Riverwoods House
Marlow-on-Thames
23.3.19
My own dear Cyril
Kath writes today that she has heard from you from Saranto your letter being dated 16.3.19 and you expect to be home about 10 days from then, proceeding first to Watford to be demobilized.
This morning I received letter from you dated March 5th, from Salonica. Yes, dear, I think we shall be able to fit in the wedding before next term – I had thought of May 3rd or 5th. The latter because it is the anniversary of our engagement and the 3rd because Saturday may be more convenient to other people. Will this date be before term commences?
I am so excited that I must only write a very practical letter in order to keep calm!
I do hope, Sweetheart, you will be able to see your way to call at Marlow on your way to Evesham. It would help to hasten arrangements for the wedding. I have asked Mr Graves, Rural Dean, who lives at Marlow, and is one of our oldest friends, to marry us at All Saints Church, Marlow. We must fix up about “banns” being read when I’ve seen you and the date is definitely fixed.
The road leading to our house is under water but cabs can get here from the station. If you should get here before a telegram has reached me by any chance, just take a cab – there are always cabs at the station – motor no good. There is also a cab proprietor’s named Howes, about 100 yards to the right of the station in Station Rd. You can see our house away in the flooded fields as you enter Marlow Station. To get to the Town we punt across the fields!
My wedding dress is nearly finished and Betty and Bar have made arrangements for their bridesmaid’s dresses to be made. I won’t tell you what my dress is like, ‘cos I want it to be a surprise.
Of course if by any chance you cannot manage to get to Marlow I’ll come up to Town – but I am rather keen for you to come here and see the little home we have here – at present it is more like a Noah’s Ark – but the flood may have abated by the time you reach here. Do come in your uniform even if it is a worn out one. I want to see you as you have been all this long time.
Your DSO was gazetted on March 10th. I knew all about it from Wilfred, who sent me the original Army order. You won’t have had all our letters of congratulation. I’ll keep my congratulations until you get here now!
I cannot say much about my feelings in case this letter falls into other hands than yours.
I was granted my discharge on Feb 21st and have been at home since, spending a few days with Kath en route – where we got the news that you were coming home – just the day after Arthur was demobilized. We had tea with Arthur and Mary that day. I reminded them how I was with Mary when Arthur went and when he returned!
Well, dearest, there is so much to tell you that I had better wait until I see you.
Shall I go to Badsey with you?
With all my love, stronger even than 4 years ago because it has developed.
Ever your devoted
Mela
