The relationship between Harry and Julie started to blossom. They not only played golf on a regular basis but they became a part of the elite London social scene. They were regular theatre-goers, enjoying stage shows at the Palladium as well as operas at Covent Garden.
Harry never mentioned transferring to Queens again, or working with Dr Harold Gillies.
24th December 1928
Harry invited Julie to celebrate Christmas with his family at his parents’ home, Raby Castle, near Staindrop in County Durham. She had met the Earl and Duchess a number of times but had never visited the ancestral home. This was the time of year where she really missed her family, so to be with Harry and his family was a real treat.
The drive to Durham took them the best part of the day and it was 5 pm when they drove up the long tree lined driveway. Julie was awestruck – this was not just a home, it was a medieval castle!
‘My God! Harry, it is huge! When was it built?’
‘Between 1367 and 1390 we believe.’
‘Has it been in your family all this time?’
‘Pretty much. In 1378 Thomas Hatfield, Bishop of Durham, granted
John de Neville a licence to fortify his property at Raby. John died in 1388 and was succeeded by his son, Ralph. Almost nothing of our family’s papers survived this period so there is little documentary evidence of Raby Castle’s construction. Ralph, my ancestor, was created Earl of Westmoreland on 29th September, 1397 by Richard II as a reward for his loyalty in the face of political unrest.’
‘How large are the grounds?’
‘Two hundred acres.’
‘I can see the deer. Are there many living here?’
‘I’m not sure how many. But yes, plenty of red deer and fallows.’
‘Beautiful, just beautiful. You are very lucky Harry.’
‘Yes, I suppose I am. But I’d give it all up just to hear you say “yes”.’
‘What ever do you mean?’
‘I mean: will you marry me Julie?’
‘Oh my God, Harry! This is a surprise. Straight out of the blue.’
Harry took a small box from his jacket pocket and opened it. Inside was a ring with a large cornflower-blue sapphire set with one-carat diamonds on either side.
‘Oh Harry, it’s beautiful. Stunning.’
‘Well, my love? What’s your answer?’
‘Yes! Of course … Yes!’
They embraced in the front seat of the Rolls overlooking the magnificent estate. This was how they began their new lives together.
‘Well. I suppose we should go and inform your parents.’
‘They already know.’
‘They do? You’ve told them? Before you actually asked me?’
‘Don’t be upset Julie. I was obligated to tell them.’
‘Obligated?’
‘It’s a family law, an age old tradition. When the first-born son intends to marry he must get permission from his parents.’
‘What if they don’t approve?’
‘If he insists on marrying the one he loves against his parents wishes, he loses all his ancestral rights.’
‘I assume your parents approved of me?’
‘They were concerned you weren’t English. You know … English bloodlines etc.’
‘So they didn’t want their son to marry a brash American?’
‘Julie, I told them I was more than willing to walk away from my inheritance if that’s what it took. They backed down. They really like you and will learn to love you. It will just take a little time.’
‘Harry, you were willing to lose this castle and the rest of your family’s wealth plus your title when your father dies – for me?’
‘Absolutely, without a second thought. You are the most important thing in my life, you always will be.’
They embraced again and continued their trip up the tree-lined driveway where they were greeted by the Earl and Duchess.
‘Congratulations you two.’ The Earl greeted them warmly.
‘Yes, my dears, we are both very happy for you,’ agreed the Duchess.
‘Well you are doing your bit for international relations or should I say international relationships.’ Harry’s father looked pleased.
All four laughed and headed into the castle for tea and scones.
A servant brought them tea on a beautiful mahogany tea trolley
‘Now Julie, we know very little about your family. Since we are going to be related – so to speak – we’d love to hear your story.’ The Duchess began to pour the tea.
Julie paused for a moment and then began her story. She told them about her father going down with the Titanic and how her brother, mother and she were saved. She explained that her mother remarried and was now the wife of a US Rear Admiral; her brother Jack was a Major in the Marines stationed near Washington. Jack’s parents listened intently until she had finished.
‘So, that’s an amazing family you’ve got there Julie. Obviously the military has played a significant part.’
‘It certainly has, sir. Also considering I was an Army doctor in France and Belgium during the war.’
The next day they celebrated Christmas with Harry’s two brothers and their wives and an assortment of dignitaries from the area.
Julie and Harry departed on Boxing Day planning their wedding at the castle on the trip home. They had decided they would be married in July, barely seven months away.
Julie telephoned her mother in Washington to break the news. Her mother was delighted and without discussing it with her husband, committed to being there in July. She also telephoned Jack. He was happy for her and assured Julie he would be able to get leave to attend.
July 1929
Raby Castle had never looked better. There were white ribbons tied to the trees lining the driveway and the grounds had been prepared as for a royal visit. The grand dining room was decorated in white and was waiting for the four hundred guests to arrive.
Everything went well and the married couple left at midnight. The following day they were driven by Harry’s father’s chauffeur to the shipping port of Sunderland. Harry had booked a six-week cruise to the Far East visiting Singapore, Hong Kong, and Shanghai and back via Malaya. Neither of them had been to any of these destinations and they were both looking forward to a cruise of discovery.
They boarded the Empress of Britain and were shown to their cabin which was of course first class. This was going to be an experience that would change their lives forever.
