Newly discovered letters show how Thomas Hardy's second wife, Florence, 38 years his junior, was overjoyed at her marriage despite continued ridicule from the press about the age difference. The first letter was sent to Mr Barlow on February 10 1914, not long after Miss Dugdale's marriage to Hardy. Hardy's second marriage came two years after the death of his first wife, Emma Lavinia Gifford (pictured)'Although he is much older than myself it is a genuine love match - on my part, at least, for I suppose I ought not to speak for him. They give an intimate glimpse into life at Hardy's home, Max Gate, and the loves and losses Florence shared with Hardy. Hardy (left) and his second wife Dugdale (right) enjoy a day out at Aldeburgh beach'It also shows us more about Florence, how self-deprecating she was and how devoted she was to her husband.

Source: Daily Mail April 02, 2020 08:42 UTC