The 'Correspondence' Affair #32 - September 30, 1913 (Millicent to Alexander)

[avirra.livejournal.com]

From : Thun, Switzerland

September 30, 1913

My dearest Alexander,

We are told that the second Balkan war has ended now, but the tone with which our instructor mentioned that fact seemed to imply that the ending of the second might be as short-lived as the ending of the first. The staff from the areas near that region aren't trying to go home – they are trying to bring their families here to them. I don't believe anyone would take that as an encouraging sign for lasting peace in the region. I do hope Lawrence is careful.

I hate to say this, but there was a bit of an incident last week when the dragonfly pin that you lent me went missing for a short time. I say short time because do believe that I harried everyone within listening range endlessly until it was found. I was grateful that I had left it in the head mistress's care for that time while I was away. Because of that, she knew the piece on sight as well as I did.

It was finally found in the possession of Lavinia's maid. Yes – Lavinia is one of those few that actually has a maid of her own here. Or rather, had. I have my doubts as to whether that young woman was actually responsible for the theft or not, but the head mistress made Lavinia choose between dismissing the maid at once or being expelled. She is also not allowed to retain a new maid until after the New Year. They might have to give in on that last stipulation. Otherwise both Lavinia's hair and clothing will look a fright. In just the last week, the change has been startling. I think this has been her first experience with having to get dressed without any assistance in her life. As for taking care of her clothing? I doubt she would recognize a hanger. There is a laundry staff here at the school, of course, so she won't come totally undone, I suppose. The same could not be said for her hair.

Regardless of who may have had it, it is back safe with me and the headmistress has done me the favor of having a safety box set aside for my usage so that I may keep it and my other things I prefer untouched away from certain hands, while still being able to access them myself. Your letters to me are going to be going in there as well. I could swear some of them are not as I had them.

I found reading of your family to be very interesting. I did not realize all of your immediate family is gone as well. Possibly I should have guessed as you have been so understanding and supportive in helping me deal with my own grief. I suppose it is one of those circumstances where experience is a thorough, but harsh teacher.

I do look forward to hearing about the rest of your family. For now though, I send my continued wishes for your safe travels. I do not believe a day goes by that you do not pass through my thoughts.

Always yours,

Millicent


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#31

Comments

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

It would be an interesting thing for Millicent to encounter Lavinia in their later years....would love to be a fly on the wall for that. Am thoroughly enjoying re-reading this series and with out a doubt it ranks up there as one of my favorites.

[avirra.livejournal.com]

I'm going to have to revisit Lavinia as an adult one of these days - I can't imagine she and Millicent will get along any better as women than they did as young ladies.

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

I think them meeting up as adults could make for some interesting incidents as they'll no longer be restrained by school rules etc. Me-owww...a cat fight of sorts? lol.