Evelyn St. Croix Fleming

Evelyn St. Croix Fleming, born Evelyn Beatrice St. Croix Rose, known as Eve Fleming (1885-1964), was married to Valentine Fleming (1882-1917) and within that marriage was the mother of four sons: Peter Fleming, Ian Fleming (the novelist who wrote the James Bond books), Richard Fleming, and Michael Fleming.

Eve was the daughter of a Berkshire solicitor, and was known for her flamboyant beauty.

After Valentine's death in action in May 1917, Evelyn inherited his large estate in trust, making her very wealthy. However, the trust cut her out should she ever re-marry which virtually guaranteed that she would remain forever Valentine's widow, regardless of other loves or circumstances.

She became the mistress of painter Augustus John with whom she had a daughter, the cellist Amaryllis Fleming.

References

* Andrew Lycett, [http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/33168 ‘Fleming, Ian Lancaster (1908–1964)’] , "Oxford Dictionary of National Biography", Oxford University Press, Sept 2004; online edn, Jan 2008, accessed 3 June 2008.