THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

From R. Vaughan Williams,
The White Gates,
Westcott Road,
Dorking.

Nov 30th [1941]

My dear Myfanwy¹

What splendid news. And how romantic to be engaged by cable. I wish you could also be married by cable – This long dreary waiting will be terrible for you both. But directly he comes home don’t wait a moment.
Middle age creeps on even when you are as young as you are & passion declines – so take your love at its height and damn the consequences. Your Charles will be a lucky man to have such a sweet and pretty wife. But I expect you are lucky too because from what I know of your character you could not love anyone who was not first rate.
How abominably Steuart² has been treated. I fear he must be having a bad time – & must long to be back home – But he and Mary have great courage & I know he will pull through.
All my love
Uncle Ralph

1. Jones was the recipient’s married name. See VWL1528. This letter is printed in part in R.V.W.: a biography, p.244.
2. Steuart Wilson. VW is referring to his dismissal  from the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. For an account of the episode see VWL1529 footnote 3.