ST HELIER (Susan Mary Elizabeth Jeune, 1849-1931, née Stewart-Mackenzie, Literary and Political Hostess, L.C.C. Alderman, wife, 1881, of Francis Henry Jeune, 1843-1905, created 1st Baron, 1905)

Autograph Letter Signed 'Mary Jeune' to 'Dear Mr Leader', with transcription, saying she "cannot tell you how I feel for you in your great sorrow. It must be so hard so cruel to have said goodbye to him for ever ... It does seem ... so impossible to understand - he was such a sweet dear little chap I cant say anything to comfort you - how can I - time only can help you to say God's will is best", other than that "he is safe from all the sins & sorrows of this world which to the happiest of us is full of trials & temptations ... Well to you my dear friend there is only sorrow here & sorrow such as [yours] would be very very hard to bear ... your affectionate and sorrowing friend", 3 sides 8vo., 79 Harley Street, London, 17th December no year, circa (Transcription)
Dec. 17th.
79, Harley Street, W.
Telephone No. 960 Paddington.
Dear Mr Leader - I cannot tell you how I feel for you in your great sorrow. It must be so hard so cruel to have said goodbye to him for ever & you will never be able to get over the void his death has made in your life - It does seem incomprehensible & so impossible to understand - he was such a sweet dear little chap I cant say anything to comfort you - how can I - time only can help you to say God's will is best, you can only think of his bright sweet little spirit & that he is safe from all the sins & sorrows of this world which to the happiest of us is full of trials & temptations & he may be saved & spared much sorrow & suffering. Well to you my dear friend there is only sorrow here & sorrow such as [yours] would be very very hard to bear.
May God bless you & give you some comfort is the prayer of your affectionate and sorrowing friend Mary Jeune

Mary Jeune in 1881 had married as her second husband Francis Henry Jeune, who had been counsel for the plaintiff in the first Tichborne trial and as a judge was knighted in 1891. She aimed always to show off her guests at their best and encourage conversation - dinners were light but delicious and numbers were not too large. She liberalized London society by bringing previously disparate elements together in literature and politics, was confided in at the highest levels, and her invitations greatly valued.

Item Date:  1900

Stock No:  56296      £75

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