Margaret's Story - Part Seven: Proposal

Church Crookham, Hants, 1946

At seventeen our Margaret wed

So how did she meet Will, my dad?

I don't know all of their romance.

She said it was an army dance.

Subjected to unwelcome attention

From men who had a bad intention.

Will thought she was unsafe alone.

So vowed that he would take her home.

And that is how it all began

And how she fell for an older man.

Perhaps she saw him as a father

Margaret needed looking after.

Life as a governess could be strict

And alas their courtship did restrict.

They'd go out on a cinema date.

But have to leave early, couldn't be late.

So Will suggested if she marry him.

Rather than leave with the lights still dim

They could watch a film to the very end

Then together homeward bend.

He'd joined up nineteen thirty eight

His family thought he was leaving it late.

He'd been to war and served in Burma;

Far East War so late returner.

They thought that he should settle down

And offer the girl a wedding gown.

She always blamed it on his sisters

Who were on his case though he'd barely kissed her.

Margaret's mum was pleased she'd marry

And saw no need for her to tarry.

She almost forgot to ask, Who to?'

Perhaps to her any man would do.

Read on to hear of their wedding day

There's so much more I have to say.