Chapter 12Matthew’s long-awaited return to shore in October prompted a visit to Marlborough by both Charlotte and Anthony. Despite complaining that the trip was an interruption to his academic work, her husband was clearly delighted at the opportunity to see his old friend.
Charlotte was relieved that Matthew, although suntanned and weather-beaten, had come through August’s battles unscathed. He was well-pleased about the match between his oldest sister and one of his closest companions. He expressed this by shaking them both heartily by the hand in turn, smiling broadly, and repeatedly saying, “Well done, well done.”
It was a happy reunion, and Charlotte was pleased her entire family was in good spirits. On arriving, she remarked on how the younger ones had grown in a short while and th
