30 Days - Letter

[felicitygs]

 Dearest Lydia,

 

I was so happy to receive your letter–I thought for certain no one would be willing to speak with me after the scandal, and you turned around and found the address to send and oh what you’ve sent. This means the world to me, dearest. How has everyone been? How is your little Jacob?

 

I’m sure you wish to know how I am–I’m doing well. Life is a little difficult, and I work long hours, but I am glad to be away doing something I enjoy.

 

Regards,

 

Thomas

 

 

Lydia,

 

Boys will be boys. I have a friend here who is a toy maker–I shall see if I can find something for him to replace his broken duck. Perhaps a better duck? I understand if you can’t tell him who it’s from, I know how everyone can be in that town and that you likely have been told not to write at all and simply forget about me.

 

Luke is well, or well as can be. He’s been in a bit of shock, tell the truth; I don’t think he knows what to do without his brother. I know you two did not much like each other, you do not have to ask after him.

 

No, there are no ghosts in this town, really now dear. Just an old wives tale.

 

All my love,

 

Thomas

 

Lydia,

 

Well, that’s very touching of you. Just because we ran away together to be somewhere where people won’t judge us doesn’t mean you suddenly need to pretend interest.

 

All the same, I am grateful you asked. I have been very worried about him since we moved–he’s withdrawn and nervous, and certainly snappish. Yes, I know, you told me he has a short temper, and I don’t regret it a moment. I don’t think the rainy air here agrees with him–you know how he likes the heat–and he’s been more tired of late, but that’s likely just the hours we work.

 

No, we aren’t open about our relationship–I’m not that naive to think this town would accept two men! We’re business partners, dear, and nothing more to anyone outside our home.

 

I imagine he’ll do better once we’ve settled in more, you know he dislikes change. And even with his temper, I can safely say I’ve never been happier.

 

Love,

 

Thomas

 

 

Darling Lydia,

 

Excellent! I’m so happy to hear about Jacob liked his new duck! Truthfully, I’m almost as relieved that it made it one piece, you know how carriers can be sometimes. Do give him my love.

 

Work has finally settled into a routine, thank goodness. No need to work all hours of the night. I’ve attended a few afternoon parties as well, nothing particularly fancy or thrilling, at least not yet, but I have high hopes.

 

Love,

 

Thomas

 

L,

 

A quick note–received an order from Mme. Beliveau, thought you would like to know. Very exciting, isn’t it?

 

 

Lydia,

 

The order is going well. The Mme has impeccable taste, of course, and it’s a pleasure to work on something that will no doubt be seen by a number of society types. Which means more work that we can charge more for, of course. Most wonderful.

 

I am terribly sorry to hear that. Do you need anything? Medicine, money, anything? Do let me know, and I’ll send it to you post haste. I’m sure he’ll be back on his feet in no time at all.

 

How else have things been there? Have things finally settled down?

 

Regards,

 

Thomas

 

Lydia,

 

See? I told you it would not be so long before he was up again. Your husband has always been quite the resilient creature. 

 

Oh, Luke? He’s well.

 

The order is very nearly done, just a few finishing touches. Mme. Beliveau will be receiving it come Friday, and I have high hopes that it will be well received.

 

Thomas

 

 

Lydia,

 

I am not hiding anything from you. Luke is quite well. I’ll address the rest of your letter soon as I can.

 

T.

 

L,

 

Well now you call me a liar as well. 

 

Fine, yes, Luke has not been well. I simply don’t know why he can’t enjoy himself, to tell the truth. Every now and then I see a bit of who he was, but he’s been changing, Lydia, and I’m not sure I much agree with his changes. He’s certainly much more jealous than he ever was before, and more quiet as well. His tongue is silver as ever, but there’s a certain edge to it it certainly never had before.

 

Or maybe it did, and I only never noticed since it wasn’t directed at me.

 

I suspect he’s been worrying himself sick besides, only you know how he is about being what he calls ‘coddled’ and anyone else would call 'looked after.’ Hard to believe that he’s Terrence’s brother sometimes.

 

How is Terrence? Perhaps news of him will help ease some of Luke’s distress; I don’t think he’s received anything from his family since our move.

 

T.

 

 

Dearheart,

 

Luke has fallen quite ill–I should have seen it coming. We got caught out in a downpour on our way back from the theater, and his fever is worryingly high. He’s been restricted to bedrest for the time being.

 

I think more worried that he’s not complaining about the bedrest. You know how he is.

 

Thank you for the news about Terrence; it did cheer him some. I haven’t the faintest why, since Terrence clearly hasn’t really shown any interest in what happened to him, but perhaps it comes of being the second brother. 

 

He also quite liked the tea you sent, says it reminds him of home. I suspect that while I have some claim to part of his heart, that a great deal of it still resides in that scandal ridden town.

 

I suppose I did forget to tell you how Mme. Beliveau liked her piece, didn’t I? I lost it in the rush; it went over very well. We’ve received quite a bit of work, and invitations as well.

 

Did I mention that Luke hasn’t complained once about the bedrest? You know how he loves going out to these events, and yet he hasn’t once insisted going to even one of these–though he has sorted through and insisted a few that I go to.

 

Best wishes,

 

Thomas

 

Lydia,

 

I’m delighted Jacob is doing so well in his studies, and his picture you sent was most excellent. I imagine he’ll be quite talented if he sticks with it. 

 

No real news regarding Luke.

 

As for me, I suppose I am holding well enough. I don’t lack for things to keep me busy, though it does little to ease my worry.

 

Thomas

 

 

Lydia,

 

My apologies for my lack of response. Thank you for what little warning you could send.

 

Luke is alive, though I do not about 'well.’ No matter how sharp his tongue is, he has never been one for conflict, and I think even you will acknowledge this. He and Terrence had quite the falling out, and it doesn’t matter how happy I am that Luke refused to go home with Terrence, he’s been worst than listless since Terrence stormed out. I think we’ll be taking a trip to the seaside, or perhaps further south. Somewhere hot, where he can hopefully at least recover from the last of his fever.

 

Love,

 

Thomas