Page 491 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

488

1929

was over about some land. He stayed a long time and discussed local politics. Went out to see the Shaikh in the
afternoon. He was alone at least only a few Bedus sitting in a row on a mat in front of him, and several of his servants
carrying hawks. Its the season now and he is beginning to carry them about, a bore as they occupy so much of his
attention. Found it very difficult to get his attention as my business was mainly dull though important. He really is
hopeless, he is too lazy and bored by things ever to give an opinion. Stayed out there about an hour and a half and then
motored back. Its a tiring drive and the road is so bad. On the way there we passed a swarm of locusts, more than I
have ever seen here, the sky was literally dark with them and they crashed all the time against the car making dirty
marks on it. By the time we returned they had almost all gone, and there seemed to be none in the town so I hope my
gardens did not suffer. Went in to the Holmes' when I got back, quite a number of people there. She makes the most
delicious cheese straws. Mrs Straker has gone to Basra by the up boat to do the round trip and come back on it.

Wednesday [23 October]

Most of the morning at the pearl case, I didnt get up to lunch till nearly half past two. It is quite an interesting case and
is being thought a sort of test case. Mespers in the afternoon, tennis and Bridge. I find D.G. really quite maddening at
times, he has such very irritating habits.

Thursday [24 October]
Court. A lot of people came in afterwards on business. Went round the gardens in the afternoon. Very stormy looking
sky and all the people say it is going to rain or to blow up very strong. Played Bridge at Parkes, very stuffy and
uncomfortable. He manages to make his entertainments less pleasant than anyone else. D.G. asked me to dinner and
though I had no wish to go I couldnt well refuse. He always takes each knife and spoon etc and carefully wipes them
all over, a habit that I dislike. If he did it in my house I should send for the servant and tell him to wash them all again,
it isnt done. Jordan was there and he and D.G. sparred with eachother all the time. D.G. is very sick of him and
dislikes him, serves him right for saying so often how dull he was.

Friday 25th October 1929

Strong shamaal blowing and the sea very rough. Went to the Bank in the morning and played Bridge. Dinner party at
Pack's in the evening. Everyone was there except Parke, I rather wondered why. Lately Pack said how awkward it was
to play bridge with Parke as he was such a bad loser and always got angry if he didnt win. Very pleasant party though
I arrived very late as I thought was at half past eight not at eight. Most excellent food and wine. These Frenchmen do
themselves very well.

Saturday 26th [October]

Continued with the pearl case in the morning. It took till about two oclock and still not finished. Flying boat arrived in
the middle of the day though we expected it at five oclock. Hurriedly prepared lunch for them but they didnt come.
They really are most casual and annoying. After I had waited for ages I had my own lunch and the head of the party