The first letter is one Dad wrote to Mum’s father, Henry xxx.
Dear Mr xxx,
Of all the letters that have ever come my way, this is quite the hardest to write. You will already know the main facts. I have fallen totally in love with your daughter and she, rashly perhaps, has given me to believe that she might return my affection. I am, therefore, asking if she will honour me by becoming my wife and also asking both you and your wife for your consent.
Libby will be able, better than I on paper, to explain why I felt unable to approach her or you before I spent a year in Nigeria. Now my apparent haste is simply that with only a four month leave I hope it may be possible to arrange things so that the hustle and bustle can somehow be managed within the limits of the time.
Of course, as yet nothing can be certain as Libby is honouring me by taking my proposal seriously enough that she is thinking about it. In the meantime I abide in hope.
May I ask your forgiveness in acting in a somewhat unusual manner, and further ask for your consent if, as I most earnestly hope, Libby’s final decision should be not unfavourable?
In the meantime I remain,
your most obedient servant,
Hugh Gerard Cowham.
Dear Hugh,
Thank you for your letter. I’m sorry it was such a difficult one to write - the more so as it was a voluntary effort on your part. She is over 21 and can marry the man of her choice. But I appreciate your courtesy in asking my consent which I gladly give, adding my blessing for your future happiness. You won’t do too badly despite the seeming denigration of her family title "my youngest dud". Her only drawbacks are inherited from her father and they’ll be difficult to eradicate.
She was up here a week ago and, during a short run in the car, propounded the possibility of an early marriage. Could I face the expense? I said "yes" but did not probe for details (she was driving; I was suffering) and awaited developments. Later she showed me a photograph. I said "it’s a good face; I like it; who is he?" then I got a few more details which you have supplemented.
On her next visit home I imagine you will be the only topic of conversation, I presume Libby has agreed or she would not have forwarded your letter, marked "passed by censor".
That being so, the women can get on with it and you and I can take a back seat until we have to make our public appearance. I haven’t a morning coat; have you? Why not you in scout uniform and me in a round coat? Then we could mark the invitations "dress optional" which will obviate that awful thought of all of us hiring.
I’m much looking forward to seeing you. Don’t delay too long or you’ll find me in a wheel chair.
Believe me, your prospective, and I hope devoted, Father- in- law."
Dear Mr xxx,
Thank you for your letter, for your consent and your blessing.
You said that, presumably as my letter had been "passed by censor" that Libby had given her consent. Such would be the logical interpretation but the only official verdict which I have had is "you must wait until I see you again". Apparently she has not inherited from her father a willingness to judge from a photograph, which I hasten to add is a very flattering and far from true likeness.
However, even if it be only vanity or wishful thinking I am prepared to await the verdict official, and can do so with greater calm though with enhanced impatience since I have heard from you. It is fortunate for me that I have just been landed with further responsibilities and even more work so that the next few months until my leave are going to be so hectic that my time for trepidation will be severely limited.
No; I haven’t a morning coat. Libby however seems to feel that such is a sine qua non. I am not sure of the general custom but I do not believe it is the ‘done thing’ to wear scout uniform for a wedding. Personally, I would have no serious objection. My own view is clearly not an important one in this as I believe custom decrees an absolute obedience on the part of the groom up to the wedding in all forms of ceremonial. Thereafter the battle rages.
Libby has been told already that my leave has been postponed. I will not know finally for another week but hopes now centre on the glorious 1st. At the latest the 5th.
Again thank you for your letter. It has given me great comfort to know that you are fully cognisant of all this and even prepared to approve.
Yours,
Hugh