Item 135 - Letter from Venetia Stanley to Edwin Montagu

[The British Hospital, Wimereux.]—Responds to his description of her life when she returns to England [see B1/129]. Is thinking of telling her father that her stay in France has confirmed her decision to marry Montagu. Condoles with him on his illness and the general situation. Wonders what Violet’s attitude towards them will be now.

(Dated Tuesday.)

TRANSCRIPT:

Tuesday morning 12. A.M.

My beloved your Sunday letter {1} came this morning about 10. I shall never understand the posts here, but while they bring me letters such as yours I shall never complain. You have never written me a more delicious letter, more characteristic of you. When I read the part in which you describe what you think my life may be like when first I go back to England my thought was at once What a heavenly programme, what fun it will be! Darling why do you suggest these things to me. I’d imagined staying in London for 3 or 4 weeks, except for Sundays, and then being married, and my dearest that what I still mean to do in spite of your tempting programme, not even Winston shall lure me away, tho’ perhaps we’ll go there together for a day or two and to Penrhos too. I’ve not written a word to father since I’ve been here but I thought about a fortnight before I came home (the first week of August?) of writing to him and saying that during the 3 months I’d been here I’d quite made up my mind that I should only be happy if I married you (these 3 months, on paper, sound so reasonable and temperate, if only he knew poor old fellow if anything they have made me more determined and certain, tho’ they were not undertaken for that purpose) and that I hope that, tho’ at the moment he objects, he will in time come to regard it with not too much disfavour and that I propose to get married quite soon after my return.

The rest of your letter makes me very sorry for you that you should be feeling ill. Poor darling, I hope you are better. I love your self confidence, I hold it to be one of the greatest of all qualities. You have no reason to feel depressed I am sure about yourself tho’ I’ve no doubt the general situation is bloody. I do believe if I’ve done nothing else for you (which I am far from admitting) I’ve given you more of that quality.

So Vizee is coming home is she. I thought she would. I shall be most interested to see what her attitude is now. I’m glad you’ve written her an emollient letter.

I cant tell you what a foul place this is, nowhere to sit indoors and outside such an infernal glare that it hurts, and if one is out of the sun icy cold. I’m much better but cant walk with much grace or speed.

I’ll write tonight as usual. Your letter has made me so much happier. I’m afraid I cant hope for anything more tonight. Much much love

Venetia

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Written at the British Hospital, Wimereux, in pencil.

{1} B1/129.