Whitewash and The Empty Berth by Rose Macauley

<p>Thank you to Jay Rothermel for suggesting I read these stories. You can read his take on them here:<br/>[<a href='https://jayrothermel.substack.com/p/two-stories-by-rose-macaulay-1881'>https://jayrothermel.substack.com/p/two-stories-by-rose-macaulay-1881</a>]<br/><br/>Dame Emilie Rose Macaulay, born on August 1, 1881, in Rugby, Warwickshire, England, emerged as a distinctive figure in 20th-century literature. The daughter of George Campbell Macaulay, a classical scholar, and Grace Mary Conybeare, her upbringing was imbued with a scholarly aura that would lay the foundation for her intellectual pursuits. She attended Oxford High School for Girls before studying Modern History at Somerville College, Oxford University.<br/><br/>Macaulay&apos;s literary journey was marked by a remarkable transformation. From her early struggles with depression, she transitioned into a prolific novelist known for her incisive commentary on society and relationships. This transition is especially fascinating when considered alongside her complex relationships, her private life, and her evolving religious and philosophical beliefs.<br/><br/>Macaulay&apos;s religious journey was far from linear. Her exploration of faith went beyond the boundaries of traditional Christianity, reflecting a mystical sense of the Divine. While her spiritual convictions evolved, she did not return to the Anglican church until 1953. This complex relationship with religion is reflected in her works, where themes of Christianity often intertwined with skepticism and satire. Her novels, including &quot;Potterism&quot; (1920) and &quot;Keeping Up Appearances,&quot; demonstrated her ability to dissect societal norms, often with a satirical edge.<br/><br/>Her personal life was marked by a clandestine affair with Gerald O&apos;Donovan, a lapsed Irish priest and fellow novelist. This intricate relationship spanned over two decades and remained a secret from many, even her closest friends. Macaulay&apos;s own ambivalence toward her sexuality added another layer of c