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Coward, Sir Noel (1899-1973) Knight, playwright and composer
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Autograph letter signed to Beaton, from Portofino

Thanks Beaton for his shorts. Beaton's shirt is finished and looks very handsome. Was sad to leave Beaton in Venice. Beaton must write to tell him the 'juicier' details of the party. His friends were here when he got back. Discusses his friends, including Noel Coward. Noel tried to charm Jack and 'went about it in the strangest manner: something I can't write-will have to tell'. Recounts conversation between Noel and Madame Luce. They have all gone now. Discusses Saint. Feels that he has become a burden. Hopes that Beaton is happy in the country.

Autograph letter signed to Beaton, from Jamaica

It was nice to get a letter from Beaton, but has heard that Beaton's mother is ill and that he is returning home. Regrets not seeing Beaton. Hopes his mother is better soon. Beaton is clever to find lecturing easy. Discusses Noel (Coward) and an evening she spent with him. Ian told her that she should not 'gaze with contempt and hatred at Caspar's godfather'. Lucian and her father arrive on the 20th. Describes Lucian's holiday with Raymond. He was in pursiut of Lady Caroline and Fleming has been blamed for 'encouraging bizaare tartan trousered eccentric artists to pursue virginal Marchionesses daughters'. Has not seen Clarissa since before Christmas. Noel (Coward) has a good part as King Magnus in "The Apple Cart". Was sad to hear that it had been promised to Alec Guinness who refused to do it when he heard that Noel was to have the part for the first three months. Discusses her plans. Ava says she would love to be Fleming because of the things Beaton says about her.

Autograph letter signed to Beaton, from Jamaica

Thanks Beaton for his letter. Enjoyed "The Grass Harp" and thinks it will make a wonderful play. Beaton will dress Miss Polly just right. Longs to see how he will architect the tree house. Discusses the bad manners of Loelia. Describes her recent house guests. Dined with Noel (Coward), the Wilsons and the Lunts last night. Noel should be used as a cabaret and not as a guest as he does not understand the give and take of talk and the 'deserts of pomposity between the oasis of wit are too vast'. Noel has written them a poem called "Don'ts for my Darlings". Includes two verses of the poem. Feels ungrateful to be catty, but it is irressistable while he continues to pose as an intimate friend of the royal family. Describes the beauty of the Odo Cross home. Freddy is mad not to visit. Intends to be in New York at the end of March and would like to see "The Grass Harp" or Tristan. Had a charming letter from Clarissa. Hopes that Greta has unwound a little.