BR TO CONSTANCE MALLESON, [27 NOV. 1918]
BRACERS 19391. ALS. McMaster
Edited by S. Turcon. Reviewed by K. Blackwell

<London>
Wed. mg. Studio1^, 2^, 3

Beloved

Here I am for the last time in this place4 — It has been unfortunate and is full of gibbering spectres — the thought of having done with it is delightful.

Since I came out of prison5 I have been all jangled and out of touch with all the great things, without any inward peace. Now I feel hope once more. Work, quiet, no more fighting — Oh for the sea and the wind on the moors and fresh health and vigour for us both. My love I will smooth out the tangles there —

I may be lecturing on philosophy in London6 after Xmas — I should love that. We might have to change the days for being together — I lunched with Sanger7 yesterday and he was most kind — My dinner with Mrs Eliot8 passed off without disaster — she has been going through a rest cure — I told her I should probably not be able to see her again for a considerable time — I have 2 platform tickets for Sat.9 —

Your letter this morning is very dear — I am sorry you are so ill10 Dearest — I am very very tired, longing for the rest and peace we shall have by the sea — Dear Heart we must hold to each other — our love is too real and deep to be killed without killing the best in us both — I shan’t write from Garsn.11 — Goodbye till Sat. my dear dear Love.

B —

• 1

  [document] Document 200381.

• 2

  [envelope] The Lady Constance Malleson | 34 Russell Chambers | Bury Street | W.C.1. Pmk: PADDINGTON W2 | 5.15 PM | 27 NOV 18B

• 3

  [date] Colette wrote “27 Nov 1918” on the letter.

• 4

  in this place The Studio, the place that they had rented in Soho on the ground floor at 5 Fitzroy Street. For information on it, see BRACERS 19240, n.9.

• 5

  prison Brixton Prison where BR had been incarcerated in May–September 1918.

• 6

  may be lecturing on philosophy in London This plan did not come to fruition until May. He lectured on “The Analysis of Mind” from 6 May to 24 June at Dr. Williams’ Library.

• 7

  Sanger Charles Percy Sanger (1871–1930), a lifelong friend of BR’s from Cambridge. Sanger was a lawyer and economist who taught occasionally at the London School of Economics.

• 8

  Mrs Eliot Vivienne Eliot (1888–1947), the wife of poet T.S. Eliot. For further information on her, see BRACERS 19062, n.5.

• 9

  2 platform tickets for Sat. A platform ticket allows the bearer to gain access to a train platform but not board a train. Why these tickets were needed is not known.

• 10

  sorry you are so ill Colette had an inflamed throat.

• 11

  Garsn. Garsington Manor, near Oxford, the county home of Lady Ottoline and Philip Morrell.