‘WE DRANK GINGER BEER OUT OF BOTTLES!’

SUNDAY JULY 6 1941

After breakfast we sat about and also went for a little walk with Crawfie. I mentioned going away but L [Princess Elizabeth, or Lilibet] said nothing about me staying till Monday, so much against my wishes and secret hopes I had to resign myself to leaving this evening; L is funny in some ways – v. matter of fact and uncurious and above all untemperamental. But one can’t have everything and I’m eternally grateful for this heavenly surprise. I went to church in Windsor with Monty and L went to Royal Lodge. How I wish I could have gone too! When we both got back, we fed the chameleon and then to Frogmore with Crawfie and Monty pulling Margaret, who’d just got up, in a basket on wheels. Got into punt, and then found a nice place to eat our picnic lunch. Great fun – we drank ginger beer out of bottles! Monty left after and I must say it was more fun without her – Crawfie is so much more fun. We lay out on a rug and talked and read. Discussed clothes for concert. We had great fun getting back, what with Crawfie’s hat and two dogs falling into the water! Tea in schoolroom, then we just sat and looked at things. When I got up to get ready I ran into the Kents and they asked dozens of killing questions and even pushed into my room – they are very sweet but just like little ragamuffins! Before I left L and I took the chameleon to catch flies on the windows. Car took me home. I had that same sad lonely feeling as I had last time I returned from here, as I am REALLY HAPPY WITH THEM ALL.