BR TO MARIE CÉLESTE HOLDEN, 2 JAN. [1931]
BRACERS 55328. TLS(X). McMaster
Proofread by K. Blackwell

<letterhead>
Beacon Hill School
Harting,
Petersfield,1
2nd Jan. 1930.2

Dear Celeste,

I hope you are doing well. I gather from the letters that Jackie has had that your convalescence is proceeding satisfactorily.

We shall be glad to let Jackie come up to London for a week at any time you like. She is very well, and has been unusually good lately. She took a great fancy to Miss Spence, who has been here for the fortnight of the holidays, and who has, on her side, a great affection for Jackie. You might find her suitable when you next want somebody to take charge of Jackie in the holidays.

We bought Jackie some Christmas presents from Chichester, for which I enclose the bill, and she got good parcels from Chicago. We did not attempt to make her do work in holiday-time. I do not think it would have been feasible when the others were doing none.

I think Jackie has taken a real turn for the better in moral ways. She depends a great deal upon being liked, and lately she has been more liked than she was before. Affection combined with severity is what seems to suit her. I am very genuinely fond of her myself.

With all best wishes,

Yours most sincerely,
<signed> Bertrand Russell.

• 1

  [document] Proofread against a photocopy of the original at RA3 Rec. Acq. 254.

• 2

  [date] As far as is known, Patricia (“Peter”) Spence did not begin working for the Russells until July 1930, so “2nd Jan. 1930” is assumed to be an error.