Note: I finally updated this. Sorry it took so long; I think I was suffering some writer's block, which will probably increase the next chapter. Anyway, here you go! I'd like to thank my dear beta reader Queen Su, for the last time, as she will no longer be able to do it. Thank your for all your work and support!

The Person Inside: Life of Queen Susan The Gentle Chapter 14 - Letters From America

"Letter for you Susan," Peter said, entering her room, and throwing an envelope at her. She didn't bother reprimanding him at the moment; she was more interested in the letter. Susan grabbed it, and picked up a hairpin from her dresser. She glanced at the address, and grinned when she who it was from. Celia and Mark Wilkinson. She slid the hairpin in the envelope to open it, and pulled two sheets of paper out. One was from Celia and one was written in Mark's handwriting. Susan decided to read Celia's note first.

Dear Susan,

You are a dear friend you know. I was glad to get the good news in your last letter. It sounds like you had a perfectly splendid trip back. I know I've said it many times, but your family sounds simply delightful. How I wish I could meet them! For now, I guess I must be content by just writing you and imagining your brothers and sister. Did I mention I wanted to meet them? Of course, I did…

I've been feeling a bit ill lately. I won't bore you with the particulars, but mother insists I rest. I'm sure it will pass quickly.

A couple weeks ago, dad, Mark, and I went camping. The outdoors can be a grand, adventurous place! It was gorgeous. We saw waterfalls, meadows, and I even spotted a baby fawn. I even go to go swim in a cold lake. It was great fun, although Mark succeded in dunking me under. That's a boy for you! I suppose I'm boring you with my prattle, but it was so lovely. The rushing river, the light glittering in the sunlight… it made me feel like I was in one of those fairytales. I could go on about it forever, but I don't have that much time.

Mark is ever at my call now, treating me as if I were a glass figure. I think it is quite sweet, but don't tell him that. Wait, here he is now, he says I must eat. I will write you soon!

Ever you true, loving friend,

Celia

Susan smiled as she read. A knock sounded on her open door, and she looked up to see Lucy. The younger girl gestured towards the letter.

"May I read it?" she asked, for she was very curious about these American siblings. Susan tossed her the letter, and the girl sat down on her sister's bed to read. Susan opened Mark's letter.

Hello Su,

Celia is asleep, so I thought I would take advangate of the quiet house and sit down to write you a little note. I suppose my sister has told you of her sickness. She thinks nothing of it, but mother is not so sure. I've been taking care of her and constantly watching that she take it easy. Aren't I amazing? All right, I was joking there. I do care about her though.

I enjoyed reading about your siblings. I think Peter and I would be great friends. The way you describe him, he sounds like a strong, neat person. You make him sound as if he was a king, but of course, the King of England is George the Sixth. Besides, Peter is only sixteen, so he couldn't be King unless his father died…well if his father were a king.

Susan shook her head, laughing as she read. Mark was so funny. If he only knew.

Am I confusing you? Oh well, I'm confusing myself, I must admit. What a strange case I am.

Well, anyway, we went on a camping trip with good 'ol dad and I caught several large fish! And an angry sister. It just so happened that I had to pull her out of the water after dunking her. Of course, Celia didn't think it was funny at all, and she even told me so! That's a girl for you, can't have any fun. But you're different, right Su?

Ah well, my grouchy, helpless little sister will soon awake. Fare thee well Lady Susan. And please fare me well too, for I think I shall need the assurance!

Your friend,

Mark.

Susan gave the letter to Lucy and she listened with satisfaction as the girl giggled every now and again.

"Will you write replies?" she asked. Susan nodded, sitting at her desk. She took out two sheets of paper, and began with the one whose letter she had read first.

Dear Celia…