The 'Correspondence' Affair #14 - December 4, 1912 (Alexander to Millicent)

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From : Edzell, Scotland

December 4, 1912

I am perhaps sending this a bit early, but I decided that I would rather you receive your Christmas gift early than late. I have a decent feel for about how long letters take now, but parcels are a different beast altogether. Just something from the Persian Gulf marketplace Lawrence and I explored.

Coincidentally enough, Lawrence also ventured the opinion that he would likely enjoy meeting with you. He considers most females under the age of fifty to be a waste of time in social conversation circles, but did concede that anyone able to keep three languages in their head while studying two others can hardly be considered to be a bit of fluff intellectually. He has in his time, I suspect, met a few too many of the giggling set.

As to your request to tell you a bit about the area I am in, I am in a small village in the Angus region. I should be surprised if there where over 500 people altogether here. Rather scenic little area though. The remains of an old motte and bailey castle (Edzell Castle, for which the village was named) are nearby and seem to be considered a nice place for a picnic. Not this time of year, of course.

While your mother's fear of knee-deep snows would only apply to a mouse (at least currently), it does get light very late and dark very early here this time of year. I am told it is quite the opposite during summer and one has to put heavy drapes over the windows in those months to get decent sleep.

I don't recall if I mentioned it in an earlier letter, but I am now getting use from my birthday present from you. The briar has even attracted a few admiring comments from those who know a good bit about pipes. Apparently briar pipes have an excellent reputation and I can see why. I find the pipe case and a tobacco pouch carry better than cigarettes and cigars. For one thing, you don't have to worry about a bit of rough handling.

By the time you receive this, you should, barring mishap be free of your crutch and just in time for your final rehearsals. I believe His Lordship means to try and attend your performance as Puck. I wish you the best of luck and wish I could see it for myself.

Yours most fondly,

Alexander

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