Item 17 - Autograph letter signed to Beaton.

Beaton's last batch of letters from Delhi arrived very quickly. The Vogue articles have also arrived. Discusses her childhood ideas about India. Feels that Beaton is sure to find his trip exciting although there are sure to be parts that are "sordid and unattractive". Discusses the impact of Beaton's trip on his life and ideas in general. There have been 8 "beastly" nights of raids, but now there is a welcome break. Went to Swan Lake at the weekend with Oggie and brought back Beaton's mother before she leaves again for Nancy's. Aunt Jessie and Margaret remain happy at Ashcombe. The lease at Ashcombe is up in 1945, when she hopes the war will be over. Had a call to go and see Binkie Beaumont to discuss business. He would not budge on the contract. Discusses Hal Burton's involvement. Lists the letters she has sent to Beaton and hopes that he has received them. It has been a "wretched" winter but lately she has seen the first signs of spring. Has no interesting gossip for Beaton as it has been such an unsettling time since the raids. Oggie is trying to find somewhere to live outside London and come in each day to teach. Is going on much as usual. Her cure is going to take longer than 3 months. Discusses some friends. Michael has been invalided out of the RAF. The dowager Countess of Pembroke has just died. Sandra Hay has had a daughter. The weather is bitterly cold again. Suggests that Beaton send sugar instead of jam if he is doing food parcels. Keeps checking the Daily Mail to see if there is anything of Beaton's. Asks him if he has been inside any Indian homes yet. Asks him to take care of himself.