Invitation to the wedding of his daughter, Margaret Kerr Cameron, and Professor Donald Francis Tovey, at St Giles' Cathedral, Edinburgh, on 22 April 1916.
47 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh. - Don agrees it is better that the Trevelyans should have the opera ["The Bride of Dionysus"]. When Miss Weisse put it in the bank she left out sixty-one leaves: Grettie deposited them and hopes they have been kept together under the same receipt; they may have altered it at Northlands before sending it. Don found the third act of the opera at 44 [George Square] so had not taken it to England at all. Thinks he is much better now he is 'not worried by letters & incidents of a galling nature'. [The Reid] orchestra is 'in full swing' after the difficulties of getting it started: about forty professionals and a few students rehearse for two hours on Tuesdays, and Don gives lectures on instrumentation to the students on Thursdays; he looks 'quite impressive towering above his orchestra'. Distressing that the Trades Union men are agitating against two of their number, of German descent but British citizens. The historical concerts are a great success: the audience for the Beethoven programmes is most appreciative. Don is very well, enjoying his social engagements. Grettie wishes they had a home, but knows they must be patient. Will go with Don to Aberdeen on the 20th when he lectures to the public and Teachers' Association at the Art Gallery there; Miss Weisse can keep track of Don's doings as the "Scotsman" always carries advertisements of them. Her father is well, with 'a regular gallery of pictures all about him' at his new house.
14 Napier Road, Edinburgh. - Her father has been very ill, but is now recovering; Don seemed quite upset, as they are such friends, but is all right again now. The nurse has to leave soon but they have advertised for and engaged a couple, the Turnbulls, to stay with him. The Toveys hope very much to move soon into a house on their favourite street which came up to let at just the right time. Aunt Jane [Anderson] has been very good to them. Bessie's rug will be a 'delightful gift'. Don is very well, though busy with [the Reid] 'orchestra, classes & recitals'; he is very glad to have the message about the opera [the "Bride of Dionysus"]
Northlands, Englefield Green, Surrey. - News of his marriage to Margaret Cameron, daughter of Hugh Cameron R.S.A, not D.Y. [David Young?] Cameron. Arrangements still undecided, but would like to come to the Shiffolds soon to work on scoring Ariadne ["the Bride of Dionysus" before the wedding, which is fixed for an inconvenient day he must get changed. Is on his way to the funeral of the Master of Balliol [James Leigh Strachan-Davidson]. Miss Weisse is being 'most generous', but is still 'going through an awful struggle' and does not realise how she is 'poisoning her own generosity'. Tovey thinks though that all will be well; the main trouble is his inability to say 'even the most commonplace thing about a woman to her'. Sends love to Julian; Tovey's father in law is an 'Old Master of the Glasgow School' and Bob tells him Julian is 'the Founder of the Shiffold School'; Margaret is also an artist.
14 Napier Road, Edinburgh. The 'beautiful rug' from Bessie arrived soon after her letter of the 9th (Grettie organises their correspondence in a 'very businesslike way') and both Toveys are delighted with it; it will look even better in their new home which they will move into in April. His father-in-law [Hugh Cameron] is much better, and the 'new arrangements [the Turnbulls, see 6/165]... are a great success'. The [Reid] Orchestra is developing 'quite a decent style'; was introduced yesterday to 'the Organiser of the Amalgamated Trades Unions' and invited to become an honorary member, so can count on support. Sends love to 'the Poet and the Author of Blood Curdling Fairy Tales' [Bob and Julian].
2 St Margaret's Road, Edinburgh. - The Toveys are looking forward very much to Trevelyan's visit. Don will be able to meet him at Waverley Station, where they presume his train will arrive. Is sure he will enjoy hearing the [Reid] Orchestra on Tuesday morning and the Kirkhope Choir at night; hopes he can stay for a week so Don can take him around after his university work is done on Friday. Apologises for her delay in writing, due to domestic trouble at her father's house in her sisters' absence; their own house and belongings are unsettled as she cannot 'trot around' as she should wish to do; invites Trevelyan to 'fill in the blanks in imagination'.
2 St Margaret's Road, Edinburgh. - Apologises for not replying sooner due to 'burst pipes, awful cooks, & colds, toothache etc. etc.'. The concert yesterday [by the Reid Orchestra] was a great success, though Don was 'nearly crazy before the first one' as he only found out the first trumpeter had decided to perform at the pantomime two days before. Her father has been very ill and they have had two nurses, but he has now turned the corner. Hopes to write a proper letter soon.