section7mfu | The 'Correspondence' Affair #39 - March 7, 1914 (Alexander to Millicent)

From : Belfast, Ireland

March 7, 1914

My darling Millicent,

As you will note from the address, I am now currently in Ireland to take care of a bit of business. You might be interested to hear that I watched the launch of the sister-ship of the Titanic on February 26. I certainly hope the RMS Britannic has better luck on the seas.

I have heard through channels that Lawrence is involved in the sort of activity you were drawn into before. There is always a chance that you might be drawn into such things again yourself. Please do pay attention to your instincts. If something feels dodgy to you, trust the feeling and avoid it. While I know most of the work is important, some of the people over the projects play too loose with lives for my liking.

On to pleasanter topics. I did receive the package you sent and have it safely tucked away until my birthday arrives. I am happy that you enjoyed the bracelet. I was also glad to hear that you have made use of the postcard album. I know that postcards are not very good substitutes for a letter, but at times, they are the best I can manage.

I have never been able to watch much in the way of figure skating, but I imagine you would be quite good at anything you truly set your mind to. You have quickness and a sense of balance that would likely be in keeping with that sport. It was nice that your school was able to find a field trip fairly 'close to home'. Traveling the continent with a gaggle of young just doesn't seem very safe with the current tensions.

As far as Lavinia goes, I would advise you to avoid her, but I know that you already make every effort to do so as far as the confines of a school environment allow. It has been my general experience that when someone goes so far out of their way to be unpleasant that it is usually quite personal. It might be possible that she feels that you are in a place above what your station in life should be - which is, of course, a ridiculous thought. Frankly, I think it more likely that she is envious of you - a high possibility with your intellect and appearance. Try and keep an eye on her. If she thinks you are reaching beyond your station, she is likely to be petty. If it is jealousy? Well, again, it has been my experience that jealousy makes both men and women vindictive.

I join you in the hope that it will not be as long between visits for us. Your boarding school is a bit out off of the beaten track, so to speak. Were you closer to either London or Paris, visits would be more frequent. But you have less than four years remaining at school and less than three with Lavinia. You may well be the only one looking as forward to her graduation as she is. Speaking of graduation, have you given any thought as to where you might settle once you are of age?

I have been working on this after supper and I suppose I should finish it now so that it can go out with the morning post. Do try and keep an even keel, my dear. I look forward to your next letter.

Yours as always.

Alexander