Epilogue

From The London Times—April 23, 1912

Obituary: Sir Arthur Briggs and Lady Briggs

Sir Arthur Briggs and his wife, the former Miss Beatrice Hunt, have lost their lives in the Titanic disaster. Sir Arthur, 48, was a graduate of Eton and Cambridge University. He served in the Boer War and was knighted for bravery and service to the country. Lady Briggs, 45, was once a leader in London society. The niece of Lord Agsbury, she was a celebrated debutante when she was presented at court in 1885. She and Sir Arthur married in 1889. They had no children.

From The New York Times—June 11, 1912

Gala wedding for The 400

Society turned out in full force yesterday for the wedding of John Spencer to the former Miss Emily Stuart, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Stuart. The wedding took place at Grace Church, with a wedding breakfast following at the groom's home.

The bride and her parents were passengers on the Titanic when she went down in April. None have spoken of the disaster since…

From The New York Times—July 18, 1912

Mrs, Langley-Folkes weds in Newport

The former Mrs. Langley-Folkes quietly wed steel baron Edward Newton at his home in Newport, where the couple is honeymooning as well. The wedding was originally planned to take place in May, but Mrs. Newton's son, Richard Langley-Folkes, was recovering from injuries sustained in the Titanic disaster, forcing a postponement of his mother's nuptials. He was well enough to attend the wedding, happily escorting his mother down the aisle and toasting the new couple at the following luncheon.

From The New York Times—September 22, 1912

Mrs. Newton adopts Titanic orphan

Mrs. Edward Newton, new wife of the steel tycoon, formally adopted five-year-old Veronica Parelli, who lost her parents and brother in the Titanic disaster. Young Veronica owes her life to Mrs. Newton's son, Richard Langley-Folkes, who found the child on the sinking ship's deck and made sure she was placed in a lifeboat. The Newtons profess to be thrilled, and are eager to raise the little girl as their own. Mr. Langley-Folkes, who recently returned to England to complete his final year at Oxford, has also said he's delighted to have Veronica as a member of the family.

23 September, 1912

Dear Caroline,

Well, I'm officially back, safe and sound, as I'm sure you know by now (you got my wireless, didn't you?). Things aren't so different here: friends all the same, asking for details, etc., which I'm rather reluctant to give. I think they're getting fed up with me. No matter, I've got other things to do if I'm going to graduate and do everyone proud. I'd do anything to keep from having you give me that disapproving look of yours!

The left hand's still much the same—rather stiff, though still usable. Don't think it'll ever be quite right again, so no rowing for me. No matter, I think I've had my fill of small boats.

Mother reports that Veronica is really hers now, and she's over the moon, of course (I told you she always wanted a daughter!) Nica's English is coming along in leaps and bounds—faster than my Italian, I'm sure! Have you seen her lately? She got so attached to you over the summer, when you and Alice came to visit. How is Alice, by the way? Settling in all right? I'm sure she is, she'd settle in anywhere. Has that way about her. And you? How're you settling in?

Passed by one of the women's colleges yesterday and thought about you. I hope you're still considering coming to Oxford, it'd be nice not to have you 3,000 miles away. I'm trying to come over to New York for Christmas (father will just want me to go out pheasant shooting with him; not really my line, you know). We'll see how it all works out. If I do come over, I hope I can see you again, miss you to bits!

As it's your birthday in two weeks, I'm enclosing your present: a copy of Vasari in Italian which I scoured all the London bookshops for. I know you lost yours in the wreck, so here's what I hope will be a suitable replacement.

Write to me when you have time, I know I'll be writing to you in between studying and meeting with my professors! See you in December (I hope!)

Dicky

From The London Times—May 12, 1918

Langley-Folkes heir takes a bride

Richard Langley-Folkes, only son of Philip Langley-Folkes, MP for Birmingham, yesterday married Miss Caroline Clarke in a small ceremony on his father's estate. Both bride and groom are graduates of Oxford University. Mr. Langley-Folkes is currently working with the National Gallery, researching some of the artwork in their collection. He credits his new wife with awakening his interest in the fine arts. The new Mrs. Langley-Folkes is a writer. Her parents were the late Mr. Geoffrey Clarke, a noted historian and anthropologist, and Mrs. Helen Clarke (nee Grayce), an author.

The bridal party was small, partly because the war has made transatlantic travel very difficult. The groom's mother, Mrs. Edward Newton, his stepfather, and his adoptive sister, Miss Veronica Newton, were all able to be present, however, along with the bride's sister, Miss Alice Clarke.

The bride and groom met when they were both traveling on the ill-fated Titanic. After the ship hit the berg, Mr. Langley-Folkes saw Miss Clarke and her sister safely off on a lifeboat. He managed to swim away from the wreck and was rescued from overturned lifeboat B.

As soon as the war ends, the couple plans to honeymoon in Italy, where Mrs. Langley-Folks will work to finish the book her parents started before they died.