[Envelope postmarked 30 Nov 1905. The object of the 16 year old Noel’s rant in this letter is Rev Thomas Llewellyn Williams , Rector of Machynlleth, who eventually married his sister May, on 4 June 1906. He was some 10 years older than his bride]
Moretons Harrow
Dear Mary
All I have to say is that if May insists upon this heathen match I shall refuse to own her as my sister. Can’t you put him out of the way painlessly, “leave the door open on him”. I have written to Daisy, but this morning I found the letter having forgotten to post it. I suggest a general rising in the family, let us all put our feet down, cut her off with a penny, (he is only after the money). I can quite imagine him with a long [] nose and black curly hair running with oil. Ugh!! He is not going to spend Christmas with us is he!!! that would be too much. I would far sooner that he was a teetotaller, he is sure to get drunk if he isn’t. Cant you see May going round Mach[ynlleth] meeting the poor and presiding over Mothers’ meetings. One thing is, she will grow thin, I never knew a parson’s wife who was fat did you. I suppose they have to work so hard. You say he fishes, I bet he is one of the leading poachers on the Dovey, tell May he is sure to get his head bashed in one of these nights while he is netting the river. Please tell her also I will give [her] a Welsh Grammar for Christmas, as I expect he knows little little English. Did he propose with Dumb Show? I have knocked off Greek and am hard at work studying Welsh. I want to be able to converse with him. It now remains for you and I to retrieve the honour of the family. What do you say to His Highness Prince Kachom? I may be able to get hold of a Countess or a Negro Princess.
y ddall llaynmddghfll woeddell (Welsh)
Letter from Noel Downing Aged 16, Harrow, 30 Nov 1905, p.1
Letter from Noel Downing Aged 16, Harrow, 30 Nov 1905, p.2