2961. Marriage plans © Bruce Goodman 11 January 2024

Melville knew intuitively that Violet Goudie would be the one that he would spend the rest of his life with. Marriage these days wasn’t particularly fashionable – but, as Melville frequently said – “Marriage is not a fashion.” Of course his friends laughed at him. “Why are you so old-fashioned? You’re a stick in the mud. Cut the wedding out and save a packet.” “A wedding is not a marriage,” said Melville. So there you have it, dear Reader. Melville believed in marriage and he intuitively knew that Violet Goudie was to be the one. In fact, they had dated seven times! Melville even had an engagement ring tucked into his fob pocket if the occasion arose. And indeed it did! Melville went down on one knee. “Violet Goudie,” he said. “Will you marry me?” “Good heavens, no,” said Violet. “Surely you don’t still believe in that nonsense. Melville, you are so old-fashioned. You’re a stick in the mud. Cut the wedding out and save a packet. Who these days would want to get married?” And that was that. Melville’s still looking if there’s anybody out there. Contact Author Back to Index Next Story Previous Story