Marriage

Abstract

Effie and John did not see each other for the first five months of their six-month engagement, but they exchanged letters nearly every day — more passionate on his part than on hers. Among endearments, he suggested how she might help him in his architectural studies, by taking notes and carrying out background research. He clearly visualised her role:

…you will have often to wait for me while I am examining cathedrals, by the hour — you may do it at the Inn — but in most cases — when it is not cold, I imagine it will be in the church — that you may see what I am about…¹