The Patient Bridegroom

Author’s Note The Earl of Mayo was the first Viceroy of India to be really loved by the Indian people. He was not only extremely handsome, tall and broad-shouldered but he had an infectious enthusiasm, a gaiety, and with it a kindness of heart that the Indians found irresistible. Everything I have written about him in this story is true. After his death he was always referred to as the ‘Ideal Viceroy’. I have known three Viceroys. Lord Curzon, who was brilliant and intelligent, saved for India their beautiful Temples and buildings, which had been neglected for a long time and so were gradually being lost to posterity. The Marquis of Willingdon had not the qualifications and personality of his predecessor, but he was also charming, everyone liked him, and he became popular with the people. He was very nearly my father-in-law! Earl Mountbatten of Burma was the last Viceroy and in many ways resembled the Earl of Mayo. He was exceedingly handsome, well-built and invariably impressive. He had the same charm, charisma and enthusiasm for the people he ruled which made them adore him. Although he went out to give India back to its people, they cried when he left them and paid him the amazing and extraordinary compliment of when he handed them over their own country, they asked him to stay on as their First Governor General. As Pundit Nehru, the Prime Minister said in his speech at the banquet on the last evening before Mountbatten left, “Wherever you have gone you have brought with you solace, hope and encouragement. Is it surprising, therefore, that the people of India love you?”