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Extended account of the illness and death of Duff Cooper, while on a cruise to Jamaica. Describes her reaction to his death. Explains why she did not go to the funeral. John Julius went to see the grave. Went to the memorial service. Will send this to London. Asks Beaton to write to her at Chantilly and then Norah can forward it to Athens or Rome.

"Swan Lake" is the most beautiful thing they have ever achieved. Extensive discussion of the décor, dancers and costumes of "Swan Lake". Always wants to work with Beaton. Is crammed with ideas for "Iseult at Tintagil", but Beaton must develop everything with exhaustive detail. Wants it to take a month to develop. Thinks Alice has lost any contact with exterior reality. Does not think she will marry Touche but she spends all her time with him and is 'so strange and daft'. Gave an important party for the opening of "Swan Lake" for her and Mr. Newbold Morris and she forgot to come. She had a dinner party for Touche and Ivan instead. Thinks once Fred is here they should be able to arrange something. They have had a brilliant season. Feels the company is now something worthy of Balanchine's genius. Beaton must write to Pavlik. He was hurt that he was not mentioned in Beaton's book. Discusses the new opera company he has been asked to head.

Thanks Beaton for the food parcel he sent. Discusses the progress of the costumes for "The School". V.L.'s (Vivien Leigh) balldress has been worked round to the original design. Describes how this has happened. The Sneerwell medallions are successful. The "Aunt" is doing very well and has almost reached five thousand. Discusses the "Aunt". Gielgud (John) is not doing well at the moment and his reputation as an actor is suffering. Encloses patterns for Beaton. Complains about the wardrobe people at the Old Vic. Has managed to find the majority of the furniture needed at Old Vic prices. L.O. (Laurence Olivier) has passed it all. The premiere of the "School" will be at the Capitol cinema in Perth.

Read Beaton's letter to his mother. Is particularly interested in his lecture tour project which would be "profitable and interesting" at the same time. His mother goes to Reddish today for a few days. Diane Abbdy rang her about the Winterhalter for Reddish. Sent the play round by hand to Norman Marshall last week. The weather is cold and wet at the moment. Requests Beaton ask Romeike to send his Press cuttings to him direct.

Is back to work after a motoring weekend in Wilts and Dorset. Had a letter last Friday. Everything is well here. Encloses instructions for Beaton's return flight. Life have spoken to her about the Grass Harp pictures. Will ring Beaton from Swan Lake.

Drawing showing where she is. Confesses lack of drawing ability. The huts are coloured by the earth and vegetables. Will bring Beaton back a native's hat. Believes that they are the origin of Christian Dior's beach hat. Is leaving on 25 March and arriving in New York on 6 April. Will be back in England on 22 April. Irene (Selznick) has sent a letter asking why she has received no new work from her. Has sent work but Irene has not allowed for the amount of time the post takes. Paints every afternoon. Is looking forward to seeing Beaton in New York. Has had a letter from Diana.

Has just received the awful news in a letter from Eileen. Had known nothing about it previously. It seems unfair to happen to someone as careful of their health as Beaton. Was pleased that Beaton has had so much help and has kind people like Eileen around him. The best news is that Beaton seems determined to work hard to recover. Looks forward to hearing that Beaton has been able to go to Reddish, as it will show that he is at an important place in his progress. Is about to start back at school. Has been able to keep his mind off work during the vacation. Has been having trouble with the other teachers, though he loves the students. The teachers didn't care for him and made it clear they want no more of him. Will try to get it out of his head as much as possible.

Regrets that he cannot help Beaton get on the stage but feels sure he knows someone who can. Explains his belief that the stage makes people "stagey" and helps create "histrionic habits". Asks Beaton to come and visit if the weather improves.

Wants to talk to Beaton about "Camelot". Would like him to make an exception to his rule of never designing costumes without designing the sets too. Does not want to appeal to him on the basis of friendship, as it would be unprofessional. Asks to meet up with him in February to discuss the show. Hopes he will find a letter soon. Tells Beaton that the theatrical season has been a disaster and "My Fair Lady" is running along steadily. Micheline is prepararing to have her portrait done by Simon Elwes. They are still in the Waldorf waiting for their apartment to be ready. Gives Beaton news on their friends.

Kept her appointment with Binkie and discussed the matter of the play (Quadrille) with him thoroughly. Discusses the terms of the contract. Asks Beaton to cable his acceptance or refusal to her. Gives him the dates when he must be there if he undertakes the job. The play is being sent to him at once. Enjoyed reading it last night. Beaton must plan to have a fortnight's holiday before he gets too involved. Hopes Beaton finds it all clear. Is not an expert in typing yet, but it is improving.