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Down Wednesday

[date added later:] June 71

My dear George

Please prepare your mind for the most tremendous piece of news concerning myself I could tell you. The supreme crisis of my life.

I am going to be married to Mr. Litchfield – You will say that I don't know him, that was true a fortnight ago when he asked

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me – but since then I do, & he has made me believe that he does care for me, as I have dreamt of being loved, but never expected that supreme happiness to fall to my lot.

I am sure he is no relation to the pastry cook, however like their beards are.

His father was a retired Indian officer. He is a

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Cambridge man – 2nd class classic & just escaped being a high enough wrangler to get a Trinity Fellowship – which enraged his Father but as he was even then profoundly unorthodox was a relief to him.

He is a clerk in the Ecclesiastical Commission where he says his work is amusing eno' & varied which is not generally the case in a government office – He enraged his Father

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also by giving up law for which he was educated, but he felt no desire for either nothing or too much to do. & has never repented his unambitious choice especially as he has enough money. I think he said about £1000 a year. His only near relatives are Sister married to a solicitor & living near Cheltenham parish & 9 children. Four nephews & nieces – Steele by name- children of a dead

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sister. The Father Capt Steele just coming home from India so that he will be relieved of his guardianship.

Uncle, General Litchfield living in London & Aunt at Mortlake & Clergyman much in Dorsetshire. He seems to be friends with all our sort of people. Spottiswoodes, Vincent Thompsons, Lushingtons etc. The only other fact is that he is 39 years old.

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I write this letter to Frank as well as to you. Tell him not to hate the "cool heart" if he can help it. We all like that name & Uncle Ras especially.

By the way it is to be announced to you boys only just for a day or two, to get our courage up to tell the world.

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Sympathise with me in my happiness my own dear boys you must try to like him for my sake for I couldn't hear anything to come between our most precious friendships. There are very few sisters in the world who have received more happiness than I have from all of you.

your HED