Mrs Crouch,

I will provide all that I know and Information is the least I can offer under the circumstances, as there is much that even I am unsure of.

I saw you at a party before we were acquainted - I met your father at the club and he arranged for your engagement before you and I met. I am unsure as to all you heard about me, or indeed I am unsure as to all you heard me say, but I am sure there were at least some of my comments designed to win your fathers favour that you did hear and would not have been put me in a good light. I am certain you overheard at least one rather cold comment of mine about you being a satisfactory bride. I redden to think of how callous those comments must have seemed to you - no matter what my intentions were.

I cannot imagine that it did not play a hand in your decision, I must have appeared a brute to you, given that we had met but once properly, for a dinner, at the end of which I insulted you. I also imagine the speed of the arrangement between your father and I did not help. If perhaps there had been more time in our acquaintance we might have known each other better, however no sooner was the arrangement settled with your father than the date was set - a whirlwind with a man you were familiar with - breakneck speed with a man you had never met before and who posed the risk of taking you away to a foreign land.

I hope what information I have helps fill in the gaps for you.

Hope is well, and always speaks well of you, she asks after you and the baby.

Kind Regards
Mister S. St.John-Black

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