The Return of John Moffat

The steps leading to this essay are a little unusual. Some years ago, while fumbling our way through the computer catalogue of the British Library, we happened upon a reference to John Moffat, Carlotta Monterey's first husband. We followed several leads, and the result was "The Real John Moffat," published in the 2009 Eugene O'Neill Review. Then, two years ago, another real John Moffat happened on the scene—on the telephone, in fact. His story was that, during a travel delay in Europe, he had Googled his own name and up popped that same EOR article. Our new John Moffat, it turned out, was the son of the subject of our article and keenly interested in his father. He offered to add to our knowledge and began with photocopies of two letters his father had written about Carlotta, over a century ago, to his sister Edith. Sixty years later, after her death in 1968, Edith's son passed them on to his cousin, who was sharing them with us:

Emberton Rectory
Newton Pagnell
Monday [no date]
My dearest Sissie,

I am looking forward so much to our trip abroad. The sunshine, the lovely scenery, the excitement, the recollections of old times, will combine to make our tour so pleasurable. In a day or two I shall have particulars and be able to plan and organize the details so that everything goes very smoothly.

Now, my darling Sissie, I am going to confide in you a great secret which you must keep very carefully. If you tell Harry he must keep it secret too, for at the present time I don't want Mother or Pug or anyone to know.

Well, some time ago I met a very charming Californian girl and fell madly in love with her. I proposed but the Mother said she was too young, and has sent her to a finishing school in Paris. (She is now 19). In 18 months she leaves and if we are then both of the same mind I then will be allowed to announce our engagement. The Mother has returned to America, but before leaving she told the Head mistress of the state of affairs and said when I came to Paris I was to be allowed to take her daughter out to lunch etc provided she was suitably chaperoned and also I was to be allowed to go away to the same place for her holidays provided she was suitably chaperoned.

Now I want to know whether if the head mistress consents, you would be willing to take her with you on this trip. She would of course pay her own expenses. She is very sweet, lovable, and, I should think, easily influenced by kindness, and I am sure would give you no trouble. Do say yes, and I will write at once to the Head Mistress about permission, as she may have to wire or write to the Mother about it.

I don't want anyone to know about my attachment as I don't wish to be laughed at if it falls through, as Pug's engagement to [illegible] did.

The girl's father is a ranch owner etc.

Enclosed is her photograph; please return it as I have no other copy. It is of her at her studies. She is an only daughter.

This trip will do me a lot of good for I have been overworking and getting too little exercise and am beginning to suffer from headaches.

Much love to you all,

Your affectionate Tommy.

P.S. The photo doesn't do her justice, but you know what amateur snapshots are.

Pemberton Rectory
Newport Pagnell
March 6th
My dearest Sissie,

The girl is delighted to go and thinks you are very sweet to be willing to take her. Miss Easton, the head mistress, has given her permission and I now await a cable from the Mother giving her express permission.

Sissie, you are a dear to do this for me and I am very grateful. I can't say I'll do the same for you now...