Item 122 - Letter from Venetia Stanley to Edwin Montagu

[The British Hospital, Wimereux.]—Was disappointed not to receive a letter from him today. She spent the afternoon with Frances, who thinks her plan [to marry Montagu] excellent. Hopes he will enjoy himself at the Wharf.

(Misdated 30th.)

TRANSCRIPT:

May 30th {1} 1915

How I curse you! If only you knew what life is like here and how the whole of my day pivots round the hours of 6 and 7, at which time the English post arrives, how I hang about feverishly in the hall, how I rush to the pigeon holes to find what? Nothing. However you’ve been very good up to now and written me delicious letters which I’ve loved, & I remember how little you like writing so I wont curse any more. Nor will I write much to you tonight as I’m rather sleepy, tho’ we’ve had a slack day, hardly anyone in, still expecting the rush. I spent the afternoon with Frances who talked a lot about my plans, she thinks (as I told you yesterday) that its an excellent plan, and was very sweet. I shall miss her dreadfully when she goes, she is my only human consolation. I sometimes feel I cant bear it another day, but that feeling will go off pretty soon. You are now happily at dinner at the Wharf & I’m just going to bed. I wonder if you’ve got all my letters, I’ve written every day, I’m dreadfully ashamed of the first ones, but I’m better now & dont take things so seriously, but its very hard not to be depressed about the war out here, one hasnt other fun to think of.

You can save ½d every time you write as a penny stamp is enough! Arent I getting economi-cal? Good night my darling, have great fun at the Wharf, and write me a long account of everything everyone said & did. Have you seen poor Kath?

Much love from
Venetia

—————

Written at the British Hospital, Wimereux.

{1} A mistake for ‘29th’. Cf. A1/123.