Disclaimer : Ditto.
My very own Queen Anne,
Oh, that I were not bound by these laws of physics and duty, and could defy gravity and every other practical commandment which keep me from flying away to join you in that starry world! Then, I would not have only these paltry words to send you, not have to wait for the post each day, with such impatience, for your letters, not have to see your adored face only in my dreams!(Now do I sound like those heroes you dreamed of , Anne? But such sugary words on paper only serve as fodder for humour; perhaps, I will just reserve the words which express what I truly feel for the time when I can whisper them in your ear… surely you have some idea of what I will say, Anne?)
As you know, I go to the roof to read your letters – the racket that the fellows kick up would never let me focus on your words, otherwise – and just now, a beautiful tawny brown owl flew past – and I wished that I could ask it to carry my letter to you - wouldn't that be more romantic than sending it by the dreary medium of the post office? (Even if it's more reliable!) How sad it seems sometimes, that all our ideas of romance have to be so thwarted by practical considerations! And yet, I think I can satisfy my Anne's longing for romance – if not by poetry and serenades under her window, if not by pretty flowers and prettier speeches – by guarding her every secret, by trying to fulfil her every whim, by assuaging her every fear, by cherishing her every smile, through all that we will face in the years to come! Romance is - the laughter shared over remembered jokes, the quiet understanding of each other's thoughts, the acceptance of each other's weaknesses and pride in our strengths – and yes, Anne, comfort – that you belong to me as much as I belong to you – and that NO one can have a greater claim on you than me. There's a possessive nature for you!
When I had decided upon this profession as the most worthy way in which I could help my fellow man, and do my bit to remove as much of sorrow from this world as I could, I had never thought that I would need support myself, Anne. Yet, when I see the extent of people's suffering, the pain and grief of those who lose their loved ones - I despair, thinking of the thousands, elsewhere, without even hope of medical help – and it seems hopeless to think that I can do any good – how can one ever hope to conquer a problem of this magnitude? It is only when I think of you, that I can shake off those despondent thoughts, as in the words of Shakespeare, "But if the while I think on thee, dear friend, All losses are restor'd and sorrows end", for, the reminder of your faith in me never fails to bolster my determination and raise my spirits – as you are my greatest strength, dear love.
Ever since I read your letter about those two children of our future, I have found myself being haunted by them, too, Anne. Those dreams are sweeter, and the hopes more earnest - that we may protect them from all harm, and nurture them with our love and that I may strive to be a better man, to never lose the trust of those young minds and you. Do you remember all those theories we had about handling our students at school? Those ideas seem so foolish now – life can never be lived following a rulebook. We will make mistakes and I wish, I pray that they will not prove heavy, but all that we do will only be prompted by love, so maybe, that will be enough. For, though pain exists, so does the healing power of acceptance and forgiveness, and with you beside me, I am certain that our house WILL be the perfect 'home 'o dreams'!
If I could will time to go faster, I would – but alas! We mere mortals must abide by the rules of nature, and follow Duty, though she is a harsh mistress – and I console myself with the thought that this wait, though intolerable, will only bring greater joy in the future – for don't they say, that distance brings hearts closer, and though patience is bitter, it's fruits are the sweetest? (I have waited for you for so long, dearest, that the knowledge that you love me is enough to take the bitter edge off this separation.)
This humble servant seeks to assure you that by the grace of your kind prayers, his health is in the finest state, and he wants nothing more in the world except your continued good regard and wellbeing. (I'm sure this is how Aunt Chatty's grandfather would have expressed himself, Anne-girl!)
Till the day I make you mine and beyond,
I will remain only YOUR own,
Gilbert Blythe.
A/N: I had planned this fic to be a one-shot, but I started hearing Gilbert in my head, and HAD to put in his letter! ;) A Happy Valentine's week to all - love and let love! ^_^
wildchild7 :Thanks for reviewing!I'm glad you enjoyed it. :)
Tinka1: I'm glad you thought it was authentic. :)