Chapter 42
Dear Rowan.
I was absolutely delighted when Roger's letter reached me. He is evidently still his very lucky self, for which I am profoundly pleased. I'm sure you will make each other very happy – and that is, after all the really important thing.
I am already making arrangements to come back to England for your wedding. Whether or not Ted will be able to be there depends on "the exigencies of the service" as always, but he will do his very best to wrangle it.
I have one very big favour to ask you. Please say "no" if granting it would give you any uneasiness, or make you feel in any way awkward though. May I buy your wedding outfit? Perhaps I should explain that I missed out on having a special outfit of my own, since my father did not at all approve of my marriage to Ted. I should add that this wasn't because of any objection to Ted himself. My father would have been more than pleased if Ted had resigned his commission and stayed in Australia instead of whisking me off to England, but quite aside from the war I would never have asked Ted to do that. Titty and Susan were both war brides. Titty flatly refused any kind of special outfit (although at least I was there) and Susan was married in her uniform. I'm not intending to interfere with your choice of outfit (although I do remember that you look very nice in a long gown).
Also, in the difficult matter of "how to address parents- in-law", please do call us Mary and Ted!
We are both so pleased with your news. Do let us know if there is anything we can do in the way of help or advice. (We do try very hard not to interfere unless asked.)
With much love,
Mary Walker