Francesca my darling,

It was tantalizing to hear your voice on the phone, tantalizing but sweet all the same. I wish to have you in my arms – but there it is, just a telephone receiver; maddening.

I got back just in time to see Parthenope before she dropped off to sleep – clamouring for more food; she's reached the ravenous stage. She wanted me to tell her “about your boarding school”. So I described a school concert while she got through some more food and then she dropped off to sleep. These meetings have a touch of sadness for me as I always feel the barrier of reticence that so often exists. At each week-end she seems more at home and then during the week one is cut off again. I makes me feel that I am not available for the help I would longingly give. She likes to be called my ‘big’ girl but I always long for her to be my baby still …