Spring 1918: Peach Borwick to Lady Blanche Somerset

Letter from Lieutenant-Colonel Malcolm "Peach" Borwick of the Royal Scots Greys (one of Mousie's close friends).

Monday 26th [1918]

Dear Lady Blanche,

You won't show this to John will you? (That's washed out later on!)

I'm a very humble person with no brains to speak of and really I have no right to send this letter at all, but knowing that you do love Mousie as he deserves to be, and as I always prayed he would be loved, I venture to send it nevertheless.

I've watched him so carefully for the past 10 years, seeing him develop in mind and body, and always hoping that he would do as he is going to do, namely marry someone who has the same tastes as himself, and the same capacity for affection and enjoyment that he has.

You are going to marry one of the greatest gentlemen I have ever met, and one of the bravest men, in the true sense of the word.

We who have been out here know what real courage means, and John has more than his share, and the true courage is a mixture of moral and physical – not only I but a great many others envy him that. John has been a bit wild in his time, but he is I think one of the straightest sort of gentlemen that exist. You may think you are very fond of him now, but you won't realise what perfect happiness is, till you are married and get to know him, as you never will, till that is accomplished. I have watched him with his mother and have seen him in his own home, and can not be mistaken. He is no ordinary man. He has brains, sympathy, feelings that it does not fall to the luck of every man to possess and now he has waited, which showed his sense, and got you.

Do make him use all his qualities, to do lots of things – when this is over there is lots for both of you to do. I think he is suited to a very great deal of good in the world far above the ordinary – but if I know him, he will want you dear lady to keep him going. I don't mean ambitious projects, but hounds and country things. In fact keeping old England going. I have just had such a happy letter from him, does my heart good to read it.

I liked you the moment I put eyes on you and I like you better the more I hear of you, but I wouldn't have, despite your looks, if I hadn't thought you would have made John St. G. the right good wife I know you will – and what's more my Mrs. B., who has got brains and sense too, likes you just the same, and she loves John as I do, and has told him off as I have when he has been naughty sometimes, but that was years ago before he grew up.

I never saw anyone so improved as he is – 5 minutes with him was enough to tell it it when you know a person well.

All is well then, and I know you two are going to be just as happy as it's possible to be. I believe you were meant to marry, you see you are beautiful and have not been spoilt. John's a Lord and isn't either and you both love hunting.

I wonder if you think me mad or a prig or impertinent or all three. But having seen you for half an hour I felt that I could open my heart to you, and I don't think you will mind. Anyhow I'm prepared to chance it, and I do say from the bottom of my heart, God bless you both.

Yours,
Peach B

Yes, I would rather Mousie saw this, he can then explain that I mean no harm.

*Original letter is in the collection of Mousie's grandson – David Herbert, 19th Baron Herbert.

Some punctuation has been added for ease of reading.