Best man at a wedding
Bernard Baker was Billy’s best friend. They were fellow members
of the local Unitarian Chapel, teaching Sunday School and singing
in the choir together. He and Billy frequently stayed with
Bernard’s Uncle and Aunt, Percy and Mary Pearce, when visiting
London. Percy was a groundsman at Lords Cricket Ground in
Marylebone and the family lived in St. John’s Wood Road, just round
the corner from the Grounds. The family had five children: Annie,
Arthur, Herbert, Percy (Jr.) and Ernest. Eventually, Bernard and
Annie decided to get married. Billy was initially somewhat taken
aback by the news as he realised that he would not get to see as
much of his good friend once he was married. Bernard enjoyed
indifferent health and the wedding had to be postponed at least
once. However, the couple finally settled the date for the 9th
October 1897 and asked Billy if he would be best man. In the
meantime, Nelson Baker, Bernard’s younger brother, also asked Billy
if he would be best man at his wedding.
Saturday 23rd January 1897
On the way home, Bern imparted to me, on strict QT, that he
proposes “getting strung up at Easter” – his own words. I’m very
much astonished! Had no idea he thought of such a thing just yet.
In fact, I’m “flabbergasted” and all the more so the more I think
of it. After all, I see no earthly reason why he should not do so.
Certainly he has very good reasons for taking such a step, being in
a very good berth[1], likely to keep
there too but, as he says, he’s tired of knocking about in
lodgings. I’m not surprised at that, sincerely wish him and Annie
the best of luck. Have no doubt they will get on well together. At
the same time, I seem to have a selfish sort of regret as of course
I must necessarily lose a good deal of his company and I’m quite
sure no one else can ever be the same to me. Well! Well! I suppose
the best thing I can do is to do likewise. I would not mind if I
were in a position to do so tomorrow.
Monday 12th April 1987
This evening, Nel and Annie Willett called to ask me “to help them
over a stile” on Saturday next by being “Best Man”. Consented to do
so after a little consideration for Nel’s sake but for all that I
would like to see the affair postponed as he is not nearly prepared
for it. But, if one may believe the yarns, he is dragged into it
against his will. Seems a very strange affair to me altogether. Am
very much afraid it will be anything but a happy married life for
either.
Saturday 17th April 1897
Called for Nel at Mrs Hunt’s. Got to Parish Church by 12. Ceremony
passed off fairly well. Poor old Nel, seemed to wish himself miles
away and no wonder I’m sure. Anyway, as a wedding is supposed to be
a rather joyous affair, I put the best face on the matter I could.
Had dinner, or rather the breakfast, at Willett’s and spent
afternoon and evening there. Rather tame but managed to hang it out
till 2 a.m. Sunday. They – Mr and Mrs B – have taken a house in
Shelley Road.
Thursday 9th September 1897
Walked home with Bern who informed me of the arrangement for his
wedding for October 9 with me as his best man. Am very pleased that
job has fallen to me though I would not have been surprised if it
had not.
Saturday 9th October 1897 (Billy had travelled up to the Pearce’s
house at St. John’s Wood).
Woke up rather tired this morning. While deciding whether to get up
or not, was bundled on the floor by Bern. After breakfast, Ern and
Bert Pearce with Bern and I walked to Paddington Station to meet
Miss Foulke from Taplow but somehow we missed her. Had a look round
the station with Bert. Sundry drinks then back to Lords to lunch
and dress. Carriages arrived at 1.45 the affair being fixed for 2
o’clock at Little Portland Street Unitarian Chapel. Quite enjoyed
the drive there. Found Mr. Marten[2]
there ready. Really only one present beside our party(who after all
turned out to be one of “us”, i.e. Miss Nellie Christy). The
ceremony being very simple and reasonable everything passed off A1.
Bern was a trifle “husky” in his answers, poor old chap!
Annie Pearce, the bride
Annie, who was quite composed, was given away by her father. Misses
Alice Denny and Sarah Foulke were Bridesmaids, myself Best Man
(almost a sinecure), and Bert, Ern and George Pearce for
congregation. The former also made himself useful by “lushing the
jarvey”[3] in the meantime. After the
usual signatures were affixed to the important document, for which
I had the privilege of paying 7/7, off we drove to breakfast. Mr
Marten came also making 12 who sat down to a very nice and informal
wedding breakfast. No speeches, only a certain amount of small
talk. After nuts and wine, Mr Marten had to get back to Horsham
(very good of him to come up, I’m sure) and we then had a stroll
round the ground.
Bernard Baker, the groom
The party at the breakfast was Mr and Mrs Baker, Bert, George and
Ern Pearce, Mr Marten, Misses Alice Denny, S. Foulke, N. Christy
and self. By teatime or soon after a few others arrived – Mr Alf
and “Jill” Denny, Jack Casse, Arthur Cooper, Mr and Mrs Kyper and
two friends of Mr Pearce came later in the evening, Mr Perkins and
“Jimmy Burns”. The latter was “all there” and no mistake. Had a
very jolly evening, plenty of music, Alf with violin, Arthur banjo,
Jack Casse mandolin, and last but not least, Mr Kyper at the piano
who, although blind, is a splendid musician and plays some very
pretty music. Time seemed to fly very fast. Had several songs and a
dance or two (at least most of them did), then Nelly Christy had to
go. Saw her home to Upper Berkeley St. then back again for more
music etc. So we went on till the small hours of Sunday morning
were reached. Had a snack for supper and all went to bed fairly
tired. Bert and I had a doss in the arm chairs and rare fun we had
over it.
- [1] Bernard Baker was a
printer and by the 1901 Census he was a foreman.
- [2] Reverend Marten was
the Unitarian minister at the Horsham Free Chapel, Billy and
Bernard’s regular place of worship.
- [3] “Jarvey” was a term
for a cab-driver. This may suggest Bert’s job was to give the
carriage driver a drink.
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