My dear Mattie
It was such a comfort to get your letter. Receiving it was a lovely moment amid difficult days. I hope you are settling well in your job and that the nurses' home is comfortable.
Mei Lin has moved to the Soldier's Hill Hotel, so I am relieved to not have to face her every day in the house. She moved out after only one night and Lucien goes and visits her there every day. I try not to think about what they may do or talk about, but Lucien seems to be trying to get to know her again, and I'm sure in time they will rebuild their marriage.
Rose took a photo of Lucien and Mei Lin by the lake, and it has appeared in The Courier. So now everyone knows his wife is back. Perhaps that is for the best.
Yesterday Lucien tried to speak to me about all this for the first time. He told me I must not think I am losing anything. How can he say that? I have lost everything. I'm wondering if I should look for a new job, perhaps even go and stay with Christopher for a while in Adelaide. I can't carry on as things are at the moment.
I was interested in your question about how Mei Lin got out of China and into Australia. I have no idea, but it is puzzling.
With much love
Jean
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Jean
You are far too lovely for your own good. You are letting Lucien have both you and his wife, and he has to realise he cannot do this. We all know he loves you, you have nothing to lose from making him choose. Don't give in without a fight.
I am sorry to speak so frankly, but I am sure there is more to the reappearance of his wife than meets the eye. If Lucien spent 17 years searching for her, with all the contacts he has, without success, how could she just find him without help, and then turn up unannounced?
Please do not walk away from him or go to Adelaide. I'm sure you would come to regret it. You said to me once that you may not have many more chances for happiness; I have seen that Lucien can make you happy, and you have certainly made him happy. I'm sure that in time this can all be resolved, but you need to make him choose you!
London is getting colder and wetter as winter draws on. I rather wish I was with you as summer approaches at home, to encourage you and help you. I would be having words with Lucien too!
The work here is interesting and I'm learning a great deal. Send my love to Lucien, but send him yours first!
Much love
Mattie
