The 'Correspondence' Affair #30 - August 16, 1913 (Millicent to Alexander)

[avirra.livejournal.com]

From : Thun, Switzerland

August 16, 1913

My dearest Alexander,

Remind me never to wager on the paths life might lead one one. What a difference and in less than a year's time. Lord William is livid and I daresay that had the trust not already been established, my mother's things would likely have been 'lost' again.

I do not know that I want to know how you arranged for one of Her Majesty's ladies in waiting to assume wardship over myself, but I am grateful. When I say Lord William was livid, I do mean that he did arrive here in person and was most unpleasant. Had the letter not already been received by the headmistress informing her of my alteration in status, I daresay it would have been far more unpleasant. He informed me that he expected me to keep the promises made between us when I turned of age and I reminded him that, while I did not argue with him, neither had I made any promises nor was I likely to so commit myself. I did believe for a moment that he was about to be stricken with apoplexy. I cannot say I had ever seen anyone's face turn that shade of purple before.

My testing went well enough, I suppose. Not the marks I would have preferred, but despite my long trip, I managed to be at the level expected for my age in all subjects. In retrospect, I think I shall considered the life lessons gain to have been worth more than the class room instruction lost. I can catch up on the class room part, after all.

I am pleased that Lawrence speaks well of me, but the language part of that is truly very little to my credit and more to the discredit of those who have not picked up more. There is, I think a large difference between not caring to learn and refusing to learn. As far as the canoe incident is concerned? If that was his intent, it served him right.

Did the two of you enjoy your time together? I know it must have been brief as he was trying to cram a great many things into his visit before returning to Carchemish. Considering the date, I suppose he is already back there or preparing to leave. I don't believe he will ever be able to settle down into a more normal life in the English countryside. Or even a city. Some are born with a wandering foot, as my mother would say. I believe he is one of those.

Speaking of learning, the digs around Carchemish that I was taken to see are fascinating. Should you have an opportunity to view them when there is not war looming, I recommend. Interesting as it was, I am glad to have been out of the region before hostilities broke out again.

As expected, Ermengarde has been a bit of a leech, though she was highly disappointed when she came to understand that Lord William is unlikely to come by again. She has not had a kind history with men in her life, poor dear.

That brings in mind a question I wanted to ask. I find that I know little to nothing about your family. If you wouldn't mind, would you tell me a bit more about them? I am embarrassed to say that I am not even sure whether or not you have siblings beyond a fake French one.

Stay well and, as always, my thoughts go with you.

Always yours,

Millicent

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Comments

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

Ah, establishing the troubles to come no doubt, with Lord William.