ELGAR, Sir Edward (1857-1934). Composer.
Autograph Letter Signed to 'Dear Gertrude', 3 pages 8vo (inner pages a little browned from framing), Brooks's, St James's Street, 18 March 1922. Telling Gertrude that he has a new flat in St James's, 'quite alone & lonely', and that his daughter [Carice Blake] was living in Surrey.
It has been suggested that the recipient could well be Gertrude Walker, to whom Elgar may have proposed marriage (the second of four - Alice Roberts, the fourth, becoming his wife in 1889). The letter reveals Elgar in the low spirits into which he fell after Alice's death in 1920.

'... Carice lives in Surrey & is radiantly happy so that side of life is satisfactory.
 'I only went north to oblige my friend Landon Ronald who has been unwell - I had given up this sort of thing long ago.
 'I hope all goes well with Worcester & Herefordshire - the Spring is coming & with it - for you at least - all refreshing & blessings. ...'

[No: 24016]