The November issue of Vogue (US) contains the article "Leading Ladies," about "two new books [that] celebrate iconic women who have faced triumph and tragedy with impeccable style." It is actually two pieces under one title, the first about the Duchess of Devonshire's memoirs, Wait for Me! written by her grand-daughter Stella Tennant, and the second about The World of Gloria Vanderbilt by Wendy Goodman as seen through a tribute from her son, Anderson Cooper. While both were very interesting, I found myself drawn by the section on the Duchess, also known as Deborah Mitford, the youngest of the famed Mitford sisters.
There is something about the spunk of these women even when misguided that really entertains me. And I am interested in how Debo's famed common sense and energy helped restore Chatsworth to its former glory. That is why I am hoping that this particular memoir makes its way to me via Santa this year. And I love the cover too but secretly wish that she had been wearing wellies or some other insouciantly chosen accessory to the lovely dress.
In the meantime, I have decided to finally dig into my Nancy Mitford titles that have sat waiting too long. Wigs on the Green first and then straight through. From the sister whom many credit with creating the myth of the Mitford women.
Hope that you all are settling into similarly satisfying comfort reads here at holiday's end in the states, and that you make plenty of time during the bustle of the holidays for more of the same. Happy reading in the Sunday Salon!
