Stephenie Meyer owns all things Twilight; no copyright infringement is intended.
Chapter 21.B
November 29, 1918
Mr. Gregory M. Nash
Chicago, Illinois
Dear Sir:
I am writing to confirm the receipt of your letter, dated September 23rd. I appreciate the lengths to which you went in order to ascertain my whereabouts and assure that I received your information. The recent cessation of fighting and my pending transfer to Paris would have made this task understandably onerous – no apologies are necessary, I assure you. Mr. Nash, I am well aware of your many years of business with my father and am content to leave my financial and legal circumstances in your capable hands. I am certain it would be his wish that I do so. Please note that it is my express desire that my remaining immediate relative, Miss Margaret Stewart, be named as my beneficiary. Though her health remains precarious, I pray daily that she will recover fully from her illness. Until that time, please make any and all necessary arrangements for her comfort and well being. I enclose a letter addressed to Margaret – please do me the kindness of ensuring that she receives it.
Sincerely,
Mr. Edward Anthony Masen
November 29, 1918
Dearest Meggie,
Received a letter today from Father's man, Mr. Nash, telling me... Are you alright? Please be alright... My dear girl, I can hardly write for weeping. How can I ever come home again, Meg? How can I come home, knowing that you needed me, that Mother and Father are gone? The things I've seen here…I think I've lost my soul, Meg. All the goodness and hope has gone out of me. And yesterday, I rested in the thought that it was simply left behind at home, to be put on again like a discarded shirt. But now I see that the whole world has tipped over. Everything is sliding into the abyss. But not you, Meg. You remain, and I need you more than you can possibly fathom. Grow strong for me, Meggie, grow strong and live. Send me word as to your recovery, just as soon as you can. I have a host of books for you to read and promise to read whatever novels you choose, if you'll only write and tell me that you're feeling stronger. Please.
Edward