http://avirra.livejournal.com/ (![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png)
avirra.livejournal.com) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
section7mfu2015-01-09 05:00 am
avirra.livejournal.com) wrote in section7mfu2015-01-09 05:00 am
The 'Correspondence' Affair #49 - September 15, 1914 (Millicent to Alexander)
From : Thun, Switzerland
September 15, 1914
My dearest Alexander,
Things are growing evermore chaotic here at the school. I do not know what past circumstances might have occurred during the younger days of our headmistress, but she seems almost dangerously obsessed with the notion that military forces might take over our area. While I will admit a little preparedness in case of an emergency is wise, she is taking everything to an extreme that is not doing any good for the more nervous of the girls attending here.
One of our older instructors here, Miss Nanina, is taking what one of the other girls refers to as a 'what happens, happens' attitude. She pays attention, yet doesn't dwell on what she cannot alter herself. I'm torn a bit. On one hand, that does seem rather sensible. On the other hand, it seems too passive. I suppose that is more due to my own temperament than any fault in Miss Nanina's stance.
In our history class, it was pointed out that when English forces engage with enemy forces on the continent, it will be the first time that English forces have done so since the Battle of Waterloo ninety-nine years ago. That one turned out well for our forces and I hope that precedent continues.
I suppose that the first engagement between forces has most likely already occurred and news of it simply has not reached us. I am not sure whether the time it takes for news to travel is a blessing or a curse. Good news coming quicker would certainly be welcomed, but would bad news doing the same be equally welcome? It isn't as if the news will change regardless of the time it takes to reach its destination.
Of course, as soon as I write that, I recall Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet where the speed of bad news and the lagging of good news causes the deaths of three people, including Romeo and Juliet themselves. So I suppose that even though that is a rather dramatic example of the consequences, the speed can indeed make a difference.
I hope you are well wherever you are when this letter finds its' way to you. If there is anything that you or your fellows might find that you need or want, please let me know and I will do whatever I can. While I might not be a miracle worker by any stretch of imagination, I do flatter myself into thinking that I can be a rather determined individual when I put my mind to a task. Or in my mother's less flattering terms, stubborn.
Ermengarde sends her good wishes to you as well reminds me that she and I have organ practice to attend. I have no hopes to become an organist (or desire to, might I add), but I do want to get past this class, so wish me luck. I am certain my instructress will wish for a thick pair of earmuffs - I can manage to carry a tune well while singing, but my fingers and keyboards seem to work at cross-purposes.
All my love always,
Millicent
September 15, 1914
My dearest Alexander,
Things are growing evermore chaotic here at the school. I do not know what past circumstances might have occurred during the younger days of our headmistress, but she seems almost dangerously obsessed with the notion that military forces might take over our area. While I will admit a little preparedness in case of an emergency is wise, she is taking everything to an extreme that is not doing any good for the more nervous of the girls attending here.
One of our older instructors here, Miss Nanina, is taking what one of the other girls refers to as a 'what happens, happens' attitude. She pays attention, yet doesn't dwell on what she cannot alter herself. I'm torn a bit. On one hand, that does seem rather sensible. On the other hand, it seems too passive. I suppose that is more due to my own temperament than any fault in Miss Nanina's stance.
In our history class, it was pointed out that when English forces engage with enemy forces on the continent, it will be the first time that English forces have done so since the Battle of Waterloo ninety-nine years ago. That one turned out well for our forces and I hope that precedent continues.
I suppose that the first engagement between forces has most likely already occurred and news of it simply has not reached us. I am not sure whether the time it takes for news to travel is a blessing or a curse. Good news coming quicker would certainly be welcomed, but would bad news doing the same be equally welcome? It isn't as if the news will change regardless of the time it takes to reach its destination.
Of course, as soon as I write that, I recall Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet where the speed of bad news and the lagging of good news causes the deaths of three people, including Romeo and Juliet themselves. So I suppose that even though that is a rather dramatic example of the consequences, the speed can indeed make a difference.
I hope you are well wherever you are when this letter finds its' way to you. If there is anything that you or your fellows might find that you need or want, please let me know and I will do whatever I can. While I might not be a miracle worker by any stretch of imagination, I do flatter myself into thinking that I can be a rather determined individual when I put my mind to a task. Or in my mother's less flattering terms, stubborn.
Ermengarde sends her good wishes to you as well reminds me that she and I have organ practice to attend. I have no hopes to become an organist (or desire to, might I add), but I do want to get past this class, so wish me luck. I am certain my instructress will wish for a thick pair of earmuffs - I can manage to carry a tune well while singing, but my fingers and keyboards seem to work at cross-purposes.
All my love always,
Millicent
no subject