LGB
Hope Valley
November 2, 1918
My Dearest Elizabeth,
I am so glad you liked the idea of creating a journal out of our letters to one another. I love to talk to you and tell you all that I feel for you, but there is something about capturing some of this in our journal that gives me great pleasure. Maybe it speaks to permanence, whereas life can be so fleeting. I may not be a gifted writer like you are, but Elizabeth whatever I write, while it may not be eloquent, it is truly sincere and heartfelt.
I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed these past few days. All of the preparation for Halloween was so special to me. As you know, I want more than anything the chance to have a family to share all these special moments with, and you have been so gracious to let me feel a part of yours. Someday very soon, I hope we get the chance to discuss plans for our future…for our family.
The pumpkin carving was quite the endeavor; as I confessed to you already, I haven't ever carved one myself. I think I did myself proud as Jack seemed delighted at the funny faces I carved. I think we made enough jack-o-lanterns for the entire string of row houses.
My birthday is coming up in a week, and while I normally don't really think about it, I was wondering if you might consider a special birthday weekend away with me. I was thinking that we could take a trip into Union City and take in a motion picture and have a festive dinner there. I would like us to take Jack if you think he is up to a trip. I think we can have a grand time, the three of us. Of course, I would get a suite for you and Jack and a room for myself. You can think of Jack as a kind of chaperone, because Elizabeth my darling it is getting harder and harder to keep to propriety. I think the trip to UC might be a perfect opportunity for us to talk about our future without the distractions of our everyday lives. Please say you will join me for a birthday weekend!
Union City holds so many fond memories for me; the trip we took for the Virginia Woolf event was so special. Let me tell you darling, I know we were to go as friends, but I don't think friends have the thoughts I did that weekend. I tried my best, but believe me when I turned and saw you standing in that dress, I was so stunned I could barely breathe. I was so dazzled by your beauty and sweet smile I couldn't help but think that I had to do everything possible to win your heart. Dear Elizabeth by then you had already captured mine.
So, our trip to UC will hold so many reminders of the last one, but this one will be infinitely better because now we go as a true couple, and if we have Jack with us then we go as a family. That has been my heart's desire for so long now. To be a family and to share the rest of our time on this earth loving one another. I promise you that Jack is already deeply rooted in my heart and should we be blessed with more children, then I will love and care for all of you with everything that I am. Not a day will pass that you do not know for certain that you are my precious treasures.
My dearest, please let me know what you think of the birthday weekend. There will not be time for a letter back, so as soon as you get this letter come find me and let me know. I have gone ahead and made reservations for us since the weekend is fast approaching, but I will cancel them if you wish us to make other plans.
I adore you my dear Elizabeth. I look forward to our horseback ride tomorrow morning. You fill me with such joy when we ride together. Your laughter is enough to make my heart sing. How did I get this lucky?
Je t'aime ma chérie,
Lucas