Secret Love of Di's Grandfather 1931-1938

[Florrie]

Ruth Sylvia Gill, just 22 was the daughter of a Scottish Army colonel from the small village of Delhebity in Aberdeenshire. But young men drawn to her beauty, found her unstinting self-belief somewhat daunting. It soon became clear that there was no hope of courting Ruth Gill unless they could further her tenacious ambition. She was saving herself for someone from a superior league.

Maurice, now 46 knew he had at last found a woman who was pretty, pure and young enough to give him the heir he needed. Ruth was under no illusions, they were both getting what they wanted. Maurice was féted by the royal family and had close friends in the Cabnet. And he had set his mind on her - a middle-class girl with no past.

Maurice dreaded breaking the news to Edith. He thought of telephoning but reasoned that Henry might answer. It would be dangerous to create a fuss.
Ruth knew nothing about Edith and he was determined to keep it that way. Eventually he wrote a short note: "I have a real piece of news for you. I am getting married in August. I am sure you are pleased to have me happy. When I have a snapshot I will send it."


The speed with which it all happened gave Edith little time to adjust. After all this time, Edith felt she deserved more than an attempt at explaination. Shocked by the curtness of Maurice's note, she wondered how he had the audacity to write idle chat, as if nothing had changed.
A newspaper photograph of his wedding showed him awkwardly half-smiling on the steps of a church. It might have been a picture of a father and his daughter, so marked was the age difference. This was the benevolent look of a man who had acted wisely but without emotion. He had asked Edith to be happy for him and now she understood why he needed her blessing. She realised Maurice was not leaving her. He still sent letters, as he had always done, and his words, written in secret, took on new meaning........................................... .........