The 'Correspondence' Affair #9 - September 27, 1912 (Millicent to Alexander)

[avirra.livejournal.com]

From : Thun, Switzerland

September 27, 1912

Dearest Alexander,

I shall be looking forward to what you have to say about the Persian Gulf upon your return. It is an area of the world that I have never heard very much about. In the meantime, I shall be keeping a positive thought toward your safe travels there and back.

Your last letter brought back some delightful memories. I must admit that a lot of the humor did go over my head at the time, but I do recall seeing 'Charley's Aunt' at the theatre. It is one play that I hope to catch again as I am sure it will be humorous on an entirely different level now that I am older.

The suggestion from your mentor was a bit of a surprise. That whole bit about finding a suitable wife being practically a job requirement seems so mercenary, doesn't it? I will, of course, acknowledge that I probably have a highly romanticized notion of love and no real knowledge of an actual working marriage as my mother never took any matrimonial vows. But still, marrying simply to advance one's career or, as some of the young ladies here aspire, to bear children seems to be missing out on what I have hopes for. After all, children eventually grow up and leave the home. Careers are eventually retired from. Then all you are left with is a person that you joined with for a purpose that no longer exists.

For myself, I think I shall be looking for someone that I enjoy the company of foremost and let the rest come as it will. My mother enjoyed many things, but she was often so lonely. I do not want to follow in her footsteps. It might sound silly and perhaps it is, but I want someone that I could enjoy growing old with. I try not to voice that around here however. My views are regarded as quite unrealistic and childish. Well, if it is childish, then childish I shall simply have to be. I do not care to think of my personal life in terms of business transactions.

On to a pleasanter topic, I have discovered that some of the kitchen staff are from Italy and I think you hit on a wonderful idea. I wrangled permission to have a pair of the ladies assist in tutoring me in - not language, but cooking. However, once that permission was gained, I requested them to only speak to me in Italian. It might be wishful thinking, but I do believe my brain is being to wrap itself around the nuances more readily now. A few more weeks and I shall know for sure.

I will warn you now that I plan on enlisting your aid in a couple of years in regards to my darling Ermengarde. She is bright, but not exceedingly clever. From the way she speaks of the ideal life of her dreams, she will need to be paired with a gentle natured older man who desires a well-run, peaceful home. The type of man who wants a wife that is constantly in society, throwing and attending parties? The sort would make the poor girl into a nervous wreck, I fear. And I find I am growing far too fond of Emengarde to allow that to happen. I almost feel as if she is a younger sister of a sort - which is quite odd as she is my elder in years. Still, she seems fragile in a way that makes me feel quite protective of her. Especially when Lavinia and the others of her set tease the poor dear.

As to Uncle William's feelings toward Ermengarde, they are returned by her ten-fold. How such an affectionate creature as herself sprang from her father is a mystery. I have met the man twice now and have yet to meet the fish that didn't have more personality than Lord Breckenridge.

Congratulations to Mister Stagg and his young lady. Will you be one of those standing for your friend when he takes his vows? Weddings during the winter months seem quite sensible. Most of the clothing people tend to wear to such events would likely be stifling during the heat of summer.

Yours always,

Millicent



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Comments

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

Another insightful letter into Millicents hopes and dreams...little did she know she'd already met the man she would grow old with and all at such a young age to boot.