Reading...

The Reverend Mr and Mrs Applebee-Thornton returned to Poplar for a few days before they sailed for Sierra Leone.  I have never in my life seen a woman so changed.  She was tall and regal, her eyes were smiling, and calm confidence seemed to spring from deep within her.  Pippin hardly took his eyes off her and always referred to her as "my dear wife", or "my beloved Jane."

Of course, we had to have a party.  Nuns love a party.  They are very sedate affairs, ending at 9 p.m., in order for Compline and the Greater Silence, but they are fun while they last.  Mrs B. provided excellent cakes and sandwiches, to which we added a little sweet sherry, compliments of the Rector.  The invitation was open to anyone who had known Jane and wanted to wish the happy couple well in their new life.  About fifty people came, and some boys fro SBY (the South Poplar Youth Club) provided music with their guitars and drums, which was considered to be very risque.  Pippen gave a delightful speech.  The length of the phrases and the extravagance of the language - about pearls of great price, and the best wine being served last - was lost on many people;  but the gist of the message was that he was the luckiest man alive, and everyone cheered."

Shadows of the Workhouse

Jennifer Worth