The Young Mrs Burtonorder this book
Margaret Penn
Price £30.00

The Young Mrs. Burton is the sequel to Manchester Fourteen Miles and The Foolish Virgin and is the third in the series of autobiographical novels written by Margaret Penn. The book concerns Hilda Winstanley's (Margaret Penn's) marriage to a young army officer in the First World War and gives a moving account of their life together. She describes without self-pity the unhappiness which results from this marriage, including the alcoholism of her husband and the poverty and destitution which ensues.

From Chapter 3, "November 11th, 1918":

"Frank and Hilda Burton were still in their quiet suburb when the Armistice came, for he was not yet free from periodical examination by Medical Boards. He fulminated against the doctors for keeping him hanging about in uniform, but to Hilda he looked so brave and splendid in this that she was in no hurry to see him in mufti. Within easy walking distance of the house there was a charming park, and on fine Sunday afternoons she loved to stroll there with him, the child in her arms, and display to all the world that she was the wife of a hero. When people perceived this fact by his empty sleeve she was secretly gratified by the admiration and sympathy which they showed, though Frank appeared not to notice their tribute; also he appeared to dislike any offers of help. Once, when he was fumbling with a shoelace, a man darted forward and tied it for him, only to be thrown a surly word of thanks. On another occasion a woman asked if she might strike a match for him, and moved hurriedly away with a burning face when he answered curtly that he could manage perfectly well for himself. Hilda, as embarrassed as the poor woman, remonstrated with him. 'She only wanted to help, Frank. I think it was kind of her. People like to do little things for you, and they'll think you're very queer if you snub them.'