Spring 1952

Cher Tash, I am sick of French I already almost dream in it, but to be quite honest I dont think I will improve much, if people talk slowly I understand pretty well but you would be surprised how silent I am I hardly say anything.

This isnt a school at all, and there are no other children here but me. At first I was terribly lonely at the thought of spending three weeks without company of my own age, but now I don’t mind nearly so much, but I certainly miss male company, do you know I haven’t spoken to a young boy for over two weeks, and the French boys are so attractive — its most frustrating!

Monsieur is a funny old chap — he reminds me of a walrus — he has a large moustache which he combs with a little pink comb! he cracks jokes all the time — feeble ones at that, half of which I dont understand, but I just laugh when he stops and thats ok.

I have the most wonderful view from my window, out across the Seine, over the Bois de Boulogne straight to the Eiffel Tower, and a little to the left is the Arc de Triomphe. The Bois de Boulogne is beautiful. If I ever get married I shall cart my fiancee here and make him walk through it with me.

Coming over on the plane I had an affair with a man of about 30, who is the personal assistant to Lord Beaverbrook, and works on the Express. He bought me some brandy, and a cup of coffee, and invited me to go to St Tropez with him — I was very tempted. He gave me his card and said that he was always in Paris and I was to ring him at the offices of the Express and he would take me out for dinner! You know I rather think I will!

Madame raised her eyebrows when I told her that I went to a mixed boarding school, they consider me a little innocent nevertheless! — little do they know!!!!