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Beaton's letter was a joy. Encloses a story that appeared in New York Magazine about Charles. It is sad and nasty. Feels this is a new style of journalism. Has just finished his own piece on Charles which is more of a memoir. Spent the weekend at Kalima. Bill Paley is "a bit gaga". Babe seemed "completely missing". Hopes to spend Christmas in Marrakesh. Would Beaton like to meet him there?

Had completely forgotten about Charlie James and then discovered that he was living around the corner with Virgil Thomson. Sees Philip Johnson, who has become a great figure in American architecture. Discusses Balanchine. Kirstein has been spending half his time in New York and half in the city, organizing money for the maintenance of his ballet school. Describes his garden. Diana Vreeland has arranged an exhibition of Diaghilev costumes at the Metropolitan Museum in November. Has done prose portrait of Wystan Auden for an American biography. Mentions Truman Capote's drinking. Thinks he has turned into a caricature of a character in one of his own stories. The boy he brought to visit Beaton last summer has become a successful architect.

Was thrilled to see the pictures of Beaton at work in the garden and samples of his latest pictures in the "Sunday Telegraph". The photographs were beautiful. Admires Beaton's capacity to forge new friendships with young people, even when he has been so ill. Does not know who Alexander Walker is, but he wrote his article with great understanding.

Hopes all is well with Beaton. Did not reach England this summer. Describes his holiday in Ireland, which was "water-logged". Is trying to catch up on his articles. Writing is hard work but the satisfaction is considerable. Has been writing about Sister Parish. Found that "something constructive exists when you consider lady decorators as a group". Charlie James has died. The newspaper strike is still going on. Little newspapers have emerged to replace the big ones, and are almost better. Describes a party that Yves Saint Laurent gave to launch his Opium perfume. "Truman Capote, drunk I fear, fell in my arms and assured me of his eternal love". Asks Beaton how he has been feeling.

It is splendid to read that Beaton is back at work. Regards him as the Brahms of artists: "you combine the romantic and the classic in a perfect harmony". Had heard good reports of him from Diana. Bemoans how few of them are left. May be in Winchester by train in the future and would like to see Beaton. Is glad he has deposited his war photographs at the Imperial War Museum. Sends his congratulations and gratitude. Has given up living abroad: "it's Shepherd's Bush until 'THE END'".

Telephoned Beaton so he would not read it in the paper, but missed him. At least Oliver knew nothing which is a small consolation. It was sweet of Beaton to write.

Expects that Beaton will not know that she is Ottoline Morrell's daughter. Felt that she must write and tell him what enormous pleasure his diaries have given her. Does not know any modern books that have given her more pleasure. Turns to them for "comfort and distraction" when she is feeling depressed. Is glad Beaton is much better. Asks him if he has seen "Lady Ottoline's Album". It is a book of her Garsington photographs with an "excellent and sensitive" introduction by David Cecil.

Has quoted the last line of Beaton's letter, "Leave a lot for the unknown!", to all his friends. It has been a horrid year. Discusses a friend who died of lung cancer alone in New York. Has just had a "hideous writing binge". Discusses his writing projects. Envies Beaton the splendours of his garden. Asks if he would like to go to Ireland.

Was happy to read Beaton's letter, but he should not have tired himself by writing. Wishes he could see this small garden. Discusses the problem of the future. His main problem is a neverending fatigue. On his last holiday to Madeira the people on the ship were "pure Coronation Street" so he didn't complete it. This is a gloomy note. Wants to remind Beaton that he still has a role to play in this "increasingly ugly world".

Has been reading Beaton's diaries again (1948-55) and enjoying them. Reminisces about the past. Is looking forward to his latest volume. Losing his beloved friend Vagn felt "as if a sword had cut of [sic] arms and legs and all, leaving just something like a fly without wings trying to crawl across a piece of paper". Hoped Beaton enjoyed being in Tangier. His heart has been giving him some trouble again. Colin's Turkish pavilion is reaching a "crucial" stage. Discusses the problems it is giving him and that his angina prevents him taking a more active role in its building. Tells Beaton that when he thinks he can't go on he thinks of him, his "inspiration and fortitude". Longs for a magic carpet to be able to "be near dear friends". Was sad to hear about Princess Margaret.