Jan 9th/08
My dear Father
You may be relieved to hear that I have arrived here! I didn’t land on Dowlais platform till 8.15 last Tuesday, for my train was nearly 2 hours late at Worcester, so I camE on as best I might, rather tired and possibly somewhat cross; of that I leave others to judge.
I was met at the station by two of the girls. The weather cleared up beautifully yesterday afternoon for the wedding which was a splendid success in all respects. There were nearly 1000 people in church and many more in the streets, and Olive is evidently very popular in Dowlais. We all drove from the house, which is about 300 yards from the church, about 20 of us from the house altogether. The service was choral and no less than 5 clergy assisted in tying the knot which must be truly Gordian. The chancel of the parish church is a pretty one and the whole service was very nicely done indeed. They had just a small reception afterwards, not a “squash”, and it was most enjoyable. I saw to it that a white shoe was tied on behind as they left (for Bath, and later alas, for Bournemouth) and Hubert was quite a correct best man. I cannot describe the dresses accurately without expert assistance, but thought them very suitable and pretty and all that was very nice etc etc.
Olive was most lucky in her presents, having nearly 150, and mostly sensible ones, and very few redundant, altogether a very fine show. I felt quite imposing in my garb and also quite correct! We kept the house pretty gay in the evening with charades etc so as to prevent too much of that empty feeling which I can quite understand tends to appear after a wedding.
Tonight a party of us, 2 parsons, Hubert and self, are going through the Iron Works, it will take about 3 hours and I expect will be very interesting.
It is freezing hard here again and is very bright, went a longish walk this morning and saw the Beacons with much snow on them; the country round is pretty except in the “Top” region, which I saw in the distance today.
Hubert’s mother is much better, and he will be staying on here for a few days, he is looking very well. I feel much better than I did on arrival, though my cold has not quite departed. I think this bracing air and the change will soon clear it up.
I suppose Ethel returns today, I hope the Birmingham excursion has been a success, and that the dance on the 10th will be also.
I think they were all very pleased that Ethel sent Olive that present; it is nice to get such a lot of gifts without soliciting for them by an all round invitation to the wedding, which is the usual custom. Altogether, I must say I have enjoyed my first wedding immensely and am all in favour of them if they go off like this!
I fancy Mrs Williams is rather done up, she is like other mothers I know of, who won’t stop “doing things” in spite of her daughters.
Now with love to all, I remain.
Your loving son
Arthur F S Sladden
