BR TO OTTOLINE MORRELL, [12 DEC. 1911]
BRACERS 17373. ALS. Morrell papers #285, Texas
Proofread by K. Blackwell et al.

34 Russell Chambers.1^, 2
13<12> Dec. ’11.3

My Darling

Today it is 17 years since I married. I expect Alys is minding the anniversary — she feels days very much. I didn’t know the date till I got to my Comee.

Lunch with the George Trevy’s was pleasant. He feels as you do about office. He talked against it so much that at last I asked him if he thought Charles would be better out of office, and he said no — but his only reason was that Charles is unimportant. He said an odd thing: he said Charles is too happy in his home life to do much good in politics. I think he only meant it makes him lazy.

Then I saw Mrs Whitehead. She is very weak, and could hardly speak above a whisper. She tells me Roger has changed back to being fond of you. She asked him if he wanted to make it up, and he said later on probably. I said I wasn’t certain you would be willing — she was very urgent that, although of course he would have to make the first move, it would be unwise to repulse him. I quite see the unwisdom; still I should think you would find it difficult. She mentioned Miss Cox having seen me, but Miss Cox had said nothing of seeing you.

Then I came home expecting Whitehead, but he never turned up, I don’t know why.

Then we had our Comee. at the House — it is a difficult question what we are to do officially, in view of the fact that Lloyd George’s proposal is not Adult. The Labour Party are sticking to Adult and apparently going to move an Amendment in that sense, tho’ of course they will vote for the other too. The Labour Party are having a great campaign for Adult, with an Albert Hall meeting. We are rather bound to support those who are advocating our object, yet plainly what Lloyd George takes up is what is really practicable.

Then I came home and slept for hours in my chair — at ten I dined on the tea I had provided for Whitehead — he told me he wanted 2 eggs as he would get no dinner. I have followed your advice and walked enormously — that is why I sleep so much. It does me good. But meanwhile I am too sleepy to have any ideas.

Mrs W. seemed quite easy in her mind about Alys and Logan; she didn’t say anything definite, but I got that impression.

Now it is late and I ought to go to bed. Goodnight Dearest Love. I hope things are going well and that your novel rest-cure is doing you good.

Your loving
B

• 1

  [document] Document 000285. Proofread against a colour scan of the original.

• 2

  [envelope] A circled “285”. The Lady Ottoline Morrell | Towneley Villa | Burnley | Lancashire. Pmk: LONDON.W.C. | 2. AM | DEC 13 11A

• 3

  [date] BR wrote in the next letter (BRACERS 17374) that he had wrongly dated this letter.