Item 142 - Letter from Venetia Stanley to Edwin Montagu

[The British Hospital, Wimereux.]—Has received the books and his letter. She expects to leave on Saturday or Sunday and see the ‘old boy’ [Asquith] on Monday. Has fallen in love with a man named Capel, has seen Gilbert, and may lunch with Conrad tomorrow. When she returns she will tell him about something marvellous that happened to her yesterday. Two of the orderlies nearly drowned today while bathing.

TRANSCRIPT:

June 30th 1915

My darling I forgot to post my letter to you yesterday which was very stupid, by the way you should have got one I wrote on Thursday. At least I think I wrote Thursday I know I started one after getting yours from the hotel. Your books have arrived & I’ll have a go at them. I think I shall leave Saturday but it might be Sunday, anyway the old boy doesnt want to see me till Monday does he? I’ve also just got your letter written Tuesday {1}, very quickly. I think after the P.M’s speech you ought to stop sending me chocolates & luxuries generally! Dont you? I cant quite justify it, can you. Anyhow you can tell them to stop after next time, its rather won-derful to think that isnt it. Did I tell you I’d fallen very much in love with a man called Capel, I’m afraid tho’ I shall never see him again as I think he is going home to be married this week. Its rather a tragedy for me isnt it.

My life has been set about with Russells these last 3 days, Gilbert this afternoon, but he was nicer again and I may lunch with Conrad tomorrow.

I am glad you are better.

When I come home ask me to tell you about the 29th of June, I cant write it to you, but its far the most marvellous thing thats ever happened to me, of an impersonal nature.

I think you’ll find Vizee irritating I’m afraid.

Two of the orderlies were nearly drowned bathing to day & another came near to dying of heart failure running for help, so we’ve had a little excitement, but not much to live on for a whole week.

I had 2 hours sleep last night.

I think I shall only write you 8 more letters from here. Arent you glad.

Yrs
Venetia

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Written at the British Hospital, Wimereux.