BR TO CONSTANCE MALLESON, [21 MAR. 1917]
BRACERS 19137. ALS. McMaster
Edited by S. Turcon. Reviewed by K. Blackwell

<London>
Wed.1^, 2

My Darling Colette

I am sorry yesterday left you depressed — I don’t know why it did — I suppose because I was too tired to shake off thoughts of business. I had been so busy that I had no elasticity in me — but that is only momentary, not anything real. Don’t be depressed my Darling — there is absolutely no need — I felt immensely cheered by the thought of Sunday. I know I seemed queer part of the time because I was trying to pluck up courage to ask you to stay away for the night (having not realized the Attic3 would be empty), but I was afraid you wouldn’t feel in the mood. It will be heavenly — Probably the weather will be warmer by then. Let us leave Paddington 10.20 (I will call for you at 9.40), go to Pangbourne, walk up on the Berkshire side to Upper Basildon, Ashampstead, and Aldworth, and then descend on Goring — returning 5.24 or 8.24 according to weather.  Does that seem to you a good plan?

Oh how I long for country and warmth and freedom — Life in London is a prison in these days —

I will come back with you on Friday — I am very sorry the play is not as good4 as you thought — Dear one, I love you always and I long to see you happy again — It is quite dreadful to see you so full of troubles. I do want to restore you to really living life —

B.

• 1

  [document] Document 200111.

• 2

  [date] The archivist has assigned 21 March 1917 to the letter based on their plans to go for a walk.

• 3

  the Attic 43 Bernard Street where Colette lived with her husband Miles Malleson.

• 4

  the play is not as good It is not clear what this refers to. Earlier in the month when she was in Brighton Colette had written: “Miles’s play isn’t gong well. He brought it to work on here, but it isn’t coming out right” (BRACERS 112999). Colette was not acting at this time, but it is possible she had been offered a play.