Wait for Me! Memoirs
By Deborah Mitford, Duchess of Devonshire
Deborah, the youngest member of the famous Mitford sisters (see May 3) marries Andrew Cavendish, the younger brother of the heir to the Dukedom of Devonshire, in 1941. Meanwhile the heir, William, has married Kathleen "Kit" Kennedy. When William is killed in action during the war, Andrew is in line to become duke and inherit the family estate, Chatsworth. When the old duke dies, Deborah finds Chatsworth (not used by the last duke and duchess) in disrepair, with huge inheritance debts to be paid. Not one to sit idly by, she sells works of art to raise funds to keep and update the vast estate. She works with estate staff to create a profitable garden, farm, stores, and restaurant, and opens her estate to the public. (A major renovation to the house was completed this year.)
Deborah's story features delightful vignettes from her life: from her fascinating author sisters to her memories of visits with the Churchills, Kennedys, Queen Elizabeth and other royals to the restoration of Chatsworth, now a thriving enterprise.
Deborah, the youngest member of the famous Mitford sisters (see May 3) marries Andrew Cavendish, the younger brother of the heir to the Dukedom of Devonshire, in 1941. Meanwhile the heir, William, has married Kathleen "Kit" Kennedy. When William is killed in action during the war, Andrew is in line to become duke and inherit the family estate, Chatsworth. When the old duke dies, Deborah finds Chatsworth (not used by the last duke and duchess) in disrepair, with huge inheritance debts to be paid. Not one to sit idly by, she sells works of art to raise funds to keep and update the vast estate. She works with estate staff to create a profitable garden, farm, stores, and restaurant, and opens her estate to the public. (A major renovation to the house was completed this year.)
Deborah's story features delightful vignettes from her life: from her fascinating author sisters to her memories of visits with the Churchills, Kennedys, Queen Elizabeth and other royals to the restoration of Chatsworth, now a thriving enterprise.
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