Mrs. Crouch,

I am sorry to hear of the incident! When I read about the explosion I never presumed I might know someone among the injured.  I cannot imagine how frightening that must have been for you, and indeed for your husband and child and I am relieved immensely that you are as well as you are, in spite of your current ailment. 

As to 'Us' -there has been much water under the bridge since then and you owe me no apologies.  Indeed it is I who perhaps owe one to you.  While I would have preferred not to have been 'left at the alter' I believe you saved us both from unhappiness through your marriage to Mister Crouch.

And I hope you are happy Melody, I thought myself capable of making you happy once, a vain consideration I now realise.  When I sought your hand I did truly believe that I could and would make you happy in building a life together, but it was truly kinder of you not to marry me, than it would have been to become my wife while loving another.  I said and did things to secure your hand that would not have endeared any woman to the prospect of a life with me, in seeking to flatter your father and assure him of my suitability, I neglected to do the same to you, sure that I would have a lifetime to convince you.  And for that neglect I am sorry. 

While I dearly regret that your family have chosen not to be part of your life, I am sure this is their loss.  The Crouches are a good family, in spite of what has passed between us and your daughter would bring them much joy as grandparents if they let them.  I hope you might find a fresh start with them. 

I do not wish you ill Melody, and indeed if we were to meet again in society I would hope we might meet as friends. 

Kind Regards,

Samuel St.John-Black

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