Dear Melody
I am perhaps most, or more accuratley only sorry that your leaving of your fathers house is so blunt and painful, perhaps in time your mother at least will be able to see that your happiness is more important than what your father thinks. They wanted you to marry soon - and you've done that! Into a family that is perfectly respectable and generally thought well of! Other than income there can be said to be little difference between the St.John-Blacks and the Crouchs. Even if the youngest Mister Crouchs reputation is a little wild - but perhaps the love of a good woman will settle even that. If any woman can - you can by sweet Melody.

You know all I want is your happiness, if Mister Crouch is the route to that then I am happy for you. As your friend, as a worrier by nature I of course worry for you and hope he can provide you with the life you richly deserve. If nothing else you will have more freedom as the wife of a middle class gentleman than you might have had as the trophy of some American diplomat! Perhaps now that brain of yourself will not go to waste in idleness and society balls!

When you return to England I should be delighted to meet you for tea, either in my home, or yours to properly celebrate your new life as Mrs. Crouch. I have enclosed a small token as a wedding gift and I'll give my proper gift in person. I feared the tax the owl too badly to send it so far by mail.

All my love to you, and your new husband.
Benevolence

(gift is a magical music box - it plays Verdi – Il Trovatore: Il Balen del Suo Sorriso. The image in polished wood, depicts a couple lays on picnic blanket, underneath a small magical sky holding each other and watching small wooden stars over head. Becuase of Melody's love of astrology. )
Melody Crouch