Lady Mary Elco writing to the then British Prime minister with whom she had a long standing sexual affair lasting from 1883 to 1922. Mary was a full member of the Bloomsbury set a group of literary artists and society people who mixed closely and had numerous affairs between them. Her own husband Lord Elco had a number of well documented affairs with other women in the group.
In a train between Oxford and Warwick, 19 January 1904
I was overwhelmed with depression at leaving you Sunday night and I think you looked sad too which — this sound unkind — was rather a consolation. It was horrid leaving at that hour but practically it was unavoidable so ‘there’s nothing to regret’ in that since (this is a Whitt phrase) except that it had to be done and I think it was quite clever of me to fit in everything so well and manage to get to you — you see, I felt it my duty to put you in your place (on your knees at my feet) and that I flatter myself I have thoroughly done.
Sunday was a little disappointing, because altho’ my conscience wanted you to go to church I should have liked to have had some fun with you in the morning. I was in great spirits and full of mischief when you rushed in. (By the way, how awful of you to leave my letter in your room) then came the long walk and one hour in your room seemed very little in all the day it was wasted in talking business. 2 hrs is what I like: one for boring things and one for putting you in your place.
Mary Elcho writing to Arthur Balfour
Given the nature of their relationship one is left in no doubt what she meant about spending time alone with him.
