December 25

My dearest sister - you might wonder why a person like me would fall into the very clutches of darkness and evil. Is it fate itself? Was I forced to? Was it my own decision to say yes? Or my unconscious self? I do not perceive why. But I can tell you, I have a motive to let myself be engaged into the side which I stand now at the moment. It is not for power nor is it for glory, but to help and make others understand. In truth, I stand alone, for I stand on neither side unless you consider my side to be a side. You see, I find that enmity is something which cannot be avoided. With even the sweetest kindest soul, you can only have a limit to amiableness. As mortals, one cannot have a like for all for then there will not be such thing as goodness. And that is why I speak these thoughts at this very moment. I only do what I think is right, which is coaxing them into understanding. Indeed Him is evil and yes, I do agree wholeheartedly with you. But to fight will only make Him move to even deeper darkness and so will good slide left towards the darkness once they find what he truly has been through. The only reason I have stepped onto his train is to amend what he has done wrong, to make him understand what truly life is. Although, I may fall under total darkness, I can only tell you that I do this for what my knowledge has led me to conclude. It is only I who can help him comprehend, for it is only I who knows his history. I know I am risking much including my existence, but I must, for then he might be killed as an innocent creature. I have forbidden myself now to turn back as I have led Him to discover some of my deepest darkest thoughts. Once again, I reassure you on this subject, he has not the slightest idea of what my likes are for him. I know I have made a bad decision, but merely so he will not come conscious to my true intentions, influencing him to comprehend what good is. I cannot turn back on my word now, or wouldn’t I be received into the most lethal dead end? You must not stop me now. I will return to London soon, I promise, but first this dilemma must be resolved. Promise me now that if ever someone asks for me do not speak of my locations. Soon, my friend, soon, I will return with joyful news. Give my regards to Alfred. And a merry Christmas to you and everyone else.

With much love,
Artie

A reply:

December 31

My cherished sister - hope you had a wonderful Christmas over there. I have told Alfred of the comings and goings between you and life at Drakesheath. Not certain parts as you have forewarned me from your previous letters. He says with much sarcasm that he is astounded at a young lady like you to be able to live quite well at that forsaken place. I could not help myself but laugh and mention it in this letter. We are finally now engaged and as happy and healthy as ever. All that is missing is you now. I knew I should have sent Alfred with you, but you just wouldn’t agree with my nagging. Next time when you, my dear sister, go out into the world yourself I will find some way to force you to bring along Alfred for your own safety. My dear sister, you just never admit your true troubles, and I just ought to find a way to unlock your mind. Well, I hope you will be able to safe from that evil man or creature or whatever he may be. I am certainly disappointed that you will not be able to join us for the coming spring parties, but I am sure you will come to enjoy yourself at Drakesheath. Well, it is time to go. Alfred is expecting me outside in the carriage any minute now. Dear sister, I leave you now.

Your sister,
Elinor