Love Letters

February 16, 1900

Dear Robert,

As always, I miss you, but I must admit I long for you even more today. Darling, I wish there was a way to celebrate our tenth anniversary together. I can picture you in your uniform tall and more handsome and kissable than ever. Perhaps we'd have a dinner party, or you'd whisk me away for a night at the Ritz. I'd feel your eyes gazing at me all evening and the night your hands would be all over me. In return, I'd kiss you everywhere.

Now I'm certain I've embarrassed you. Perhaps you're stammering to the other soldiers or maybe you knew to read this letter by yourself and are even blushing a bit. Or could you have decided to wait to read the rest of it when you are more composed? Whatever your response, I cannot say I'm sorry for writing it. I do miss you so and wish you to hear my daydreams.

But besides that, I know you are eager to hear news of Downton and our family. Your Papa has hosted another hunt, and you will be pleased the men caught the fox. Mary asked to join them this year, and I had a difficult time telling her no, especially as she such a competent rider. But I believe she is still a bit too young. Fortunately for me, Mama agreed with me (I think that may be a first!) saying that it wasn't proper to allow a lady as young as Mary join the hunt. Nevertheless, she continues to ride better than I ever will.

Edith is doing quite well on the piano. I think she's taken to it better than Mary ever did, and I must admit, her music can be soothing when I've had a difficult day. Sybil is still sweet and wonderfully affectionate, always putting a smile to everyone's face. Mama says I indulge Sybil too much, spending so much time playing with her in the nursery, but I cannot regret the time I spend with our baby.

I do hope you will be able to come home and see all of us soon, darling, but I know how important serving Her Majesty is to you. And I do so love your loyalty. But please don't do anything rash. I've heard some men have died of illnesses as well as wounds, and I wish you to promise you'll take care of yourself.

I love you,

Cora

February 16, 1900

Dear Cora,

I do wish I could be with you today, especially when I know how important celebrating our anniversary is to you. Your beauty and joy when I present you with jewelry or whisk you away for a special holiday to mark this day is imprinted on my mind, darling. I promise you, when I arrive home, we will celebrate as I know you wish.

Things have become more difficult down hear than I have expected but I won't bother you with those details. I will tell you that thinking of you and the girls are what allows me to handle everything. I remember your beautiful face when everything here is ugly. I remember Mary, Edith, and Sybil's cry of "Papa," when I forget who I am. I recall your advice that "things look better in the morning," when I do something I wish I had not.

That being said, South Africa has some very nice landscape. I know you would enjoy the exotic flowers they have here, and I've even seen a giraffe in the distance. Perhaps someday, when this madness is over, you and I can take a holiday to this place.

I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your understanding of me being here, darling. I know you are worried, but you never once told me I couldn't do what I need to do for England.

Someday I will be with you again and say goodnight in our normal manner but until then I say goodnight now.

Love,

Robert