DU MAURIER DAPHNE: (1907-1989) English novelist. T.L.S., Daphne, two pages, 8vo, Menabilly, Par, Cornwall, 31^st July n.y. (1953?), to Gwenllyan [Davies]. Du Maurier thanks her correspondent for their letter, which was waiting for her upon her return from Switzerland, and continues 'We hope all will be well with Tessa and her young man. We barely know him as yet, and now the poor boy has got the mumps, so can't come down here with Tessa for the week-end, so its all rather disappointing. Tessa seems very happy, but I rather think it will mean her becomming (sic) an R[oman] C[atholic] which may, or may not, be a good idea. Marriage date still uncertain, depending upon regimental movements and so on', further remarking 'Tell Reginald its fatal to retire. The rot will set in. People should go on working until they are lifted into bath-chairs' and concluding 'Boy [her husband, Lieutenant-General Sir Frederick Browning] is sporting it at Cowes, or about to, with his royal master. I'll tell him you've written when he arrives down here'. Annotated in ink in an unidentified hand beneath the signature. Very slightly irregularly torn to the left edge, not affecting the text or signature, otherwise VG

Frederick 'Boy' Browning (1896-1965) British Lieutenant-Colonel of World War II, known as the 'father of the British airborne forces'. Browning served as Treasurer to the Duke of Edinburgh from 1952-59.

Tessa du Maurier (1933-     ) was the eldest child of Du Maurier and Browning and married her first husband, Major Peter de Zulueta, in London on 2^nd March 1954.