section7mfu | The 'Correspondence' Affair #29 - July 2, 1913 (Alexander to Millicent) (Reply)

((Author's note : I goofed up something and my scheduled post for Monday didn't post as planned, so this is the one that should have been Monday's. Friday's will hopefully post in the morning as it should))

From : London, England

July 2, 1913

My dearest Millicent,

I have spent the morning with Lawrence and he warned me that I might be waiting a week or so before you will have the breathing room to sit down and write something that is not school related. I was puzzled at first, but then I recalled that you have your next examinations in just over a month and have two months worth of work to catch up on before that time. If you are able to take the time to read this, please do not feel that you need to write anything back. Wait until after your exams are over and then write when you can draw a decent breath again.

I must say that you made quite the impression on Lawrence. He says you learned more Arabic in that short amount of time than some who had been there for over a year. I am sure that intellectual curiosity of your made all the difference. The others are likely quite capable but lack the desire. Fond as I am of our homeland, it does seem a bit pompous to expect everyone else to learn our language. Especially in the cases of the languages that pre-date English.

Lawrence also made note that you were absolutely fearless. I do not think that he actually expected you to agree to get into that canoe with him. To tell the truth, from his tone when he was telling the story, I believe he hadn't intended to go out on the swollen river, but when you took him up on his offer of a ride, he couldn't very well back down then, could he? I likely find that far more amusing than I should as you could both have been hurt, but since it is past and you are both well, I don't suppose laughter at him essentially tricking himself is too amiss.

By the by, Lawrence told me of the service that you provided and said that you did an absolutely splendid job. I understand now why you hesitated to write about it. I would actually advise that neither of us write directly about it. Simply seems prudent not to commit some things to paper.

While I know you were quite capable of doing what was required and doing it well, that does not keep me from being cross that His Lordship put you into such a position in such a volatile region. The two of you barely made it out of the region before war broke out again as I know you are aware. His Lordship and I had a few words - and most of them were barely civil.

If the things I have tried to set into motion succeed, you will likely be receiving what I hope will be good news before long. I simply no longer have any faith that His Lordship will put your welfare ahead of his concerns. He actually helped my project himself, though I am quite sure such was not his intent. His Lordship made mention of his intent to wed you to a pair of highly unsympathetic ears that have a rather gossipy mouth attached to them. The timing could not have been more advantageous had I planned it so.

Back in France, in what seems now like another lifetime, you gave me your trust. I ask that you continue to trust in me and that I will do all that I am able to ensure your welfare.

Yours as always,

Alexander

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