Closest Companion by Geoffrey C. Ward

Author:Geoffrey C. Ward
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Paperbacks

Another thing Elliott said, which is important, is that a story is going the rounds that the reason this Hughes plane [the D -2] is to be made is only because of pressure by the President, because his son, Elliott, is trying to get it done — This is completely untrue — Elliott was ordered home from North Africa to “sell” the plane to Gen. Arnold — [He did sell it; Arnold ordered $43 million worth of D -2s from Howard Hughes.]

Wednesday September 15th. . . . At 7 [P.M.] the P. came out of his room, as usual preceded by Fala, who rushes around in great excitement at the prospect of his supper — The P. was very tired & “keyed up.” He said he had had a dreadful day and had hoped for a quiet evening. Instead, Commander & Mrs. Walker (he commands F. Jr’s boat) came for cocktails at 7.15 and remained until 8, when the P. said, “Well, I shall have to be getting along.”

Elliott & Ruth, Harry & Louise were at dinner. We ate in the West Hall. Elliott & Ruth both expressed themselves on White House food, called it a National Scandal — tasteless, without variety — no red meat — etc., etc! To me — it is luxurious & delicious and full of variety, compared to our simple cooking at home! Mrs. Nesbitt, the housekeeper, is the “goat,” as usual. It is true that she hasn’t the background or experience or initiative to run a “White House,” but Mrs. R. insists on keeping her — In relation to the P., my criticism of the food he has is that it is much too rich for his good.

We finished dinner at 9.15 — The Elliotts & Hopkinses said goodnight — The P. went to his corner of the sofa in the study, to go through a box or two with me. As soon as the door was closed he relaxed completely, yawned & yawned. He said it was the greatest possible rest to be able to just be as he felt & not have to talk & be the host. It’s a great compliment to me, but I don’t see why he can’t do the same thing with the Hopkinses & Elliott & Ruth. It has apparently become a habit not to relax, but to force himself to keep up the outward appearance of energy & force — It must be very exhausting!

He rang for Arthur about 10.30 & went off to his room, smiling through satisfactory yawns!

Thursday, Sept. 16th. The battle of Salerno is still raging, but the reports sound a little more encouraging for the Allies.

Tuesday, Sept. 21st. [Hyde Park] . . . The 7 Norwegians came on Saturday evening. The Cr. Princess quite exhausted, after the illness & death of her children’s nurse . . .

Today, [she], Mme. Ostgaard & Mr. Weddell were sent in the P.’s car to the nurse’s funeral on L.I. The P. is in charge of the children.

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