BR TO CONSTANCE MALLESON, 15 APR. 1949
BRACERS 19865. ALS. McMaster. SLBR 2: #487
Edited by S. Turcon and N. Griffin. Reviewed by K. Blackwell

Taormina1
15.4.49

Dearest Colette

I have had a letter from you2 for which I am grateful. I have not forwarded the one to Peter,3 for various reasons. She suddenly left this place and went home, saying she couldn’t stand me another minute, and intended never to see me again. I think this will be permanent. All plans are in abeyance. I don’t know what will be the outcome as regards Penralltgoch.4 I don’t know your address.5 When I do, I will write more fully. I am very sorry indeed that you have been put to inconvenience and subjected to unpleasantness. Conrad6 and I leave here on the 19th and get to Dorset House7 on the 20th. Please let me know your address. Love.

B.

• 1

  [document] Document 200873.

• 2

  had a letter from you This may be Colette’s letter of 13 April 1949 (BRACERS 107271), which was sent to Taormina with a carbon to Dorset House, BR’s London flat. In it Colette writes that she has had a letter from Peter in which she indicates she does not care about BR’s extra-marital affairs as long as her financial needs are met. Colette compares Peter to Clifford Allen: “the same intellectual dishonesty, dictator tendencies, martyr complex, and ... terrified lust for a substantial bank balance.” However it is more probably her letter of 8 April, which simply indicates the cottage will be ready for BR (BRACERS 113278).

• 3

  Peter Patricia (“Peter”) Russell, née Spence (1910–2004). She and BR were married from 1936 until 1952.

• 4

  the outcome as regards Penralltgoch Whether the cottage would be sold or let.

• 5

  your address Colette telegraphed Phyllis Urch’s address, 124 Westbourne Grove, as her London address on 15 April (BRACERS 107272).

• 6

  Conrad Conrad Sebastian Robert Russell, born 15 April 1937 to BR and his wife Patricia.

• 7

  Dorset House The Russells’ London flat.