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9 Oo Travels with Edith Bolling Wilson In the spring of 1925 Edith Bolling Wilson planned her first European trip since the death of her husband in February 1924. Belle, along with Lucy Moeling, was to be her traveling companion. They sailed for Europe on the Majestic on May 17. Mrs. Wilson sought rest, anonymity, and complete freedom from formal receptions, press interviews, and the like. Belle, her sister Renee, and Evangeline Johnson, who joined them in Europe for part of the trip, were to protect Mrs. Wilson from the press and any unwanted publicity. There had always been close ties between the Wilsons and the elder Baruchs. Not only had Bernard Baruch been head of the War Industries Board, he had also worked tirelessly for President Wilson both during and after his presidency. When Woodrow Wilson left the White House, he moved to a lovely house on S Street in Washington. Baruch and other Wilson supporters arranged the mortgage. Baruch even bought the adjoining lot, leaving it in its natural, wooded state to protect the privacy and quiet of the Wilson household. He had been one of the few people admitted to the house on S Street during the former president’s final illness, and he served as a pallbearer at Wilson’s funeral. Baruch’s loyalty and devotion to Mrs. Wilson continued after her husband’s death. He, Cleveland Dodge, Vance McCormick, Jesse Jones, and others created a trust fund to provide for Mrs. Wilson’s expenses during the first year of her widowhood while Mr. Wilson’s estate was being probated and her financial affairs arranged. Fortunately, Edith Wilson was reasonably wealthy and could live comfortably by most, if not by Baruch, standards. The Baruch family showered her with Baroness of Hobcaw 46 little “extras”: flowers and candy, vacation trips, a silver-fox stole for Christmas. According to Belle’s secretary, Belle saw that Mrs. Wilson had a new car when needed. The devotion of the Baruchs to Edith Wilson was expressed in a lifetime of caring. Edith Wilson was astute enough to rely on the counsel of Baruch and other advisers. She particularly turned to Bernard Baruch concerning memorials to her husband, the archiving of his personal papers, and, later, her own autobiography . She often referred to him as her publicity adviser. Entrusting Mrs. Wilson to the care of his daughters on this first trip abroad following her husband’s death was just one more gesture of concern and affection. Belle would become much more than simply the daughter of an old friend. Arriving in France, they left the ship to drive through Normandy to Paris where Belle, who spoke French, German, and a smattering of other languages, proved to be a knowledgeable and vivacious guide. She was full of energy, life, and fun—just what Mrs. Wilson, who was still mourning her husband, needed. Edith Wilson knew Europe well, but traveling with Belle was a new adventure . Her fresh, youthful perspective made everything more exciting. Belle planned interesting side trips and was full of ideas for picnics, quiet luncheons, and intimate dinner parties where Mrs. Wilson could rest and bask in the warmth of caring, loving companions. Belle lived most of the year in France and knew of the latest plays, ballet, and opera events and frequented the salons of the finest couturiers. Mrs. Wilson had always favored Worth, but she enjoyed visiting the other salons of Paris with Belle and Evangeline. Naturally, Belle insisted that Patou be included in their shopping expeditions. Belle was at home on the Left Bank and in the expatriate community, introducing Mrs. Wilson to delightful and interesting people she would never have met in her official capacities. Belle’s youth and gaiety made Edith Wilson feel young again and able to forget her recent months of mourning. An unbreakable bond formed between the two women. Belle’s respect and admiration for Mrs. Wilson, coupled with the age difference of more than twenty years, prevented Belle from ever calling Mrs. Wilson “Edith” or “Miss Ede” as intimate family and friends addressed her. She always called her “Ma’am” (later shortened to “Mam”), much to Mrs. Wilson’s amusement . As their friendship grew, it soon became a joke between them. “Mam” evolved into Belle’s pet name for Edith Wilson, and so she addressed her as such in letters and conversations and Edith Wilson signed her letters to Belle by the same appellation. [18.119.107.96] Project MUSE (2024...

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