Page 28 of Snowbound Regency Christmas
January 1, 1812
Dear Father-in-law,
In future, please let me call you Father, for so you are to me. I married your lovely daughter yesterday in Stonehouse’s chapel by special license, with Reverend Ewing officiating. We were both disappointed that the weather didn’t allow travel. Rest assured that Rosie Hadfield took the unfortunate news like a navy wife. Sometimes times and tides work in our favour, and other times, no. This applies to ice and snow equally. (Call me vain, but my new uniform and lid were both ready, so I was no embarrassment.)
Our shakedown cruise to Portsmouth was long enough for me to notice a little flaw in the stern by the rudder. We will be in dry dock for another week, and then I am off to the blockade. My life is not my own, until war ceases. Pray it will be soon.
Before I leave, we will occupy some hours house-hunting here in Plymouth. Rosie shook her head at my suggestion that we also look in nearby Torbay, a pleasant place where ships also dock. Such a darling she is! She said Torbay would be too far away, since she plans to meet my ship any time of the day or night. ‘I will be at the dock,’ is all she said. She means it.
Dear sir, I know this wasn’t the life you wanted for your child, a life of worry because Napoleon continues to rage across Europe. Recent scuttlebutt suggests he might be looking east to Russia next for conquest. We shall see if that dampens his ardour for more warfare, if such is the case.
In the meantime, we of the Royal Navy maintain our vigilance in keeping our shores free from war’s strife. We will always stand the watch. This is my pledge to you and to my dear wife and children, if we are so blessed.
I confess to remaining unsure of how to spend Christmas as normal people do, but I do know this: maybe it makes me a regrettable heathen, but it didn’t feel like Christmas until I put a ring on Rosie’s finger. What a gift for both of us.
My best to you and your housekeeper, Mary Hale. I trust Matilda is dusting everything in sight, and Mary is feeding you well. I know Mary likes you because she told me so before I left your farm. Give your sister, Dorothea, a good report from Rose that she is blooming and keeping me loving company.
With love from both of us,
Andy and Rose Hadfield
