1930 all dates
Extract from Annette’s diary for 1930 included for interest as it gives the only account of Annette's and Rosemary's journey to England.
Thursday 27th February We got to the station at 3.30, but as the train does not go till four, we sat in the carriage and talked for the spare half-hour. The train had almost started, when Daddy and Lovey and Auntie Winsome jumped out. We had another old lady in the carriage as far as Khargpur, but excepting her and another woman who got in at Raipur, and got out at the next station we had no one in the carriage. At first the train went through factories and houses, but soon it got out into the country, and went through fields and villages. After a time we saw a lot of sheds for “pan” borage. After tea I helped Mummy wash up. (We saw a lot of silk cotton trees and prickly pear by a river some way from Calcutta) Some time after Khargpur we started to unroll the bedding. We had shower baths before our supper of fancy biscuits, and then went to bed. I did not sleep very well.
28th I woke up quite early. At Bilaspur we got Chota hazri, and then got dressed. We had breakfast of sardines and ham, and I again helped to wash up. When we awoke the scenery was much changed. The land was much dryer looking and the foliage of the trees was much yellower and browner than that in Bengal. Soon after breakfast we came among some rocky hills covered with small trees and bushes, and we went through a tunnel cut through one of them. Now and again the train ran between high sandy banks with a little straw coloured grass growing on them. There were a lot of forest, composed mostly of small trees, about here. There were a lot of bushes with tiny little red flowers on them, and also some trees with larger yellow ones. These, with yellow, brown, and sometimes red, leaves made the forest look very pretty. Once or twice we passed a pool among the fields with a lot of paddy birds among the grass on the edge. This also looked very pretty. At about 1 we went along to the dining-car for lunch. I noticed that we were among more cultivated land, though it was still very dry, with here and there a brighter, fresher, green field. Towards the end of the meal we saw a lot of green crops in the fields, but the steward could not tell us what they were. We got into the carriage again at the next station. Oh! I forgot! During the morning Mummy found two brooches in her case for us from John. They are ever so pretty. After lunch we lay down for a little while, but we sat up when we reached Nagpur. We stayed there a long time, and Mummy got out to buy a melon for tea and some oranges. After Nagpur the scenery was quite different, the land looked even dryer than before, and had trees, singly or in clumps, dotted about. Here and there these formed small groves. We had tea, and once more washed up. Some time afterwards I saw a lot of things which looked like haystacks on legs. During the morning we had seen a lot of funny little bullock carts, and I also saw one after Nagpur. In one place I saw a field with a hedge of prickly pear round it, and in another some trees with yellow and white flowers but for the most part the scenery did not change. We had the same supper as yesterday. There was a good deal of trouble about the fans and lights. I slept the same as yesterday.
1st When I woke up we had stopped at a station where we stayed for a long time. At the next we stayed even longer, and Mummy got up to see if we could get some tea. A man there said the train was running about two hours late. We were among the Western Ghats now. It felt colder, and here and there we could see small, misty clouds in the valleys. Most of the hills are flat-topped and they appear to have few trees on them, but there are a good many in the valleys. We went through about eleven tunnels before Kalyan, and one after it. Usually, when we came out of a tunnel we could look down into a valley. There were usually trees near the line, then small fields and perhaps a village or a hut. We began getting out the breakfast just before Kalyan, as the train would be in so late. At Kalyan we got tea. After Breakfast I washed up, and Mummy dried and put away the things. I saw some trees with bright red and yellow flowers, and, under and near one hill, lots with pink ones. The stations about here had their names up all over the place. At Bombay, after Mummy and Grindlay’s man had counted and checked the luggage, we drove along to the pier. We sat in little hotel there, and wrote some letters till half-past ten. Then we went into a small room for the medical inspection, after which we got on board the ship. We had lunch at 12. When we came up again most of the people who had come to say goodbye were getting off, but quite a lot of others were getting on. At one the ship started. Somebody’s topee had fallen into the water, and some native sailors went after it in a boat. They managed to get it at last, and took it back to the shore. By the time we went to ie down the land looked very distant and when we came up it was quite out of sight. We had tea at five. We went up onto the top deck afterwards, where we met a little boy called Tony Raynor. We had Horlicks and biscuits before we went to bed as there are no more meals after tea. I read till half-past seven (the grown-up’s dinner time), and then we had to turn out the lights and go to sleep.
2nd In the early morning we bathed. I can swim quite well in the sea. We have breakfast at half past seven. After breakfast I went into the writing-room to write for a little while, and afterwards played with our things till lunch-time. After lunch we rested till half past three, and then bathed. After tea, as we were watching the bathing, Tony fell in. He came up to the surface at once, though, and got out himself. He looked so startled. We had our baths at half-past six, and then went to bed.
3rd We bathed again before breakfast. There are some nice children on this boat. There is Tony, and the governor of Ceylon’s children, Janet, Mary, and Hugh Stanley and a nice little girl called Mary Kenyan. In the afternoon as I was getting out of the swimming bath, I slipped down the steps and fell between them and the bath. I grazed my tummy and bruised my leg. A quarter-master picked me up, and carried me along to the cabin. After tea Tony came to see me and told me a lot of stories, which I don’t think are quite true. I slept on Mummy’s bunk that night.
4th I did not bathe in the morning but stayed in bed till Mummy and Rosemary came back, but did so in the afternoon, though I did not feel very well after tea. Nothing exciting happened.
5th In the afternoon we arrived at Aden. The cliffs were looking surprisingly green, and Mummy said that the captain said it had rained that morning. A Mr. Gladstone lent us his binoculars so that we could see the place better. In the distance we could see some big white mounds, which Mr. Gladstone told us were salt to be sent to India. Some time after the ship arrived we got off into a small boat which took us to the shore very quickly. We got a taxi to take us to the club bathing place. We saw quite a lot of flowers on the way most of them had quite small thick leaves. We had a lovely bathe, and afterwards collected a lovely lot of shells. We went back again to the town.
From LJT to Annette
King’s Head Hotel,
Cirencester, Glos.
Tel. No.55
24. 5. 30
My darling Annette
Thank you so much for your nice letter, which Daddy and I think very well written.
What a joke that your old hat has come in useful for Edith! It just shows what a fat head you must have!
We were so sorry to leave Mrs. Holmes and her dear little house yesterday. We had a delightful time with her.
The weather was kind and we had a splendid day for our drive down here yesterday. We had lunch with Mrs. Shrosbree, who asked after you and Rosemary and sent her love. We got here in time for tea and spent about an hour up at the school with Richard, who was pleased to get your letter.
Will you give my love to auntie and thanks for her letter. Sad to say it is wet this morning. I hope it will clear up later.
Best love
from
Your loving
Mummy
From LJT to Annette
Lynwood
Leatherhead.
30.6.30
Darling Annette
Thank you so much for your letter and the poems. The one about the flowers is very sweet. The one about the sea is nice too, but some of the rhymes are a little weaker than in the “sea” one.
I shall be going to Peter Robinsons, probably to-morrow, to see about some of your school clothes. It is rather exciting to think of fitting you out as a real school-girl.
We go up to London to-day, to stay with Auntie Doris Holmes – but it is such lovely hot weather that I would really rather be staying in the country. Auntie Rita Townend has such a funny little Japanese spaniel dog, with a turned up nose and very round eyes. His name is Yama but, I am afraid he is more fond of food than of people.
Best love
from
Mummy
From LJT to Annette
Highways,
Gt. Leighs
Nr. Chelmsford
23.9 30
My darling Annette
Welcome to school! I hope you are not finding everything very strange. Never mind if you do find it so at first. In a very very few days, you will feel quite at home and by the time Rosemary comes along. It is rather a joke writing this letter – because I am sitting at the writing table in the drawing room, and you are sitting on the sofa in the drawing room too!
I shall be looking forward so much to coming down to see you soon.
I wonder whether there are any girls at school still who remember Joan and Lorna.
Best love, my darling.
Your loving
Mummy
From LJT to Annette
Highways,
Gt. Leighs
Nr. Chelmsford
25.9.30
My darling Annette
We have all been thinking so much about you and wondering how you are getting on. Its just a little difficult to pick up all the rules and customs of a school for the first few days – but they are really a help later on.
Just after I said good-bye to you yesterday, I met the girl who missed the train. She was rushing along and must have been very disappointed to find that it had gone.
I went along to see Uncle Roy and Auntie Eleanor for a little while – and got home here at 8 o’clock. Auntie had had a very busy afternoon mowing the front lawn and it is looking so nice and neat now. Holland is working here to-day, taking advantage of the fine day, to cut the grass on the side lawn and tidy up the garden generally.
I took Rosemary in to the hospital to have her arm massaged this morning. The Sister was all ready for us and did not keep us waiting at all. She was so nice to Rosemary and did not hurt her at all. We did a little shopping afterwards, and Rosemary bought a table and chair at Woolworth’s, for Mickey Mouse. She has made him a house out of a box – and is thinking of making him a bed.
Auntie and Rosemary and I are just going off to get a few more blackberries to make some more jam. It is such a lovely day, we thought we had better go while we had the chance. I am just longing to get a letter from you and hear what you think of every thing.
Did you find the pen, which I put in your case? It is one I have had for a while, but have used very little. It was because I had put that one in that I did not want you to buy another. However, if you do not like that one and would rather have one like Richard’s for your birthday, you must let me know.
I must go and put on an old frock and my rubber boots now.
Best love, my darling, from your loving
Mummy
From LJT to Annette
Highways,
Gt. Leighs
Nr. Chelmsford
29.9.30
My darling Annette
We were all so pleased to get your post-card and letter. I am very glad to hear that you like the girls and that you are settling down happily. We have been thinking a great deal about you. Games are great fun, are not they?
Rosemary’s arm is going on very well indeed. She is to have one of the splints off on Wednesday. I take her in every morning to the Hospital to have the arm massaged.
Do you know, when I was dusting the bed-room yesterday, I opened the flap of your blue writing case, and there is your pen! Is’nt it a lucky thing that we did not buy another one? I want you to write down a list of things that you would like for your birthday and Christmas presents – because it would be a great help in choosing things for you.
I have just had a letter from Capt Gass. He is being married to-day. I hope his wife will be very nice dont you?
I have also had a long letter from Lovey to-day. She is also thinking about you and wondering how you are getting on at school. She sent love and kisses to you both. Rosemary had a “feast” for all her animals yesterday morning. We moved the play-room table and spread a rug on the floor for them all to sit on. She is really very good at amusing herself, although she can only use her left hand.
Ketley is coming to pull down the Greenhouse to-morrow. It will be exciting arranging what to do with the place upon which it has been standing. I found the film of this photo and thought perhaps you would like a copy of it.
Best love, my darling – I am so looking forward to coming to see you, as soon as Rosemary’s arm is well enough. I think it will be in about a fortnight
Mummie
From LJT to Annette
Highways,
Gt. Leighs,
Nr. Chelmsford.
3. 10. 30.
My darling Annette
How quickly the time is going. We think and hope that Rosemary will be able to go to school on Sunday 11th. I shall be so excited to see you and hear more of how you like school.
There have been all sorts of things happening here – Ketley and his son have taken down the old greenhouse and are putting it up again on the site of the vegetable marrow heap. On the very same day that the greenhouse was taken down, a new chicken house arrived and is being put to-gether, so the garden seems very busy.
Rosemary’s arm is very much better. She can use it a little now – and has only had one splint on it for some days.
Did I tell you that Peggy’s friend Eleanor, sent Rosemary a dear little Mickey Mouse? He is about twice the size of the farm people. She – Rosemary – has made a “house” out of card-board boxes for Mickey on the table in the play-room and brought out her doll’s house furniture for it. He has kept her amused for hours.
Auntie Arla and Ronnie and Billy are coming down to spend the day here on Sunday. I hope it will be fine for them. The kittens are getting so pretty and playful. They had quite a big bowl of bread and milk to-day and simply loved it. They have forsaken their box and now live on top of those sacks.
Daddy’s photos have come, and I took one in to be framed for you to-day. I have not taken the little photo of Richard, because I shall have a new photo of him taken during the winter holidays – and I think it would be much better to wait and have that one framed.
Best love to you, my darling from your loving
Mummy
From LJT to Annette
Highways,
Gt. Leighs
Nr. Chelmsford
8.10.30
My darling Annette
My letter is late this week. I am sorry. On Monday the garden was to blame. When Rosemary and I got from Chelmsford we found Auntie hard at work altering the foundations of the old green house to make a new “sunk garden” We felt we must help – and not only worked all the morning, but all the afternoon as well. Yesterday I went up to London to see a dressmaker and have lunch with Mrs. Dunn and did not get home till past eight o’clock. To-day we have had a busy day too. Rosemary and I had a good deal of shopping to do for Auntie in Chelmsford and did not get home here till nearly 12 o’clock, when I had to finish my letter to Daddy. Soon after lunch we set out for Chelmsford again with Uncle and Auntie, to see the film called “Flight”. It was a film all about areoplanes, something like the “Sky Hawk” which we saw, and was very exciting – Rosemary was thrilled and once or twice she said “I do wish Annette were here.” After the film we went to tea at Tindall Café and all had hot potatoe cakes which were very good. It was really a treat to celebrate Uncle’s birthday, which took place last Sunday.
I thought your letter was very nice. The lecture on the West Indies must have been interesting. Poor West Indies! I am afraid they are having a bad time just now. Their chief crop is sugar-cane sugar and of late years European countries have grown so much beetroot sugar that the sugar planters in the West Indies are finding it difficult to make a living at all.
I gave your message to Richard and explained to him why you could not write for his birthday.
Rosemary has her splint off to-day and laughs because she is so used to useing her left hand, she still finds herself doing things with it. She is spending the day at Hampstead on Saturday, while I do down to Cousin Olive’s wedding reception at Shalford. I am looking forward to seeing you on Sunday enormously. I do hope we shall have a fine day. I cant tell you yet what time we shall be coming down.
Thank you for your birthday list. I shall not let on yet what of the things I am going to get for you.
There does not seem to be much in the way of news to give you – so I will say goodnight.
Best love and a big hug to you my darling.
Your loving
Mummy
P.S. Miss Grainger has got a post at a Bank in Braintree. I am so glad. She sent this photo of “Janie” as she thought you might like it.
Thursday Zippy has got two pups. We dont know yet whether they are girls or boys.
From LJT to Annette
Seven Clifton Gardens,
Golders Green, N.W.11.
Tel. Speedwell 6738.
(undated)
My darling Annette
It was lovely getting a peep of you to-day. I am sorry we could not spend longer with you. Auntie Cecil’s father is very ill and she did not want to be away from home for too long. Also I thought it was better to leave Rosemary fairly early so that she had time to settle in before bed-time.
I expect you have heard all about the excitements at Great Leighs from her – Of how Susan brought all her kittens walking out of the shed and settled them in the sunshine under the play-room window – close to where Auntie was working – and how they kept on getting under Holland’s feet and when they were not under his feet they were playing round Auntie. Later, when Susan thought it too cold for them outside, she marched them into the kitchen. She is really very amusing with them.
As Rosemary did not have any “treat” in London, I took her to see the film called “Flight” – rather an exciting story about Areoplanes, which I think Rosemary enjoyed very much. She probably will tell you all about it.
I am so sleepy this evening, I feel as if I could just put my head down on the table and be sound asleep in about two minutes!
Best love and a great big hug from
Mummy
From LJT to Annette
Seven Clifton Gardens,
Golders Green, N.W.11.
Tel. Speedwell 6738.
17. 10. 30.
My darling Annette
I was very pleased to get the letters from you and Rosemary. They were a few days delayed in reaching me, as there was a mistake in the address. I should copy it carefully off the top of this paper. Its a great blessing to know that Rosemary has settled down and is happy. Mrs. Holmes and I have great fun with the puppy, Sammy. He is such a darling.
Yesterday I spent a long time in Whiteleys, looking for birthday presents for you. You must not open any parcels that come till the 22nd. I will come down as soon after lunch as I can on the Saturday afterwards – and I hope we shall have a nice fine day and be able to go out somewhere. Capt and Mrs Lewin are coming to lunch with me to-day. It will be quite funny to see them in London. Isnt the weather lovely now?
Best love and a big hug to you darling
from your loving
Mummy
From LJT to Annette
Seven Clifton Gardens,
Golders Green, N.W.11.
Tel. Speedwell 6738.
21. 10. 30.
My darling Annette
Many happy returns of the day! I wish I could have been with you on your birthday, but never mind! We will have a nice time on Saturday. I am longing to see you both. I do hope it will be a fine day.
I am hoping that your presents will arrive safely and on the right day as well. I gave Whiteleys very careful instructions about them. If you don’t like any of the books I have sent, keep them safely and I will bring them back to London on Saturday and change them for you. Auntie said she would like to send you a post-card album – and I thought it was rather silly to send pictures to school, as they are difficult to pack and it would be better to keep those for Christmas time. I am sending you a little postal order as well, from Daddy and me combined, as I have not spent quite as much as usual on your presents.
Thank you very much for your nice letter. I thought it was well written. I am sending Daddy’s on to him and mine as well, as I think he would like to see both. I am very glad that you are top of your form.
Kensington Gardens is looking very lovely just now. Auntie Eleanor and I went for a walk there on Saturday. We spent a long time looking at the “sunk” garden near Kensington Palace – It is full of flowers , and very beautiful. I told Rosemary all about the carved tree-trunk, which I want you both to see next time you are in London.
The enclosed cutting from the newspaper I thought might interest you. I had no idea that the figure of Nelson was quite so large.
Mrs. Holmes had never been into the Guild Hall, where all the Lord Mayor’s banquets are held, so as we were in the City yesterday, we went in and had a look at it. They were very busy getting ready for the Lord Mayor’s show.
Well, my darling – my best love and all good wishes, as well as an extra special birthday hug to you
From
Mummy
From LJT to Annette
Seven Clifton Gardens,
Golders Green, N.W.11.
Tel. Speedwell 6738.
(undated)
My darling Annette
The post-card album was sent off from Selfridges and I hope it has reached you safely and is what you want.
Mrs Gurner was having lunch with me yesterday and was asking a lot about you and about the school. In a few years she will be looking for a school for Francesca. She and Auntie Doris and I thought we would go and have a look at the King and Queen driving in the Royal Coach to open Parliament yesterday. We saw them very well. Do you remember my taking you and Richard when you were quite small to see them? It was while we were living in Chelsea. Richard said the King looked just like he does on the pennies! Its a fine sight to see the big gold coach, with coach men and footmen all dressed up in gold and scarlet – and Beefeaters and Lifeguardsmen marching in front and behind.
After we had seen the procession we went to see an exhibition of pictures by Mrs Laura Knight, who is a very very clever artist, and lately has painted a great many pictures of circus people and animals. I believe she had a caravan and travelled round with them. The pictures were most interesting.
Best love, and a big big hug, my darling.
Mummy
From LJT to Annette
Seven Clifton Gardens,
Golders Green, N.W.11.
Tel. Speedwell 6738.
5. 11. 30.
My darling Annette
Before I give you any news, I want to ask you about coming to see you on Saturday 15th or Sunday 16th. You know I promised to come on the Saturday but June’s half term concert is on that day and of course Auntie Doris must go to that – and so could not bring me out to Hemel Hempstead in the car. If I come on Sunday she can bring me in the car – and I would ask Miss Capstick whether we could take you out to lunch. Will you explain all this to Rosemary and let me know as soon as you can; whether you would rather I came on Sunday 16th with the car – and possibly take you out to lunch, or whether you want me to stick to the Saturday and come without the car. Let me know as soon as you can and then I will write and ask Miss Capstick.
I had such a nice week-end with Richard at Oakley Hall – though the weather was dreadful. I arrived at a quarter to 12, and took my suit case to the “Kings Head Hotel”, before walking up to the school. It was “break” for the boys and I strolled round the garden with Richard and talked to him and some of the other boys till lunch time. Col. and Mrs. Joll took me back to the hotel in their car. After lunch they took me up to the school again, and we were allowed to take the boys out for an hour. The play, scenes from Shakespeare’s Henry IV was at 4.30 – and was very good. The boy who was dressed up as Falstaff – the fat Knight – was very amusing.
On Sunday we went up early chapel at the school and then Richard and I walked down to the hotel, and had some fruit and chocolate, before going over to Cheltenham to lunch with Mr. and Mrs. O’Sullivan. They asked a lot about you and Rosemary and were anxious to know how you liked school.
We stayed to tea there and Mrs O’Sullivan drove us back to Oakley Hall in time for evening chapel.
Now I must stop and write to Rosemary.
Best love and a big hug to you, my darling from
Mummy.
From LJT to Annette
Seven Clifton Gardens,
Golders Green, N.W.11.
Tel. Speedwell 6738.
11. 11. 30
My darling Annette
Richard distinguished himself at Haileybury and won a scholarshio worth £60 a year. That means that that amount of money will be deducted from his school bills – so it will be a very big help, as well as giving him a good deal of honor and glory. I feel very proud of him.
Auntie came up here, as well as Richard and we had a lovely week-end. We went to a very funny play on Friday night, which made us laugh a lot. On Saturday Uncle Bous motored us down to Windsor, where we saw part of the Castle, including the State Apartments and the Queen’s Dolls’ House in the morning, and after lunch took Gavin out for a walk and to tea. On Sunday we took Richard to the Zoo and he and Auntie both had to go away on Sunday afternoon.
Thank you for your letters (I am sending Auntie Winsome’s to her) and thank you also for telling me about Rosemary’s linings. I am very angry with the shop where I bought them – as it is three weeks since they were ordered. I am glad the hot water bottles have arrived and that you like them. One thing you have not done and that is give me any answer to my question about whether we should come on Saturday or Sunday. As you have not answered and as it will be so much nicer to have a car – and possibly take you out to lunch, I am arranging to come on Sunday and have written to Miss Capstick to ask her at what time you may come out.
I am enclosing some cuttings out of the newspapers. The one about the opening of Parliament I intended to send you last week. The tale of the elephant rushing out of the Lord Mayor’s procession seizing a red lion mascot and trampling on it, I felt sure would amuse you.
Last night I had supper with Mrs Vaughan Smith. You remember her in Jalpaiguri, don’t you? She asked a lot about you and Rosemary and sent you both her love. Daddy writes that he is working hard at the French records and that Uncle Harry and Auntie Winsome like them. He does not say what John thinks about them! Richard bought your birthday present when he was up, and I will bring it down on Sunday.
To-morrow I am going to a meeting of the “Old Girls” from my old school St. Monica’s. I expect it will be rather fun.
I must get on with Daddy’s letter now. Best love and a big hug, my darling from
Mummy
From LJT to Annette
Seven Clifton Gardens,
Golders Green, N.W.11.
Tel. Speedwell 6738.
25. 11. 30
My darling Annette
I shall be delighted for you to have a Girl Guide’s costume. Let me know whether I should send the money for it, or whether it will go on the school bill.
Last Friday I had such an interesting time at the Guide Headquarters. I was to meet Lady Baden Powell – the “Chief Guide” there at 12.30 and found her with a lot of Indian Ladies – the wives of the men who have come to England to confer to-gether at the Round Table Conference about the future of India. Afterwards I had lunch with Lady Baden Powell and promised that I would take on Mrs Carey Morgan’s work as head of the Girl Guides in Bengal while she is home on leave. It is a big and important job and I hope I shall be able to do it satisfactorily. Lady Baden Powell is such a dear! I liked her tremendously.
I expect you will enjoy being in the Christmas play. Acting is rather fun.
Mrs. Mitchell Tunis, mother of a friend of mine in Calcutta, has asked me to take you and Rosemary to lunch with her on Sunday 7th. She lives quite close to South Hall. Miss Capstick says I may come down and take you out, so I shall see you again before the end of term.
I had a long letter from “Lovey” this morning. She is on the sea now, on her way home from India, but does not arrive at Plymouth till the 14th and goes straight to Cheltenham from there – so I am afraid there is no chance of her coming to see you this term. She has sent two photos of herself in fancy dress which she thought that you and Rosemary might like. You choose one and let Rosemary have the other. I don’t think they look a bit like Lovey, do you?
I have been spending the Week-end with Mr and Mrs Pilcher and had a nice time there. Auntie has been here for the week-end. It was Joeys prize giving yesterday – and she won 3 prizes (I think it was) a good conduct badge and a scholarship of £15.
Thank you for your letter, darling. it was a very nice on.
Lots of love and hugs
from
Mummy
From LJT to Annette
Seven Clifton Gardens,
Golders Green, N.W.11.
9. 12. 30
My darling Annette
It was very nice to see you on Sunday – and I am looking forward to the play next Sunday – Auntie Doris hopes to be able to come too.
I hope the poor Rosemary is quite well again. It was a pity she had a head-ache – I am afraid that it spoilt Sunday for her.
Peggy had lunch with me yesterday and we went to the National Portrait Gallery. There are pictures there of almost all the people famous in English History. We spent most of our time looking at the portraits of the Plantagenets and Tudors – They are so fascinating! I must take you there one day.
We went on to the Movie Tone News Theatre afterwards – and that was interesting too.
Peggy says Gavin was very good in his school play on Sunday.
Best love and lots and lots of hugs.
from
Mummy
From HPV to LJT
U.S Club
Calcutta
Dec 7th 1930
[Sunday]
My dear,
Sunday. And not a word of letter written. The one bright spot is that the Allens have gone off tonight to Jalpaiguri.
Your letter was an interesting letter. What on earth I could have said about Gurner’s story of lunch with Mrs Ceri-Jones, I cannot think. I thought it rather funny. The highbrow Mrs Ceri suddenly starting to rag in a puerile manner and Cyril shocked to the depths of his dignified soul and holding off sedately so to speak. What did I tell you? So far as I remember, this. Lunch for four: after lunch the two women suddenly butted the two men in the stomach and continued doing so. The two men in great embarrassment essayed to keep the two women at bay. And finally, much like Mr Pepys they fell to dancing. True: it sounds mad: but there you are so to speak: and I dont see why anyone should have gone away for a weekend on the strength of it or instead of it. Sane and dignified to do so perhaps (though it reminds me of my father’s bull in Tristram Shandy) but are the two things on a par? I supposed that Mrs Ceri decided in an abstract sort of way that it was a duty to be frivolous and a point of honour to be frivolous in some new way and not like ordinary folk and philistines: and after, or without, thought chose this means of demonstrating gaiety. It didn’t occur to me to ascribe it to sexual yearnings for after all it must be poor satisfaction to butt Cyril in the stomach, - especially now that he is thin. Why should I start my letter with discussion of this? because I felt a sudden fear that I had said something outrageous in my previous letter on which you were commenting and also that I might have spread some libels.
It would perhaps be wise to tell any news before I forget it.
On Thursday afternoon I was led astray. In spite of having vast numbers of files to do, I went off with Mr Marr, Mr Prentice, and Col Fry to make up a foursome at golf. How villainously I played! Prentice said I was hurrying everything. Maybe. I think that I was stiff and weary after diving. A beautiful afternoon it was however and I ought to have enjoyed it more. I did enjoy it too in spite of the golf. Now I wouldn’t swear to it but I rather think that I went off to the Saturday club after tea and bathed.
On Friday I got through heaps and heaps of files in the morning before lunch. In the afternoon interruptions and the output fell away. – It must have been on Thursday that the wife of one of my clerks a Eurasian came in and wept with her head on my table because her husband had left her. The sense of tragedy lessened when she added “for the fourth time”. She explained that she had a bad temper but (and she wept again) he had a worse. So far as I could make out her complaint dealt with a matter of Rs 25/- a month. All very sad. I was like Solomon. On Saturday morning I discoursed to the husband. He is a twitter of nerves. Obviously on the verge of hysteria. I imagine that his wife has nagged at him till the screams at the mere thought of her. – It reminded me of Asansol and by a coincidence the night before I had been talking about those Asansol people and their news.
The mention of this is an error: a matter of no sort of interest. But it may show the sort of interruption that upsets my day. Another was collecting of charity dames. Y.W.C.A. on Friday – a lady: unknown to me. Saturday Queen Alexandra’s day, a Eurasian nurse. I denied the latter, for I’d bought a rose for Rs 10 on the way to office. As I grow older I grow softer. There was a time when I gave nothing in office: and I dont give much now. – I was at office till six. At the baths I did two or three dives which felt really as if they were good. Oh for Trotsky, or someone to stand by and say truthfully how the dives go! Dinner at Harry’s till 9.30. A pleasant dinner but I dont know that any thing much happened or was said. He ran a gramophone: and I read by snatches a book Rastius loquitur, in which was a chapter about the results of the Gangaon Village uplift experiment which I found of enthralling interest, - though in itself it was not.
So much for Friday.
On Saturday the scheme was to do a whole lot of work in my room before I went to office. But the event was otherwise. Office till a quarter to two. Lunch on my usual meagre scale, it was nearly three though before I started upstairs intending vaguely to ring up Hugh or Winsome and suggest golf. I fell in with Fawcus, however – just back from tour. He suggested going out somewhere at 4.30. I asked him to tea at Tolly. Somehow by the time that I had changed and may be recited some French – I’m not going to talk French to Poppy or to anyone else when I get home: out upon it! what is the point of buying a gramophone so as to do one’s talking in secret if after all one talks aloud to people? – by that time it was nearly four – and we started. As we passed the zoo he said he must go in for 5 minutes and see the capybara: so we went. And we did. He was eating a chapatti: and a wax-beaked goose (or duck) was eating it too simultaneously dragging at it while it was in the capybara’s mouth. The patient bewilderment on the face of the capybara made me to laugh aloud. It ended with a crow which distracted the two so that they dropped the chapatti and stared stupid like: and then the crow flew off with the chapatti. But I waste on you stuff which might for letters to the children be valuable. We went on our way: and he insisted on going in to see the chrysanthemums at the Agrihorticultural. A poor show I thought. Dash and Mrs. D. In the garden. She has been seedy ever since the Government House dinner on Wednesday: blames it on the fizz of which she took a glass: but that must be bosh. He says that the secretary of the Saturday club says that they’re going to empty the Bath and have dinners in it. I protested that this must be an error: because when anyone says what is the difference between this club and a brothel – (or one might say the Regent Palace Hotel) one can now answer calmly “This has a swimming bath”: and if they use it for dinners, what will they say?
However we left the place and went on to Tolly. There Mrs Elderton hailed us, saying “how like your brother you are Mr Townend” and then with a squeal “Why, you are your brother! I’m so sorry Mr Townend.” I’m not, of course, but you see what she meant. Also she paid for the tea so my treat to Fawcus came cheap. Returning to the club – Mrs Alderton had a temperature of 101 in the morning and obviously had fever on her at tea time. I told Alderton he was an ass to let her stay out. (Pwt Commissioners: with half his face taken off by a shell. You remember? She is very very Scotch. Very friendly. But I’m not sure that I like her very much. Rather priggish to say so: perhaps) - returning to the club fairly soon, I fell of a sudden victim to my conscience: and went off to bathe. There was a young man there just out from home, who knew no better than to think that the water was warm. I fell into converse with him. Twelve minutes. Mixed results but not so bad.
Returning straight away, very tired too, I sat and read for a ????: then went down at 7.45, and ran at once into Allen. Jones had asked him to dine (obviously against his will) and with over heartiness told him to come early – and had then forgotten or funked it. Anyhow he was still in his bath. I stood him Allen a drink and sat talking till Jones appeared. Jones took three drinks in rapid succession, obviously bracing himself for the ordeal of talking to Allen. I joined them at dinner: and then – then – then (see my growing indignation) Jones let me in for going out to the pictures with them. I refused but was met with the argument that Allen had done his damnedest for us all at Jalpai, was down for a short time only, and would be hurt etc. so I went. (He had come down to meet his wife: and had been four days in Calcutta without letting me know. Really I might have taken offence at this: but of course I didn’t.) “Splinters”. Might have been worse. Certainly I laughed. Allen simply howled: he had seen the film twice in England! inconceivable. Jones on the contrary was openly and almost offensively bored. He got up to go at half time: but that I wouldn’t have. To be left in charge of the somewhat richly oiled Allen in Calcutta was more than I bargained for: and I more or less said so. The evening ended badly: sitting for interminable periods in the bar (though I’d the sense not to drink anything) – and talking till 1.30. I was angry with Jones: who had reached that stage of muddy wittedness when any proposal to move is shouted down. I struck at last and practically turned Allen out of the club. But as he wouldn’t go otherwise what could be done? Twice I woke up during the night and recited to myself a slogan: that I’d wake cheerful happy and fit. It worked curse it to the minute. I had meant to sleep late: but owing to my autosuggestions misunderstood by the miserable subconscious woke crisp awake at seven. I was 15 minutes late in getting up though. Because I read your letter and the mail. Your enclosures and a letter from Doris Child, what has happened to Helen Hamilton. What is her “non domestic situation”? Has the Colonel gone on the loose, or has she found that she cannot stick him? I’d be sorry either way. Anyhow I’m sorry to hear that she’s in trouble. She always seemed such a calm person.
After breakfast, I pulled myself together and went out calling. To Belgachia to drop cards on one MacGregor in charge of the Veterinary Hospital. it’s a long way: and they had not a box. No luck. I decided that after coming so far I’d not turn back – so I drove in and was caught. Nice people though. (He’s rather like Tomb: scraps like blazes with everyone officially and privately is very jolly) Thence to No 3. Where I suddenly felt dead beat and headachy. Back to the club. And immediately after lunch out to play golf. One James, auditor Railway accounts: a solid but nice chap. Same handicap as mine. I beat him two up, playing rather better than of late: but slicing, - no one has seen such before. Four dives (at two annas each) and tea on the lawn. A pleasant afternoon: and my weariness fell from me till I got back. Part of this I wrote before and the rest after dinner. At which I drank Bordeaux with Fawcus and he brandy with me. Both of us both, to avoid ambiguity. Now after a brief passage with Michie up here. And so I shall slip. Not doing my French today. A slow business. – Alas, I see that I shall have to go all through this and touch up the writing a bit – I wonder if doing tummy wobbling stimulates one excessively in those parts. I woke twice on Thursday night to find that something had had that result. Seems a waste, doesn’t it.
(the letter continues in pencil)
Monday
9.30 pm. In bed. It seems to me to be silly, but there you are. “Daktar Sahbi ka hokum” (doctors orders) The result of the shooting affair at Writers Buildings. It was a sordid sort of thing and not exciting till afterwards. An old Muhammadan from Patuakhib(??) had come in to see me about a job for a youth. And some ??? somebody had sent in a card. 12 o’clock or so. Of a sudden I heard 5 pistol shots. Outside on the road, I thought. Then a lot of people ran along in front of my room. I saw their legs under the half doors. Moved by curiosity I opened one of the doors on to the verandah and looked out. There were three anarchists coming along the verandah towards me, in European clothes and topis, and carrying automatics. I thought “I’m for it” – stepped back into my room and out of the door at the side where the chaprassis sit. It seemed to me that the three were going along to shoot the member. I was annoyed at not being able to do anything and as they turned towards me I caught up a chair and hurled it at the first. A futile thing to do. I missed. The whole thing seemed to happen very slowly – Like Tiger Shooting. It was useless to stand there and I turned back through my door just as the man fired. All the luck of all the luckiest in the world! The door is a swing door and it swung to. The bullet hit the edge of it and went through an inch and a half of wood (as I saw afterwards). At the moment I merely felt the hell of a smack in the middle of the back and I was knocked in a heap against the wall. I thought stupidly that it would look ignominious to lie there and be killed - and also that the only thing to do was to get hold of more chairs – but actually I merely got up and stood waiting for it. The old Muhammadan was in the corner saying, on his knees, “Allah Allah – - Allah Allah.” like groans. Maybe they thought it was my groaning. Anyhow they did not come in but went straight on past the members rooms, firing into Marrs through the glass half door as they went.
Writing with my arm in a sling and my hand against my chest, is not easy.
Then they had a shot at Mr. Ghose, Hon. Member; shot a stenographer for no reason: and met Nelson, about whom you’ll have read. He seems to have put up a stout show. As I came along the verandah I met him walking towards me with a stiff leg and looking white. Then he said They’ve got me and caught hold of his thigh and people helped him. By that time I’d come to believe that it was imagination about the hit on my back, for how could I be alive? But a stenographer said my coat was cut and a clerk brought up the bullet out of my room. I became an object of interest. Isn’t it lucky I was wearing the new mauve suit which is too tight for me? There’s a hole between the shoulders, just alongside the seam, and the waistcoat also is cut. But not my shirt or vest, as I found when I changed before lunch. A bruise as big as a coffee saucer and half an inch high, like a black eye on a generous scale. Lucky for me it missed the spine or I’d have known all about it. I felt sick at the stomach all this time and all of a jangle, weepy like. During lunch my back began to stiffen up and I thought it wise to show it to Bentley, who was there. He became excited when he saw it, insisted that I could not go back to office and that I should lie down. Later he told Prentice (The Chief Secretary) who sent round Sandys and Sandys sent round Harnott(?) the surgeon man. Both gave favourable verdicts. Only a muscle bruise.
Moral: I was lucky.
I hope the cable didn’t alarm you.
Too tiring – I cant write any more
Tuesday
After lunch. I have got up and dressed. Had a good night: but woke at five. However no harm in that. Various people have been in to see me – Gurner Harry Prentice, Quarry, Vincent, oh, lots of them. Bentley too. It is very dark and cold in my room and I went down to the reading room for a bit in the middle of the morning. But of a sudden I got dead beat and came up here again: lay down till lunch and now I’m in a long chair in the verandah outside my room. Westbrook has just come along to say that my effort and Nelsons are the two redeeming things about a discreditable business. He’s quite wrong about the discredit, for no one could do anything. But I’m pleased to find that I’m not looked upon as a blinking idiot.
I cabled because it was suggested to me that I might be in the papers as hurt. I suppose yesterday’s evening papers at home have had it. The Statesman doesnt mention me.
Incidentally the shakiness of this is due to my holding the writing block up to my right hand with my left, not to weakness.
The account in the Statesman is interesting for being so very wrong. But no one knows the facts - What amused me at the time was the way the crowd came back, out of doors and passages, as soon as the 3 gunmen had got past. Also the rush made by people in the street for, and not from, Writers Buildings. Overmastering curiosity.
My Muhammaden friend, of the grunts, came back this morning.
Evening.
I am unutterably bored and weary. The stiffness of my shoulder is no more than a nuisance: but I have not been able to settle down in comfort to read.
Wednesday
There was an interruption then by somebody. Oh yes: the doctor. He didn’t take off the bandage but squinted underneath it. He seemed satisfied. But he takes it for granted that this will be a long business compared with what I expected.
A baddish night. Woke at 4 and counted the quarter hours on the church clock (what church I don’t know but it sounds quite loud) till six. Then slept for ¾ of an hour. My neck has gone very stiff and my right arm. Bentley who came in this evening says that thats natural and I’ll be stiffer to-morrow.
No one has a yet ascertained the facts. Why did the gunmen turn into Nelson’s room? I thought from what I heard, because Farmer had headed them with a revolver: but they say now he went round from the back. Spencer suggests that it was because of Gurner who was running about and yelling. (He was warning people at that end of the building.) Jones says that Gurner’s antics prevented his shooting along the corridor at the men in front - for Gurner was in the line of fire beyond. Tell it not, but Jones plugged the man who was escaping out of Nelson’s room and there is reason to suppose that the second man also was shot by the police. The third did commit suicide. The Statesman today has a leader pointing out that all district offices judges police etc are quite unprotected and could easily be shot. If it were in an extremeist paper one could think it a direct incitement to assassination. They must have some prize fools on their staff.
Your letter. I’m glad Annette has been doing so well. This week I am not writing to the children by the way. – I almost feel inclined to write to Thomas and tell her how my use of long words has been justified by the event.
Finger bowls. I did ask winsome and I did ask Phyllis too for that matter. But they said “do your own dirty work”, so to speak.
The seal skin, furs, etc. Of course, my child I endorse and approve and have no objection. I dont think it an extravagance. Bentley says that physiologically and psychologically – (as we’re not insects) women ought not to dress up and men ought to: women probably do themselves a lot of harm by dressing in bright colours, for its an outrage against nature. It follows that he does harm to himself by wearing black: and he should wear pink plaid knickers with lace frills.
I’m glad Richard got such a good report to end up with. He wrote me a letter this week (after getting my cable) – will you thank him for it?
Doris also wrote to me. If you could drop her a line saying that I was very pleased and so on, it would be a kindness: to me.
By gum I understand now something of the feelings of a tiger being beaten up to the guns. Rage and bewilderment.
Would I have gone out if the old Muhammaden bird had not been there? Gassen and Chambers next door had more sense. They barricaded themselves in. But I wouldn’t have done it in the time.
I’m sitting in Prentice’s room which is warm. Mine is rather like an ice house. But I’m getting cramps in my arm and therefore cease.
(rest of letter written again in ink) Thursday Dec 11th
Col. Harnett took off the bandage last night. To my great relief. He has allowed me also to move the arm, from the elbow downwards, freely: and that has largely banished the crampy pains which were giving me what-oh yesterday and the night before. A whole crowd of people came in yesterday evening. I spent the afternoon in sound sleep: and as I realised when I woke, I had needed it. They have barricaded Writers Buildings with a vengeance I hear. Bricked up verandahs and entrances all over the place. What will happen if there’s a fire I do not know.
The history of Nelson was that he came out of his room (just as I did): they fired at him and he went back. They followed and fired again (? – not quite certain): he grappled with one, got his revolver away and pulled the trigger but it didn’t go off: one of the others hit him over the head with his pistol, he broke away and got out down the passage. Then as I suppose they were bottled by Jones appearing at the door.
I am to have massage for the shoulder now. Col Harnett says I’m to lounge about till the pain in my neck and shoulder has gone.
I slept well last night: from 11 till 6 and then again till 7. Woke very sleepy too. Went down to breakfasted. H.D came in and said Winsome was outside. So I went down, and out, and spoke to her for a bit. Really I’m feeling much more alive to-day: the change makes me realise that I must have been feeling a bit “stoopid like” these days. Faragin (?) came round personally to ask after me yesterday. Very decent of the little chap.
The gramophone you will observe has not been a solace to me as I thought it would be when first told to stay in my room. Too slack to run it. But recitations from the book beguiled the hours of the night when I could not sleep.
It is hard to believe that, but for chances incalculable I would now be alongside Simpson in the burial ground. I shall tell you a thing. As I went down on the floor I didn’t think of you exactly, but I did think “I’ve got some news for this week’s letter to Joan.”
Best love, my darling
Your
Toto
Letter to LJT from Mr Bentley
United Service Club.
Calcutta
10.12.30
Dear Mrs Townend
I promised Herbert this morning that I would write and tell you how he is as his arm is still too stiff for much writing.
He had, so you may have guessed, a most remarkable escape on Monday last when 3 young Bengali terrorists entered Writers’ Buildings and shot Col Simpson the D.G. of Jails. Col Simpson’s office is on the first floor at the Clive St end, almost below my own office. At 12.30 on Monday 3 smartly dressed Bengalis in European dress, one with a topi and the others with felt hats entered Writers’ buildings unchallenged, walked upstairs to Col Simpson’s room, where the Chaprassi handed them a slip for the purpose of writing their names and business. They gave it back to him and then brushed past him into Col Simpson’s room and immediately drew revolvers and shot Col Simpson in front of his P.A. who was standing there with some files. Col Simpson was writing a (???) at the time. He was mortally wounded and after springing up from his chair fell backwards dead. After giving one or more shots at the P.A. the assassins started to walk along the verandah of Writers’ buildings flourishing their weapons and shouting “Gandewateram”! Herbert’s office is more than halfway between Col Simpson’s room and the central block. He heard the firing and the shouting and went out to see what was happening, but at first looked to the left hand in the opposite direction to that from which the 3 men were advancing. They probably shot at him, anyway he dodged back into his room, seized a chair, and rushing out of the side door hoping to get behind them, found himself practically face to face with them. He flung the chair at them and dodged back into the room, but one of them fired at him as he passed between the spring doors and fortunately for him the door swung back and interrupted the bullet, breaking its force. Never-the-less the missile (a .450 heavy calibre revolver bullet) hit him in the middle of the back, 1 inch to the right of the middle line, high up between the shoulder blades. It knocked him down, broke through the cloth of his coat but did not penetrate his waistcoat or shirt, though it drove his vest into the skin and drew a little blood and gave him a bruise as big as the palm of my hand.
I did not leave my office until after the 2nd or 3rd burst of firing. The firing came in salvoes with long intervals between and it was only when it continued that my curiosity led me out into the verandah. I thought the police were firing at someone in the street and so looked over the verandah. I noticed lots of people running across towards the central main entrance and one young Bengali running across in the opposite direction into the Dalhousie Square enclosure. A taxi was standing in the road opposite the main block of Writus’ buildings and I thought someone in it was firing. Shortly afterwards it moved off eastwards. Meanwhile further firing was going on downstairs in the central block. Thinking there would be a call for first-air work I went down the centre stairway and found a scene of confusion in the verandah above the central entrance and opposite Mr Marr’s and Mr Prentice’s rooms. Crowds of chaprassis and officers running this way and that. As I came up Mr Prentice came out of his door and seeing me shouted “come here quick. I’ve got a wounded man inside”! Inside I found Mr Nelson – the judge – who is Legal Remembrancer now – lying in an armchair very pale and bleeding from the right leg. He had a big bruise also on his right temple. I examined him and found that there was a shot wound on the inner side of his thigh, but the bleeding had nearly stopped and when I got him lying on the floor his faintness passed off. As soon as Col Copping came in I went along to see what had happened to Col Simpson and found him quite dead – in fact he must have died almost instantaneously. I then went back and saw Herbert who was walking about as if nothing had happened. He said to me “I was lucky, a bullet hit me but it must have been spent. It knocked me over but hasn’t done any harm” I saw that his coat had a peculiar shaped double tear or break near the central seam, high up on the back. When I went back to Mr Nelson I learned that he had gone out of his office on hearing the firing and met the 3 men who promptly fired at him. He ran back into his room and they followed. He dodged round the screen and grappled with one of the men wrenching his revolver away, but on trying to fire it, he found it empty. Just then one of the men hit him on the head with the butt of a revolver and he was also wounded by a shot. He managed to get out of the door and ran to Mr Prentice’s room. His own room is near the eastern end of the building.
Before this the 3 terrorists had gone into the passport office and reloaded their weapons. In that office a stout American missionary was waiting for his passport. On seeing the armed Bengalis enter, he promptly got out of the window at the back and climbed down the water spouting to the ground where the police at first took him for an escaping anarchist.
Mr Marr had a very narrow shave. He came to the door of his room when he heard the firing and as soon as they saw him the anarchists fired at him and he went back and hid in the bathroom like a wise man. Mr Prentice went into the office among the clerks. Mr Craig the I.G. of Police whose office is next to mine is the first who went down and had a shot at the anarchists. But Mr B. N. Jones of the police got nearest to them and exchanged shots with one of them who came out of Mr Nelson’s room and fired at him.
He (Jones) had seen them previously but Mr Gurner was in the line of fire running to Mr ????? room, and it was not until a man actually fired at him that he knew he was an anarchist.
Finding themselves shut in the three then tried to commit suicide – one took Cyanide and the two others shot themselves. One, who declared himself to be Mr Lowman’s murderer may recover to be hanged but the other will probably die as the base of his skull is fractured.
After the melee I went to the U.S. Club for lunch and saw Herbert there. After lunch he asked me to look at his back and when I did so I promptly sent him to bed after putting on iodine, and later on reported to Mr Prentice and Mr Reid that he was unfit to go about. Col Sands and Col Harnett subsequently saw him and ordered him to keep his right arm in a sling and stay in his room for a few days. He will be all right by the end of the week and now busy reading detective yarns. I thought you would be interested to hear some details of the trouble in which Herbert was so closely involved, and in which he had such a luch escape.
Now for a little personal news. You’ve heard by this time that I have got the chair of hygiene in the Egyptian University. We hope to sail by the viceroy of India Feb 21st for Cairo and shall not go Home until the long vacation – which is about 4 months I believe – from June to October. We shall be within 96 hours of London and able to get Home every year or see Europe as it pleases us. It is a great piece of good luck.
Gwen is now in Darjeeling but comes down Dec 20th and goes to Delhi for a time to stay with Mrs. N. Roy before we finally sail.
With all good wishes to you and the children and heartiest congratulations on Herbert’s narrow escape.
Yours ever
Chas A Bentley
From HPV to LJT
United Service Club
Calcutta
Dec 21st 1930 Sunday
My dear Joan
The days pass: and there is nothing to distinguish one from another. In other words I quite forget what was the latest news in my last letter. It may be repetition: but, if so, skip it. On Thursday in office I decided to recognize that I was quite and altogether ungummed. I met Reid and told him that I should not come to office for some days; asked Gurner to take over a discussion which the Minister had fixed for the afternoon; and went off to the club at 12.30. There I lay down. After lunch I rang up Col Harnett and fixed an appointment for 4.15: his selection. He was of course delayed: but saw me at 5 o’clock or so. Verdict, I was to be X rayed, to go very slow, and to turn up again for a decision at the end of the Christmas holidays whether I might resume work or should take leave. As regards the excessive irritability, he said it often followed concussion, and a smack on the back near the spine probably had results very akin to concussion. Also he remarked the massage that I was having was the equivalent of a couple of hours’ hard exercise and I might expect to be tired after it. (Clearly I should have had the massage later in the day, instead of trying to go to office on top of it) I returned to the club and had tea: and then went back to no 3. It is a tiring motor run out there when one is out of sorts. Gurner came in to dinner and was rther amusing. He went off at 9.30: and Winsome and I departed to bed. I slept a good deal that night but badly, waking up at intervals and finding it difficult to get off to sleep again. Next morning Harry returned. I was late getting up. At breakfast I announced that I was going to move back to the club. Winsome protested and argued: but drearily I persisted. She decided eventually, as I could see, that I must be humoured. I got Dr Galstaun on the telephone and he said to come down to Medical College Hospital at 10.10. Winsome very handsomely insisted on coming as a guide: and without her I should not have found the place in time. The actual X raying took only a few minutes once Dr Galstaun arrived – for of course he was a bit late. But I was a quarter of an hour late getting to the nurse’s place for the massage. After it I picked up my things at no 3., came to the club and sat in the sun till lunch and afterwards. At 3 I went to the zoo and sat watching the chimpanzee and the capybara for an hour. Obeying directions to keep out of doors as much as possible. After tea I went up to my room and slept for an hour or so.
Monday
But it feels as if days and days had passed since I wrote. It occurred to me to go to bed: and I went. Friday ended quietly with dinner and bed. I felt less on edge after a hot bath but slept badly.
Saturday: as before: quiet. Massage. Sat on verandah. Lay down after lunch. Went to sleep: woken by Gurner. It is a strange thing but someone always wakes me if I go to sleep after lunch. I wish would people would not drop into my room to see how I am – or telephone. Mrs Meek today says she rang up twice to ask me if I was better: but I was out: I think she might have had more sense. However. Gurner came in to say he’d take me out to Tolly. I had forgotten Winsome had suggested my teaing there while they played tennis. My reply was that I felt too tired to come. But I slept a little after that and felt energetic: and went. What is more I drove the car: but only as far as the Hazra Road for by then I was tired out and had to hand over to the driver. They had only a four for tennis. Tea after two sets and then as it was getting chilly I came away. Gurner has developed two new tricks: first when up at the net he stands facing his partner: not turned round from the waist so as to face him: but with his toes towards the service line: during the serve. And secondly when taking a serve he walks right up into the middle of the court and tries to take the ball half volley. Neither is at all effective.
Returning I sat in the reading room where I found new books: browsed through a really bad detective story. Earlyish to bed – or maybe that was the night when I went to bed at 11.30. it was.
Sunday morning. I slept till nine and didn’t get up in a hurry either. No massage that day: and I was glad of it. Sometime during the morning I went to the zoo and stood about there for an hour. Then to see Hugh and Phyllis. Pleasant for a bit, but thereafter they started arguing (1) that I should stay to lunch and (2) that I should go to be movies. So becoming all hot and bothered I came away. I lay down after lunch but was woken by a bearer with the mail.
[Interruption: visit by Mr Marr to inquire after the state of my health]
It was curious: several times I have woken with a start when the lift rattled or a door slammed: and this time I woke saying to myself “I am fancying that someone has come into the room – and its all nerves”. But it wasn’t: the bearer had come into the room and was within three feet of me.
Letters from you – course – Bous, Richard, Grace, Armstrong Siddley, May, Dora, and George Pilcher (a postcard). When I saw postcard I mean Christmas card of course. The Governor by the way sent down a note to say how sorry he was to hear of my indisposition. I read my letters and then I slouched and read an Edgar Wallace which Hugh had provided. Probably too I slept for a while. Tea late. Then I read the new papers: all of them I think till and after dinner. Except for writing a letter to Peter Lombard – I had had one from her too by this mail – and then of course I wrote a bit to you before going to bed.
How dull these letters of mine must be nowadays. For a diary letter when one does nothing at all during the day is poor stuff. Peter Lombart outed on me for saying that I felt my age. What age? she asked. 43? “why, your father didn’t marry your mother till he was 41.” Now that is a thing I never knew. It shows that there is no reason why we shouldn’t have nine, no eight, more children before we finish. Bentley says that when someone advocated birth control at a child welfare meeting when he was last on leave he made a speech saying Birth control is merely Baby prevention and that a clergyman who advocated this (it was a clergyman) should be asked whether he believed Christ had been a baby. An illogical argument for I do not see how birth control could have helped in that particular case: however I said nothing to him.
Todays news. Massage. The nurse had me flat on my face today and worked at the whole back: really that was for nerves in general and not for the stiff neck and shoulder. I rolled my head round last night before going to bed and produced loud cracking noises from my nece: the sort of thing you do with your knee but less of course.
Bought soap and came back. Sat on the verandah and read The Field and a book till 1.30. In the sun. It only struck me later that an itch in my ankles was due to my sunburning them. No harm done. After lunch the same for a bit except that I sat inside. The I lay down till 3.30 when I went out to Tollygunge and had tea quietly. The Viceregal garden party was on but I shirked it. Practically no one out there. Two women on the lawn and perhaps a dozen people golfing. Back to the club before it grew chilly: sat in a long chair and read for a short time. Then started writing letter.
My dear Joan.
Today is the next day. Tuesday? perhaps. I did some Muller last night and I believe, - I dont believe but I hope, that today I’m feeling much better. Massage at 10.30. Afterwards I sat on the verandah outside my room till lunch: reading tripe – which now even more than usual is all I’m fit for. After lunch I lay on my bed waiting for a telephone message. The inquest on Col Simpson was held today and I was to be, and was, a witness. Fred Bartley said he’d ring up at two and tell me when to come down. But he didn’t. I went along at four, at which time they were just telephoning as I found when I arrived. Returning I sat in my room, after tea of course, and read tripe. At 6.30 I had a bath and just as I emerged in came Skene. Down with his wife. She has had an operation. Gall bladder, gall stone and appendix removed. She looks seedy. I finished changing and went down and stood them drinks in the lawn house. (She sends her love, by the way, if it was love – message anyhow). When they went I drifted into the bar. I had altogether a small peg and three small gins: and then I had half a bottle of claret at dinner with the deliberate intention of making myself half tiddley and cheerful. But it has had the additional effect of making me feel lascivious like. To tell the truth I’ve been rather that way these two days. Two nights rather. Trying to go to sleep I’ve been kept awake by picture of you in various desirable aspects which is a quotation. I wonder when I said to you that Id rather see you include the bathing dress. My dear, it is extraordinary how incapable I am in such one as this of dismissing from my mind thoughts which perhaps should not be there. Details of which in a letter I shall not give. It occurred to me after the smack in the back that it was a pity to have left an unfinished letter with a rather dubious last remark in it. Child, I sometimes wonder whether i really love you or merely feel lustful about you. I shall tell you a thing. Tears dripped down my nose at Tolly when I thought suddenly what would I do if you were shot in the back, and I felt too sorry for myself to bear it. However now I shall go to bed.
Dec 24th Wednesday
10.30. I’ve been out to dinner with H.D. And am now suffering pains in the tummy having been so lost to sense as to eat a mince pie. The Skenes I should have said have left Jalpaiguri and are now in Assam. She looks pulled down: he very thin and is becoming a bit bent.
The morning started at a quarter to six. I leapt out of bed, grabbed my pistol, put on my shoes and hurried out. Prentice not having waited for shoes was before me. I asked where the row was: and he said it looked as if there wasn’t any. The noise had been exactly as at Writers buildings – four or five reports almost simultaneous and then two separate. It was very cold. I put on a dressing gown and went down. On the next landing were four Bihari police (polo team) with revolvers, and two others. They knew nothing. So I went down – somewhat cautiously down the last flight of stairs and in the hall found a sergeant of police reading a Statesman. He said Jones had come bounding down with his revolver and gone back again: and gave the opinion that the noise must have been from a lorry. So I went back too – and then couldn’t get off to sleep. It seemed to me that if it had not been a false alarm I’d have looked bad to myself not going down at once. Two people I’ve me, Bentley who lives behind the Army and Navy and another whose flat is near the cathedral spoke of hearing revolver shots. There must have been a lorry backfiring all up Chowringhee.
J.C. French at breakfast. He begins to look extraordinarily old and moulting like. Massage. I felt quite energetic. And on my way back stopped at the Army and Navy to buy William a toy. It beat me completely. I met Mrs Roddick and the (Constables ? no) Norcotts. Didnt buythe toy but bought 25 cigars for Bentley. Also a box of chocolates for the nurse which I ordered to be sent. Went on to Kellners where I bought some Carlsbad plums and some preserved fruits for the Mandeville Garden party – the former I gave Joyce eventually: she squealed with pleasure. There I met Mrs Bentley looking well but worried: with her Betty and Anne. Betty at 13 is taller than Mrs Bentley and than the Doctor I should say. My dear, she has definite breasts already. Isnt that a sign she’s developing too fast and that the Doctor has made an error in bringing her out here. By definite I dont mean large. I hadn’t brought them any presents. So I gave Betty a ten rupee note and told her to buy something for each of them. There are four. The Doctor and Gwen are living in the two roomed flat. The four children and the ayah are in Galstaun mansions and they take their meals in the Stewarts’ flat as the Stewarts are away. He definitely has that Cairo job. Meanwhile as I said Gwen looks worried.
I went on to Bevans the gramophone people and for Rs 21/- bought a solophone for Gurner. Extravagance. But he has been so out of the way kind during these past three weeks or so that I felt on impulse to recognise the fact. And I couldn’t think of anything he wanted except that. Also at Thackers I bought a Kipling for G. By that time I felt cooked. Lay down for half an hour. Had lunch. At once lay down again. And of course was woken very soon: by Philpot coming in about a file. I remained on my bed till half past five or later – for I slept from 4 till 5.30. A letter came in from the Miserable Thomas. Very nice of her. And I answered it at once with three pages of mixed talk. Then went round to No. 3. Winsome is a child. She was delighted with the spoons, the photos, and the crystalised fruits. The drawback to dinner was that it was so cold. They dont shut the doors – only the jhitmills(???), and a draught smote me in the small of the back. I spent over Rs 50/- today.
Christmas Eve, my dear. This time last year I was finishing off the farm, I suppose. If you were here now I should not spend my evening like that. I’m sorry that I did nothing about a present for you, my darling. (That’s not an apology but a statement of feeling).
Christmas Day
I slept till 8.30. While I was sitting on after breakfast Powell Williams came in. Looks fairly fit. He sat for a bit and talked. Chicken farming. His idea is to have 15 acres in sussex: open field method, I think he called it. Wire in a whole field: chicken houses, felt and slatted, in a row: move them all forward so many feet at intervals keeping hens always on clean ground. I believe these were the hutches, houses, about which the Lewins were talking after the Crystal Palace show.
Much love, my darling.
I’m sorry that my letters are so gloomy – not gloomy perhaps, - depressed, dull, fogged, dim – I dont know what the word should be. Anyhow
Much love my darling Joan
Your
Toto