BR TO CONSTANCE MALLESON, 21 MAY 1930
BRACERS 19780. ALS. McMaster
Edited by S. Turcon. Reviewed by K. Blackwell

<London>
21.5.301

My dearest Colette

Thank you ever so much for the lovely match-box with its inscription. I was touched and amazed that you remembered my birthday.2 — I am at the Battine House,3 and got your letter, but at this moment I am in London and haven’t got your letter by me. Letters reach me just as soon if addressed to T.H.,4 to which I shall return as soon as there is no chicken-pox5 there.

I should love to come to Cox Green6 but I don’t know if it will be possible. The earliest time I could come would be the 28th or 29th, I don’t yet know which. Why not come to Battine House, where there is a spare room at your disposal? I have to come to London to dictate a book,7 and it is difficult for me to be away more than that requires. If you came to Battine House, we could talk freely all the evening after dinner.

I too got bronchitis and was severely ill for a fortnight; that is why I didn’t write sooner. I am well again now. I was glad the Doctor confirmed my views as to what you should do. I have bronchitis often, which is why I know.

I am longing to see you again, but entangled in many duties.

Goodbye for now, my Dear.

Your
B.

• 1

  [document] Document 200786.

• 2

  you remembered my birthday In later years, Colette would remember his birthday, 18 May, every year sending him red roses, as he had to her when they first became lovers.

• 3

  Battine House In East Marden, the house was leased by Beacon Hill School.

• 4

  T.H. Abbreviation for Telegraph House where Beacon Hill School was housed. TH. was the country home of BR’s brother, Frank . It was located on the South Downs, Sussex, near Petersfield, Hants.

• 5

  chicken-pox Some of the Beacon Hill School pupils had chicken-pox.

• 6

  come to Cox Green Colette had written that she was moving to her mother’s cottage, The Lodge,  in Cox Green, Berks., around 12 May (BRACERS 98405).

• 7

  to London to dictate a book The book was The Conquest of Happiness (B&R A60) published in October 1930.