Pièce 124 - Letter from Venetia Stanley to Edwin Montagu

Hotel Folkestone, Boulogne-sur-Mer.—Has received two letters from him [B1/116–17]. Arranges to meet him [when he comes to France]. Discusses the war news and her relationship with the Prime Minister. Describes her half-day off in Boulogne and her meetings with Edward, Geoffrey, and Frances.

TRANSCRIPT:

Hotel Folkestone, Boulogne-sur-Mer
May 31st 1915

My darling your letters are simply the joy of my life, I got two this morning, Friday & Saturdays which I am afraid may mean a lean time to come as they will take longer from the Wharf.

Thursday I shall certainly manage by hook or crook, even if Reggie comes by night you come by the two o’clock boat which arrives at 6 and I’ll come and see you. If however you both come at 8·30 then I’ll try and get away & lunch with you but this wont be so easy. There is so much I want to hear which even your wonderful letters cant tell me. Today I’m having a half day off which means from 2 to 8·30 or later, but its a very doubtful blessing as I wander about dolefully in Boulogne and know no body. I could probably get that on Sunday if it was any use.

I’m going to see Edward, if he’s well enough in a minute or two, and perhaps Frances after that.

I am very relieved to hear that you give good war news, everyone out here is deeply depressed by gas etc.

I wonder if you had a good talk to the P.M. about me. I dont suppose you did, but I dont think he minds any more. He has washed me for the time being perhaps in about 2 years he’ll get to know me again. I’ve stopped minding, tho’ for the first fortnight you know how wretched I was, but I dont think I realised it, except {1} at intervals, now I am perfectly happy about it and only wanting you. I saw Edward for a second, very limp & weak poor darling. Since beginning this I’ve been to see the boat come in & to my great surprise seen Geoffrey. He was sweet and very enthusiastically in favour of everything. It is a joy to see someone like him who takes a rosy view of our prospects. Not that I mind much now, I feel so certain myself, which is what mat-ters. I want one more thing from you when you come and its the worst thing I’ve ever asked for, a tin of Keatings powder {2}, I need not tell you what for, but there are lots of them & they are my horror.

I’m sorry to tell you I feel quite happy to-day, perhaps its the idea of seeing you so soon.

I’m dining here with Frances and going back after. Your letters come so quickly so dont hesitate to write up to the last day.

Always darling your loving
V.S.

—————

Partly written in pencil (see below).

{1} After the fourth letter of this word the writing changes from ink to pencil.

{2} Keating’s Powder was a well-known insecticide. Venetia was evidently troubled by fleas.