| Description | This correspondence consists of letters from Euan Wallace to Cynthia before his marriage to Barbara Lutyens and letters from Barbara Lutyens to Cynthia both before and after her marriage to Euan Wallace. Letters from Barbara Lutyens are signed 'Barbs' or 'Barbie'. One of these letters was written on the couple's honeymoon, and includes contributions from both of them. Both Euan Wallace and Barbara Lutyens appear to have been friends with Cynthia independently, and letters from Euan Wallace suggest that he may have been introduced to Barbara through Cynthia. Cynthia's friendships with both these correspondents seems to have been close; the letters are primarily concerned with their personal and emotional lives. Letters include:
/1 from Euan Wallace, thanking Cynthia for her offer to see him off
/2 from Euan Wallace, dated 1918, discussing the love affair and forthcoming marriage of two mutual friends, and giving news about his work and activities on active service in France, and the latest developments of the war. He also thanks Cynthia 'for your sympathy for me in my rather stormy married life'. Euan Wallace was divorced from his first wife in 1919
/3 from Euan Wallace, at the British Embassy in Washington in 1919, giving an account of his work and leisure activities in Washington, which include golf and motoring. He also refers to the possibility of his marrying again and enquires about Barbara
/4 from Barbara Lutyens discussing future social arrangements and giving brief details of her leisure activities at Thorpeness, Suffolk
/5 from Barbara Lutyens in 1919, giving details about the recent activities of mutual friends and making plans to meet. Enclosed in this letter is one from Emily Lutyens, affirming her friendship with Cynthia
/6 from Barbara Wallace, shortly after her marriage in 1920. She expresses her happiness, but confides to Cynthia that there are some aspects of married life that she has found difficult and painful, and asks whether Cynthia has shared her experiences
/7 is written during Euan and Barbara Wallace's honeymoon in Italy, and includes a description of their journey and surroundings written by Euan, and details about the couple's sightseeing activities written by Barbara. She also tells Cynthia of her desire to become pregnant, and her frustration that this has not yet happened
/8 from Barbara Wallace giving details about her stay in Derbyshire with her husband, and discussing her desire to become pregnant
/9 from Barbara Wallace in 1921, discussing social plans for the summer and giving brief details of her domestic life. She also reflects on the way their friendship has changed since they both married, and refers to her jealousy at others, including Cynthia, having children, particularly after her own miscarriage. |