LGB

Hope Valley

December 19, 1918

My dearest Elizabeth,

I received your letter from the sixteenth which, among other topics, contained your recounting of the evening that you found me in the library after checking on Opal in the infirmary. Like in yours, that night is etched in my memory. I was so in love with you by then, but above all, you were my friend, so I endeavored at all times to be a gentleman and contain my feelings, as I knew you weren't ready to pursue a romantic relationship. When you entered, it only took moments for me to know that something was bothering you. When you asked about my reason for wanting the library, I told you, "Because Hope Valley needs one." But when you continued your questioning, I realized that you were wondering if I might be trying to buy your affection. Of course, at the time, I didn't know what the impetus was for the question. Now that I do, it makes much more sense because I couldn't imagine why you were thinking along those lines.

To tell you the truth, I was hurt by your implication but tried to remain calm and not let you know this. I really and truly donated the building because a town like Hope Valley really should have a library. You didn't at that time know that my background also contributed to my dedication to the library project. But, as friends, I would have hoped that you would take my interest at face value. But, while I didn't do this for you specifically, I will admit that you were the inspiration. You were the one that got my attention on this need, and then I was in a position to make a positive difference in our community and yes, to make you happy, after all, you are my friend. If that gave me an advantage in winning your favor, then I hope you know that it is because it showed you my true nature, not because I wanted to buy your affection.

In understanding your implied accusation, it immediately brought to mind a paragraph from the book "Dangerous Liaisons" that I had just seen earlier on top of the box of books just behind you. In it, a man is similarly accused, by the woman he has fallen in love with, and wants to defend himself. So, I borrowed from his words, two sentences from the following passage:

"Now, I'm not going to deny that I was aware of your beauty. But the point is, this has nothing to do with your beauty. As I got to know you, I began to realize that beauty was the least of your qualities. I became fascinated by your goodness. I was drawn in by it. I didn't understand what was happening to me. And it was only when I began to feel actual, physical pain every time you left the room that it finally dawned on me: I was in love, for the first time in my life. I knew it was hopeless, but that didn't matter to me. And it's not that I want to have you. All I want is to deserve you. Tell me what to do. Show me how to behave. I'll do anything you say."

As I walked towards you, I could see that you didn't realize that I was quoting from a novel rather than professing my feelings for you. As I reached around you to pick up the book, I could tell that you weren't breathing. And as I displayed the book to you, I knew the moment when you grasped the meaning of the situation. I was hurt by your accusation, but a bit amused at that point, so I just re-stated my motive and let you know that it wasn't that I didn't think of you as desirable. That is, "no disrespect" to your beauty. I then left so as not to further complicate the situation and risk telling you more than I knew you were ready to hear.

One of these days, I think it would be interesting to discuss and compare our thoughts and opinions on "DL". It is one of my favorite works of fiction despite my distaste for the content. In part, my interest stems from having read it during a favorite class in French history. As you know, many believe that Laclos wrote the book as a social statement that ties to the French Revolution. Definitely, his portrayal of the depravity of the main characters in his novel, reflects the sorry state of the aristocracy at the time. Regardless of his motives, the book does give us insight into the amoral conduct which, coupled with a lack of regard for the poor and working-class, led to the fall of the aristocracy during the revolution some eight years after publication. I have a great interest in French history in general, and specifically in the French Revolution, as I have ancestors that fought on both sides.

Another aspect of this work that I admire is that I believe, like many, that Laclos is making a moral statement about the consequences of this vile, yes evil, game of seduction carried out by the main protagonists. While the Viscount de Valmont finally finds love, it is too late to save him as he is killed upon the order of his partner in crime, the Marquise de Merteuil. And as for the Marquise, she contracts a disease that disfigures her and in addition, she falls into financial ruin. Other characters, including those that are victims in their game of seduction, also suffer dire consequences. The moral of this story is that debauchery and deception do not pay.

And lastly, from a literary standpoint, I find the format that Laclos used to be a creative genius; a telling of such length all done through letters, 175 in total, between the various characters. It hadn't occurred to me until now, as I write this, that our journal, our "Conversation of the

Heart", is in keeping with Laclos' choice of literary format. A journey very different than ours, but something similar in the manner of the telling.

Despite my appreciation for this work as a literary masterpiece, I do not by any means condone the siliceous behavior of the characters. In fact, I find it quite deplorable. To paraphrase the Daily Review soon after publication (1767), "it is a work of genius and art, but diabolical." I would very much like to hear your thoughts on this and look forward to a literary discussion someday in the future.

I was going to reminisce about our breakfast date but somehow cannot bring myself to put my memories of the lovely morning on the same page as this topic of debauchery. So, I will leave this letter to end here and start another one fresh.

. With love as always,

Your Lucas