Jean, Lady Hamilton, 1861–1941 by Celia Lee

Author:Celia Lee [Lee, Celia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Nonfiction, History, Military, World War I, Biography & Memoir, Historical, Fiction & Literature, Literary Theory & Criticism
ISBN: 9781526786593
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books
Published: 2020-12-14T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11

And Now the War is Over

‘The fireworks were wonderful last night in spite of the rain. Winston said he had wanted to spend £50,000 on them – it was certainly worth anything to give the people pleasure.’ (20 July 1919).

The Hamiltons’ relationship had been much better after Ian returned from the Dardanelles. Jean still felt Ian could treat her with indifference, but she was always demanding of his attention and sometimes jealous in a petty sort of way. Ian had received a letter from Theodore Roosevelt in America, and at a dinner party at Lord Curzon’s was talking to Lady Herbert (who was placed next him), which was good manners on his part. ‘I saw him show her the wonderful letter full of understanding and sympathy Roosevelt has written him, and my heart contracted with annoyance and jealousy: how easily he makes friends with, and confides in women.’ (13 November 1915, Hackwood). She even admitted she could be jealous of her aunt, Nora Anderson, to whom she was very close:

‘I like being pampered and petted for a change. I have always loved Nora and being with her: she does not get on with Ian, it has often worried me, but in a way I am glad as she likes men so much, and if she got on with Ian, she would prefer to talk to him when we were together and that would vex me.’ (10 September 1928, Braco Castle, Perthshire).

When they stayed at Deanston, Jean vacated her favourite bedroom to Ian, probably because it was larger and he had more space to write books. She slept in ‘the blue room near Mother … I miss it – the bed is more comfy, and I hear the birds there’. (30 January 1916, Deanston). On one occasion, her aunt Nora Anderson ‘came in early to see me before she left, she wanted to see why my bed creaked and made noises that frightened me at nights. She found Ian in pink pyjamas snuggling in my bed, and was much embarrassed – he was not at all.’ (1 February 1916, Deanston).

Jean could take much comfort from Ian being back by her side but she realised fully that a battle would have to be fought to restore his previously lustrous reputation, not least amongst the press.

‘I love my dainty dinners with Ian in my sitting-room, it always looks so cosy and dainty, the pretty table laid for two with its shaded candles and coloured fruit. I think often when I look at it, “What is all the honour and glory in the world to me in comparison to having him with me in such loving, happy companionship?” I don’t think we have ever been so happy together before as we have been ever since his return.’ (26 September 1916, London).

After the war had ended, a Doll Show and Sale was organised at Sunderland House to raise money for charity and Jean shared a section with Adéle Essex.

‘I have dressed twenty-four dolls … .

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