The 'Correspondence' Affair #40 - April 21, 1914 (Millicent to Alexander)

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From : Aqaba

April 21, 1914

My dearest Alexander,

First off, let me send a repeat of the birthday wishes that I sent last night. I hope this new year treats you well and that you continue to enjoy good health and happiness. I started to say that I hoped this year would treat you kindly, but I have the feeling that these are less than kindly times

I do hope the address this came from is not too upsetting. Circumstances rather spiraled a bit in a way that is a bit too complex to go into in a simple letter. On the positive side, it does seem that the assurances of my safety in the region were correct even if they were not correct that Lawrence would be here at the same time as I was. He had already departed for Carchemesh before my arrival. Indeed, I am fairly positive from speaking with the locals that he was never even informed that I was coming. While I would feel a great deal more at ease if Lawrence actually were here, that is rather like wishing for any number of other things I might like, but cannot have.

Needless to say, I am being forced to increase my knowledge of the local languages rather quickly, so it is a good thing that I am a quick study. I have also taken up the hobby of landscape painting. I have found it to be very useful for calming my mind and I also find I can do other things while painting. As I am not striving for museum quality, I just let my hand and eye wander off while my brain and I ponder other things - even if nothing more serious than what I shall have for tea. One of my instructors at school mentioned once that when she was a slip of a girl herself, she painted on china. I suppose the advantage to canvas is that one needn't worry so much about breakage.

I shouldn't bother sending anything to me at this address as I have no inkling yet of how long I shall be here. I was promised that I wouldn't be kept from the school long, however as other statements have proved less than accurate, I am taking promises now with a grain of salt. Truthfully, more like a pound of salt.

Regardless, I look forward to seeing whatever letters and postcards that you have sent to me when I return to the school. Considering how I worry about you, I realize it is quite foolish to ask you not to worry about me, but at least know that I shan't take foolish chances if they can be avoided. I think I shall send along a couple of the paintings that I have completed. While I might not paint with great talent, perhaps enthusiasm makes up for that lack somewhat.

All of my love,

Millicent

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