30 June, 1871
Darling Beloved,
I cannot express my gratitude to you for what further information you provided me with over dinner last night concerning Miss Daaé and her mysterious teacher. Perhaps I can use this to convince Raoul that he is headed down a foolhardy path, although it seem that perhaps Miss Daaé is truly the foolhardy one. To be consorting unchaperoned in any way with a strange man can be forever damaging to a young girl's reputation. However, I will agree that she is rather, well, naïve to say the least.
It seems to me, darling, that the time has come for the two of us to take a trip to the sea. Perhaps you would care to join me for a week at the de Chagny estate at Calais? The summer weather is perfect for the trip. Although it is supposed to be a business trip for me, it will easily get dull if I have no one to keep me company. Raoul is not in the least interested: all his time in the navy has made him want to stay inland (though I doubt he would be much company if he did come). You, however, would assuredly keep me well entertained for the duration of my stay there. Ergo, I most humbly entreat you to come as my special guest.
Before I end this letter: Did I chance to leave my pocket watch at your apartment last night? Upon my getting dressed this morning, I discovered that it was not with my things, and I could not think of anywhere else where it might have been mislaid. It is the gold one, with the engraving, that my father gave my on my twenty-first birthday. If you would be so kind as to check for me, I think I may have dropped it by the small table in the sitting room.
I eagerly await you replies to my inquiries, as I eagerly await any word from you. Ever yours, etc.
Comte Philippe de Chagny
