you wanted who wd fit in lets have them by all means, or at the Treasury if you felt you ought to do anything for anyone.

How is the strike and your fight with the M.P.B. {3} I shall hope to get a line from you tomorrow. I shall I think come up to London Saturday in time for lunch and go to Knole after, do look out and see if you couldnt combine Maythorn and Knole. If you could get to Maidstone or Tonbridge it cant be so very far from S–oaks and I would send the motor for you there.
Its rather cold here tho’ lovely & sunny this morning.

I’ve started sewing the silver braid onto my blue counterpane, its going to be quite lovely I think, I only hope to God I shall manage the painting. Was the Winstons {1} fun. If you happen to ruin tonight lets look for some cocks, not in Bond St but at Sparks, Dickensons or Franks. I’m appalled by Xmas presents I wonder who you want to give to.

I’ve nothing to read here I was a loony to go away so ill equipped.

Goodbye much love

Venetia

Can you have this addressed & sent to Mr Wells {4}.

—————

{1} Reading uncertain.

{2} Question mark supplied.

{3} The Man-Power Board.

{4} H. G. Wells?