Stuk 147 - Letter from Venetia Stanley to Edwin Montagu

[The British Hospital, Wimereux.]—(5th.) Will return [to England] on Saturday. Freddie Guest came to see Norman, and took her to Boulogne for tea.—(6th.) Has received Montagu’s telegram, and has told Lady Norman of her intention to leave. Refers to Montagu’s possible journey to Russia. Is going to Hardelot with Conrad and Hunter this afternoon.

TRANSCRIPT:

July 5th 1915 Monday evening

My darling I’ll come back on Saturday by the early boat, I think it arrives at Folkestone about 12.30.

I saw Freddie Guest today, he turned up here to see Norman, and not finding him he took me into Boulogne instead, where we had tea together and he gave me a very handsome present of a hat! I was in great need of one, it has improved my appearance beyond belief.

Tuesday

Your telegram has just come. Lady N. opened it by mistake so it gave me an excellent opportunity of telling her I had to leave. She was most mellow about it & talked a lot of nonsense about the joy of married life and was a little shocked when I said perhaps you would stay in Russia for months in which case I should be able to come back here! She assured me that I should never be happy unless I was with you, & shouldnt be able to bear to see any one else, which is a jolly look out isnt it?

I’m off to Hardelot this afternoon with Conrad & Hunter! I must also see about my passport.

Its more than likely that this will be the last letter you get from me here.

Love
Venetia

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Written at the British Hospital, Wimereux, in pencil.