THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

The White Gates,
Westcott Road,
Dorking.

[September 1933?]

Dear Grace
That will be lovely – we will go together to the prom & we will have dinner together either before or after – I rather fancy after – Betty¹ comes on 2^nd & will be over by 1/2 past 8.0 – so if not too late for you we w^d have a nice long dinner after rather than a hurried dinner before. But just as you like let me know – But if you approve of my plan I will call for you at 4 Horbury Place at 7.30 (By the way who is “Joan” I can’t place her at all). I shan’t have time to dress – so please come in a day frock (a pretty one!) – But you’ll look pretty in anything – I thought you looking prettier than I’d ever seen you that glimpse I had of you at the RCM.² – So dearest Grace if you approve of this plan let me know – but if you like any other arrangements better I will fall in with it.
I will get the tickets.
I expect you are right about the English orchestras – only its not quite fair to compare a prom performance (6 concerts a week & 3 rehearsals) with a fully rehearsed concert; also H.J.W.’s³ eccentricities & interpretations have nothing to do with the playing of the orch, have they? I had the best performance of my tune I’ve ever heard on Thursday – I like the Walton very much especially the 2^nd & 3^rd movements
I’m just going out to send a telegram to Betty
Goodbye dearest Grace
Yrs Uncle Ralph

1. Elizabeth Maconchy
2. Royal College of Music
3. Henry Wood, the conductor.