February 4, 2015

Winston prospered in his new school at Brighton. He wrote Lady Randolph that he was quite happy and other family members commented on his improved demeanor. His grand- mother, Mrs. Leonard Jerome, wrote that his Aunt Clara had informed her that he was “such a nice, charming boy.” But Winston obviously perceived his behavior somewhat differently. After his Christmas visit home he wrote his mother, “You must be happy without me, no screams from Jack or complaints. It must be heaven on earth.”

“You must be happy without me, no screams from Jack or complaints. It must be heaven on earth.”

He wrote his mother frequently. She did not often reply but she did visit his school in February. He also attempted to open a correspondence with his father who was visiting India. None of the letters were answered. His letters show a growing fascination with his father’s prospering political career and a beginning of a lifetime interest of his own in the Indian subcontinent. One letter compared India’s warmth with the winter cold at home, requested information on a tiger hunt, and asked whether or not the Indians were “very funny.” He wishes his father well in the land of ants and mosquitoes. AU members of the Churchill family were fascinated with their famous relative. Leonard Jerome wrote Jennie from New York that “I have watched with wonder Randolph’s rise in the political world.” With similar wonder, fascination and with much love, young Winston followed his father’s career and shared it with his school friends. Such was Lord Randolph’s popularity that his son informed him that everybody wanted his signature and would he please send a few for Winston to pass among his friends.