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Tells Garbo about his anxiety on losing a piece of luggage on the way back from America and his relief on finding it again. Describes Spring at Reddish. Mentions his mother. Reflects on his recent trip to America and his return journey on a ship where he knew no one on board except the Lunts. Refers to his household staff including Mrs Murdock, Mrs Shoot and 'a nice old Scotch woman'. Mentions contact with Juliet and Simon, 'the schoolmeister', Hal Burton, Clarissa and Peter Watson. Plans possibly to go on holiday in Italy with Truman Capote. Hopes that Garbo will make the journey to England. Refers to her as a victim of moral blackmail. Postscript: records Sydney Herbert's description of London at the time of the King's funeral.

Writes that his holiday to Italy was postponed at the last minute because Truman Capote's French driving licence was delayed and Beaton was obliged to start work on design work for Noël Coward's play. Mentions that Hal Burton is helping him. Describes a walk in the countryside. Refers to a dinner party he gave, with a 'mixed bag' of guests. Writes that, although he has gone to London relatively few times, he has seen the best plays, been shopping, and visited an exhibition of Leonardo drawings. Refers to Garbo's 'errand of mercy'. Hopes to meet with her in the near future.

Describes summer at Reddish. Writes that he has just returned from Scotland where he put the finishing touches to the Lunts, who are playing in Noël Coward's 'Quadrille'. The production is a success. Considers what to do during his month off. Mentions that his mother has had a heart attack. Discusses Clarissa's marriage to Anthony Eden. Sends news that Hal Burton is taking five plays to Bermuda and has written Garbo a letter, which Beaton will send on to her. Mentions David Herbert.

Writes that he plans to go to London on Sunday, thus ending his holiday in the countryside. Considers travelling to Paris to see Garbo. Suggest she could then return to England with him and see Clarissa Eden. Wonders what Garbo's reasons for hurry back to New York might be, apart from Mrs Bates. Sends news that he will be one of the godparents to Ann Fleming's new baby, 'Kaspar'.

Describes the refreshing scenes in London during the preparations for the coronation, which he saw on his return from America. Writes about his mother's trip to the South of France and her ill heath. Mentions that Hal Burton has a job as a television director. Informs Garbo that he has secured a seat in the Abbey for the coronation.

Explains that he did not write before not knowing whether she had returned from Hollywood. Mentions his business in London and a current exhibition of his paintings. Informs her that his mother is away visiting a sister. Wishes Garbo would visit him in England, where she could be treated by Dr Gottfried. Sends news that Clarissa Eden is building a bigger house but Anthony Eden is ill, and that Juliet Duff has fallen out of a car and broken a leg.

Explains that, as Garbo is travelling, he is saving all his letters to send to her at a future date. Anticipates a time when Garbo will visit Reddish house. Refers to the changes he is making at Reddish. Worries about high taxes in England and fragile peace in Europe. Describes the public reaction to a warm summer. Details a schedule for two weeks' holiday that he is about to embark on. Hopes he will see Garbo when he is in America from November-January.

Wonders how Garbo is doing in her 'Luxury East River apartment'. Writes a 'word painting' of himself as he is at the moment he is writing. Outlines his plans to enlarge his house and garden, and possibly buy the pink cottage and rent it furnished, as his finances allow. Refers to his few business trips to London, where he had lunch with 'the little gipsy' (Pamela Berry), the Salisburys and Ann Fleming. Mentions his household staff, including the French cook at Pelham Place, and Mrs Murdoch. Enthuses about Spring. Writes of his mother's ill health. Considers taking a short holiday but is content to stay at Reddish and work. Refers to the impending arrival of Waldemar Hansen. Worries about Garbo's situation. Wishes she would show friendship to Mercedes de Acosta. Encourages her to fly to England. Sends news of Clarissa and Anthony Eden, including Clarissa's miscarriage.

Wishes Garbo was at Reddish to enjoy summer in the English countryside. Reports that he has been at Reddish for two weeks working with Waldemar Hansen on several literary projects. Reflects on his Gainsborough play, which he has been rewriting. Complains that he has already worked on it for nearly five years. Praises Waldemar's company. Mentions that his mother has been away for three weeks. Refers to his short trips to London.

Responds to a letter from Garbo. Worries about his mother's failing health. Refers to Nella Webb's advice. Praises his new secretary, Eileen. Describes what he has been doing since returning from America, including writing a book about his American lecture tour. Writes that Waldemar Hansen is staying with him but leaves on 10th August. Plans to holiday in the gulf of Naples, return to England for an October performance of 'Loves Labours Lost' for which he is the designer, and then travel to New York if he gets a design contract for 'The Chalk Garden'. Invites Garbo to visit him in September. Discusses his plans for home improvements. Worries about world politics. Asks after Garbo's new apartment. Tells an anecdote about revisiting the site of his first boarding school. Sends news of Diana, Lucian Freud, and Clarissa and Anthony Eden.