You are, no doubt, hankering after details of my latest poetry exploits. Yes, indeed, who would not be? Such a grand story, such heights and troughs!

Well, Mr Barrington Knox read my little offering and ‘really quite liked’ it, selecting two or three (he is not sure which) for inclusion in the next issue of Strident at a payment of TBC. Edith is hysterical with excitement. I don’t know whether to like her more for her enthusiasm or less. So long as her husband respects her opinion, I suppose all is well. Still, it has strained the friendship somewhat and the sherry libations are a little more measured, a little more businesslike. There’s much more stroking of Knox’s moustaches (him, as he thinks) and quiet, serious talk. Still, unlike at the Parishes’, my status as a poet is at least taken seriously. Two (or three!) poems for real publication, Tilde!! I don’t care if I don’t earn a cent!

I should not be so complaining of Mr Parish, of course. He has been of immeasurable help to Jo, especially with a new business undertaking they are talking of. It is he who really gets behind us. (By us, I mean Jo. But you know that …)

Love Veda x

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20 APRIL 1962

Dear Tilde,