Letter
Category
Manuscripts and documents
Date
12 Apr 1908
Materials
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Polesden Lacey, Surrey
NT 1248655
Summary
A Letter of Condolence from Countess Marie Madeleine le Dulong de Rosnay, 1845 - 1913
Full description
Captain The Hon Ronald Fulke Greville died on 5th April 1908 from pneumonia following an operation on 31st March for cancer of the larynx. This letter was sent to his widow, Margaret Greville. Written on headed writing paper from Villa Kazbeck, Cannes on 12th April 1908. My poor darling Maggie, There are no words to say what I feel for you in the awful catastrophe, this cruel break up of your happy home. I can hardly even now believe it to be true and when I think of what loneliness means to you, of all people you who were so deeply, so truly everything to each other. I think how hopeless it is to try and understand what life is meant for us/ If there is anything that can in time soften your intense grief it is that constant, that absolute happiness you brought into that short life and memory of the feelings which you know how to inspire and how to share. It makes the intense sorrow of all those who knew dear Captain Rony. I saw him only 9 short weeks ago and he was so bright, so plucky when one thinks of what it must have already meant. I cannot get over the tragic suddenness and the feeling he has gone from our circle of friends all of whom can talk but of you and of him. I telegraphed to you the day I left home but I could say so little. My darling Maggie, May God help you my kind loving thoughts are with you and I only long to be able to help you in the terribleness of your loneliness. If you come here as I am told you are going to do let me see you if you feel like it. If you do not I will more than understand but want you to know that now as better I understand what a place you and Rony have in my deep affection, Marie Marie's husband, Count Jacques Charles Edouard de FitzJames, 1834 - 1913, built Villa Kazbeck for her. It was rented for the winter season by Grand Duke Michael of Russia and Sophie de Torby, both of whom were good friends of Margaret Greville. Prince Michael later bought the villa from Marie.