It must have been a lonely few years for Francis Sr after his wife Mary passed away. Fortunately he had his work to occupy him. And no doubt, he had good friends in Hobart his own age. It had a substantial ex-pat community for good reason. It was a splendid place to retire. Living was cheap, vastly cheaper than London, and the climate was superb.<\/em><\/p>\n No doubt Francis made daily forays to Hobart\u2019s Empire Club \u2014 getting a spot of lunch, ordering a port with his London Times and chatting it up with other Old Warhorses. Speaking of Old War Horses, I suspect he was friends with Major-General John Newbold Wilson at the Club, famous for his exploits in the India Regiment. Well, speak of the devils, there they are, over by the window, swapping yarns by the look of it. Let\u2019s slip over and listen in\u2026<\/p>\n The Major-General: \u201cYes, those were bloody good years with the regiment. Certainly, living conditions were challenging for my Mary, poor soul. But she got on with it and no harm came of it. And as you know, one makes fast friends in those places. It was as they say, \u2018the best of times.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n Francis replies: \u201cI dare say it was good experience for your Emily too. Situations like that build strong characters, adults who are self-reliant, speak their mind and know the value of hard work and a principled life. Emily has all of those qualities John. I greatly admire your daughter for that. And you and Mary too, for that matter, for the remarkable job you\u2019ve done shaping her to be the outstanding woman she is today. Well done, old chap.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy thank you Francis. You\u2019re very kind\u2026..you know she greatly admires you too. She has told me so. It must be a bit lonely for you with Mary gone. Have you considered remarrying?\u201d I have deep feelings for her John, and she has expressed deep feeling for me in return. This is dreadfully difficult for me to say, as she is your daughter and so much younger than me\u2026.<\/p>\n John, I am asking you for your daughter\u2019s hand in marriage.\u201d Waiter! One of your best brandies for my friend here and tea for me. We have cause to celebrate.\u201d<\/p>\n Married they were on the 16th of August, 1887. Francis was sixty-two, his bride twenty-seven. They had barely three years together before Francis died in June, 1890.<\/em><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" It must have been a lonely few years for Francis Sr after his wife Mary passed away. Fortunately he had his work to occupy him. 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\u201cI confess I hadn\u2019t until recently.\u201d
For a moment, nothing is said. Both the men seem uncomfortable with what they know must come next.
\u201cJohn, I\u2026I feel very awkward asking you this, but I feel I must. As you know, Emily and I have been spending a lot of time together over the last few months. She is such a delightful young woman that I feel born again in her presence.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd Emily wishes it also?\u201d
\u201cYes, of course.\u201d
\u201cThen so shall it be, old boy. She will be a devoted and loving wife to you Francis. And better that than a loving daughter forever in my household, what? Let us toast the occasion. I must refrain from the liquor. Methodist, you see.<\/p>\nPost script:<\/h4>\n