Item 17 - Autograph letter signed to Beaton

Discusses Angus Wilson book. The "New York Times" has asked him to review it, but he does not believe in reviewing books. Expresses sadness about Simon's house. Thinks there 'must be a pyromaniac abroad in Wiltshire'. Fulco thinks that Juliet wouldn't let Simon visit Capote. Fulco and his crowd seem to be 'rather a desperate lot: so longing to have a good time, and yet not knowing quite how to go about it'. Thinks Fulco is having an affair with a French boy. Loathes Hamish Erskine and finds him 'profoundly repulsive'. Likes Judy Montague and Sarah Roosevelt. Hansen gave a party and did not invite any of them and they were 'mad as hornets'. So they gave a costume party. Capote went and it was 'terribly tacky'. Saint tried to phone the other day. Wishes he would not come to visit. Has acquired a raven and it is 'very clever and amusing'. It is very hot in the afternoons. Wishes Beaton would visit next week. Will be there until the 20th September and then they are going to Venice. Is sorry that Beaton's mother has not been well. Thanks Beaton for going to John Heyward.