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Thanks Beaton for the photographs. They are buried in snow and cannot believe the sun exists. Hopes to go to Budapest and then to England in May for two months. Lady Abdy is here. She is a 'fascinating person' and hopes to act in some films here. Discusses a production of "Romeo and Juliet" that she saw at the Revolutionary theatre. It was comical. Romeo went to the Capulet ball dressed 'very realistically' as a brown bear. So the 'lovely' first meeting of the lovers was 'apparantly between a giggling little school girl and a brown bear'. Discusses the acrobatic abilities of the actors in another play. Thinks they will be there for the theatre festival. Would be glad if Beaton came to stay with them for it.

Winston returns from the South of France on Monday. Will try to persuade him to be photographed by Beaton. It would be a 'real pleasure' to dine with Beaton quietly one evening.

Encloses draft idea. Idea is that Randolph Churchill and his three sisters are marking the Golden Wedding anniversary of their parents by giving them an avenue of golden roses at Chartwell. As they will not flower until next year, they are going to present their parents on the day with a large, illuminated vellum book which will have a picture of each of the 28 planted roses. They will be painted in watercolour by leading English flower painters. Encloses a list of the types of roses. Letter asks if Beaton would be interested in joining this enterprise. Requests that Beaton send a telegram giving response. Asks if Beaton knows anyone else who might like to join the project. It is going to be a surprise for his mother and father.

Thanks Beaton for his wire on the first night. It was 'terribly nice ' of Beaton to think of him.

Thoughts have been with Beaton during his illness. Hears that Beaton is much better and that he has been courageous. Hopes he will be feeling really well again. Tells Beaton of the affection and gratitude she feels towards him.

Beaton was sweet about her 'tiresome little dog'. They both liked Mr. ? And would like to ask him to dinner. Would like to have another dinner party soon.

They can 'wrap that programme up for good' because no one will ever do it better [regarding Beaton's appearance on 'Face to Face'].

Is horrified to hear of Beaton's horrible experience. Supposes he is lucky to escape with his life. Sympathises with the loss of his equipment. Hopes he will spend Christmas at Send. Asks him to give her a ring when he feels strong enough.

Has just sent a wire saying goodbye but there are so many things on her mind that only a letter will do. Tells him it will be full of good advice and "moral drool". Feels that she is capable of understanding Beaton like no one else can. Believes he is at the crossroads between being an artist and being a debutante and he has to choose between them. Feels that few of his friends will help him do it as they enjoy his company too much. Believes that a knowledge of anatomy would make his drawings better. Understands that he might want to emulate the talented dilettantes in London, but feels that he will never be satisfied with that kind of "drawing-room fame". Explains that people in New York expected an exhibition and lost interest when nothing happened. Although he has made many social and professional "friends" this career is "nonsensical" compared with winning respect with his work. Feels that she could not lecture him on this if she had not had exactly the same problems. Knows he has great talents but feels he could easily drift into a rootless life, and a regime of "honest work" is the only real artistic satisfaction. Asks Beaton to let her know if all this makes sense, once he has digested it. Sends her love.

Has found the enclosed picture of him in the morning paper. Thought the pictures of the Queen were magnificent. Natasha has become a model and Madame Lopez is the "Queen of the season". Gives him gossip about their friends. Has heard about the great success of the pantomime.