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Do you think Joseph Joplin could have been a Conductor of supplies in the Ordnance Department? (I had to look it up!) There is this report on page 2 of the Times of India for 24 February 1870:

It could explain why he was in Europe. The furlough could also explain why he was able to afford it and why he sold the business. I agree with you: He probably paid for the rest of the family.

[Edit: I don't think it is him as this J. Joplin died on 3 July 1878.]

Thanks for that. I had found the Breach of Promise in the paper and also have seen the Southport paper 1870. I can understand Joseph "going abroad" but why Hungary? It is not on the Grand Tour route surely? The Joplins owned/ran a number of pubs/wine merchants in Liverpool area so must have been quite well off, did Mary Eleanor pay for the Shaws  to go?

Interesting

I was wondering if he was trying to break his engagement! There are a few sentences on Joseph on page 81 of "Breach of Promise to Marry: A History of How Jilted Brides Settled Scores" (2014) by Denise Bates. He disposes of the wine and spirits business in 1870 because he is "going abroad" (not sure where). See p. 4, Southport Independent and Ormskirk Chronicle, 28 May 1870 edition:

We were saddened to hear about Brian. He was a true gentleman and a lovely person, knowledgeable, inspirational and always helpful. He will be greatly missed by everyone but never forgotten.

Last night, our 40th Anniversary Dinner took place and we remembered Brian with a toast and a minute's silence.

Sending our sincere sympathy, prayers and love to Annemarie - Sue and Jim

Have you looked for newspaper or directory entries for Joseph Joplin - he may have been advertising Hungarian wines...?

I'm so sorry to hear of Brian's sudden passing.

With best wishes and sympathy to his family.