Page 1756 - Belgrave Diaries(N)_Neat

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1944

Friday 3rd December

At Jidda, spent some time going round & washing the dogs. Started a
painting in the afternoon of the house on the cliffs, a difficult
subject. Came back by sea, very calm & still & warm, queer weather for
the time of year.

Saturday 4th December

HH came in. When riding at the Fort the mare came down, on a stone with
me on her & my legs underneath her, rather bruised & lame, went to Snow
who applied first aid, so tiresome. HH stayed a long time, discussed our
party which he said he regards as "his" party, said he would help with
duck or sheep. Then at the Agency for some time going over list of
people & seats for Tuesday.

In the afternoon painted at Sinj, a village scene, quite satisfied, light
doesnt last.

Sunday 5th December

Office. Worked all the morning on the Budget. GP arrived back from
Muscat & the west & in afternoon we had a rehearsal of the investiture at
the Palace, HH seemed rather amused at the fuss but joined in it all with
good humour. Tandy, RA Sharjah, staying with us, quite a nice young
fellow was at school with Richard.

Drove round in afternoon, Miss Harbottle to dinner, she seemed pleased to
be asked.

Afterwards to the Agency for a buffet supper & dance, rather a dull
party, too long intervals between dances & people sat about looking
stolid. Quite a lot of men wore medals.