Penrose Halson - The Marriage Bureau: The True Story of How Two Matchmakers Arranged Love in Wartime London

Heather Jenner always wanted to write: in my teens, rather as some people become compulsive drinkers, I became a compulsive writer. First I wrote short stories that nobody wanted, and then a novel that nobody wanted either. The literary agent I sent the novel to did say in a polite note that, although he had been unable to place it, the dialogue was good and I should keep on trying. I didnt keep on trying because I started the Marriage Bureau.

Fortunately, Heathers compulsion was not quenched: her reminiscences and views became the basis of her first book, Marriage Is My Business (1953), and of her decades-long flow of articles. I am hugely indebted to Heathers daughter, Stella Sykes, for preserving her mothers copious archive, and for stories galore, and contacts, especially with Heathers goddaughter, Sarah Hamilton.

Heathers later books, Men and Marriage and Marriages Are Made on Earth, were invaluable, as was the vivid 1942 account of the Bureaus first two years in Marriage Bureau, by Mary Oliver and Mary Benedetta. The latters A Girl in Print: Experiences as a Journalist (1937) was also informative. Further contemporary detail came from my inspiring aunt, Jean Reddaway, and equally redoubtable Patricia Dean, together with archives, principally Westminsters West End at War, the BBCs WW2 Peoples War, the American War Brides Experience, the Lady s incomparable store, Companies House, the British Newspaper Archive, and the letters, diaries, and photographs of friends and relations. Visual sources included films, particularly Perfect Strangers, Marry Me! (thanks to Steve Tollervey of the British Film Institute), and footage of the Bureau made by British Path.

Key to the existence of this book are Jane Bidder and Beverly Davies, organizers of the Freelance Media Group, where I heard Tara Cook speak. I am most grateful, since Taras enthusiasm for the story of the Marriage Bureau set in train the events that, aided and abetted by Katie James (Heathers stepgranddaughter, publicist at Pan Macmillan, and friend), resulted in the book which I have long wanted to write. The idea was born years ago in conjunction with Anne Moir, who with other friends informed, questioned, advised, and heartened: my thanks to Peter Ellis, Thomas Gibson, Denise Goss, Xandria Horton, Prue Keely Davies, Pat Morgan, Linda Newbigging, John Parsons, Joy Parsons, Andrew Roberts, Ed Rubin, Howard Slatter, Gillian Spickernell, Kathy Stimson and Maureen Watson. Lynette Ellis patiently researched obscure American newspapers; Anna Raeburn brought vivacity through her reading. Throughout, Bill has encouraged, strengthened, and mastered the technology: a human rock, backed up by the indispensable Lorraine Laguerre.

Professional confidence and competence completed the picture: advice from the Society of Authors, positive action from my agent, Clare Alexander, and terrific input from my publisher, George Morley who, with editing from Graham Coster and Laura Carr, has shaped the book. For her enthusiasm and skill in realizing this American edition, I am gratefully indebted to Lucia Macro.

A comprehensive thank you to one and all.

W HEN P ENROSE was twenty-five and still unmarried, her mother sent her to the Katharine Allen Marriage & Advice Bureau. Twenty years later, after a career in teaching, writing and editing, she and her management consultant husband Bill bought the Bureau. They also acquired The Marriage Bureau, which had been set up in 1939 by two twenty-four-year-olds. As Bill had predicted, matchmaking suited Penrose down to the ground, and they remain happily in touch with many former clients who visit them in London.

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A real pal and friend, who is willing to share the good and evil of life with equal cheerfulness.

Australian, New Zealander or Canadian with job abroad or in country (not Australia). Not too serious as I am shallow emotionally.

Broad-minded. Should drink, smoke and be capable of swearing.

Serviceman, but must have a commission.

Dark, not very good-looking. Large poultry farmer, accountant, civil engineer, solicitor or other good profession.

Someone interested in doing good in the world. Connected with church, schools, children etc.

Nobody who wants me to help him in his business.

Someone who loves children and would be a good father to my baby. I took the name of my babys father by D.P. [Deed Poll] I will provide for my babys education etc. Her father allows me 2 per week at present.

A bon viveur who likes his coffee and liqueur, give me a man, a connoisseur, then he should be alright. NICE HANDS rather important.

Dutch or Dutch interests or partly Dutch.

A homely man with just a theatre or cinema now and again.

Clean living, fastidious but not faddy. Not a schoolmaster, clerk or parson.

Must not be deaf.

Someone interlectual [ sic ].

Sensible but not stodgy. Not living in or near Southport.

Must be a gent, never let you down.

With creative talent, who understands something of art; a well-stocked mind and charming personality rather than just good looks.

No working man or shopkeeper.

Only tender-hearted.

Full understanding of world problems.

An idealist. Someone with vision. I have 1,000 capital and will inherit a third of my father-in-laws business at his death. (She aged 34.)

I dont mind how ugly.

Not working class. Not one who works with his hands, as I like well-kept hands because I have been a film artist.

Must be a gentleman by birth, preferably a clergyman (if broad-minded) or at any rate a believing Christian, not too worldly.

Introductions in Johannesburg or as near as possible.

Straight and honourable.

If in politics, must be progressive. An unsociable man slightly preferred.

If age is nearly forty, his figure must be well preserved and independent.

Fresh and good to look at.

A gentleman of respectability as I am very lonely.

Not too portly, not helpless, not a recluse.

Gently bred.

Educated. Good looking. Self-assured. Mechanically minded. Handy around the house. Must have wavy hair.

Engineers preferred but any really well-educated man except actors or theologists.

Interested in travel and post-war reconstruction.

Dont mind where I settle, preferably British Empire. I dont want a good time but I do want a really nice home and to be able to give any children I might have every possible chance in life.

Wanting a companionable wife rather than a super-domesticated one. Able to appreciate the artistic temperament and an original turn of mind.

Not a Communist or Socialist.

Someone who has known loneliness.

In the Army or RAF from overseas. I would be content with usual allowance during war.

Above all, a man who will talk to me.

He must have enough income to make a settlement of about 400, and be able to keep me in comfort and perhaps travel after the war.

I am secretary to a Duke. Any man must be of my own standing.

Someone with a title who has travelled and likes sport.

No racial hatred.

One who has or would adopt a child. I will inherit 400600 per annum in a few years.

Refinement essential. My late husband was secretary (F.I.S.A.) of a public company.

Would like to meet just an ordinary man.

A Roman Catholic or willing to become Roman Catholic.

No-one with false teeth.

If a civil servant, must not have an official mind. Minimum wage 6 per week.

No dropped Hs, please.

If possible I would like a man in a reserved trade. If not, I do not mind a sailor or a Canadian soldier.

Who looks on marriage as a serious partnership.