DU MAURIER DAPHNE: (1907-1989) English Author. A.L.S., Daphne, six pages, 8vo, Menabilly, Par, Cornwall, 11th ...

DU MAURIER DAPHNE: (1907-1989) English Author. A.L.S., Daphne, six pages, 8vo, Menabilly, Par, Cornwall, 11th December 1946, to Miss. Maureen Luschwitz. Du Maurier writes an informative letter regarding arrangements for her daughter, Tessa, whilst staying in London and states, in part, 'Tessa and Tod [Maud Waddell, Du Maurier's governess and friend] will catch the Riviera on Saturday, and arrive at Paddington about 5-15. Do you suppose Tommy [Lieutenant-General Frederick Browning, Du Maurier's husband] will meet them? Tod goes to the Rembrandt Hotel…..Tod has a hair appointment on the Monday morning, and then she and Tessa plan to lunch…..and see the Kings Pictures in the afternoon. On Tuesday Tessa has promised to spend the day with Nanny……On Wednesday Tessa and Tod plan to go to the film ''Great Expectations'' which comes on next week. On Thursday they go to King Lear……I think Tessa would love to go out one evening with Tommy, it would make her feel grown up. She is quite keen to see the Ballet, so that might be a good idea? If you get to the flat early-ish in the mornings, will you see that Tessa doesn't go out alone ever. She might think she is old enough to pop off to Peter Jones, but I don't like to think of her doing so! Somewhere in the bedroom I left a card of a woman who has a car for hire……She drives a small Austin car, and would be quite handy to take Tessa and Tod anywhere, if booked early in the day. The name is Miss Kaye. If you get a moment, have a look for a few small quite cheap objects that would do for putting in stockings, also any little ''tree'' decorations. The little ones are getting very excited about Christmas…..' Accompanied by the original envelope hand addressed by Du Maurier. VG Maureen Luschwitz (1922-2013) worked as a personal assistant to Lieutenant-General Frederick Browning and also later as a part time secretary to Daphne Du Maurier, as the present letter indicates, ultimately becoming a close friend and confidante of the writer.