Edmund to Peter, or
BellatrixTheStar to SouthwestExpat
Dearest Brother,
I don't know what our sisters have been writing, but I assure you, I have not lost my senses to violence even once. As much as living with that record stinker Eustace gets on my nerves, not in the least because we're staying in his house and so it won't go well for me if I start something, it's not nearly enough to make me start throwing punches. Even though he torments both Lucy and I, his own relations, without any sense of shame and my anger is justified, I have not lost my sense of reason. I know how to be civil, as much as it might pain me.
Lucy mentioned that Su said she'd talk to you about my temper. I know Su can be very motherly, doubtless a trait picked up from our time away from Mother and Father, but in this case she is not here. To be blunt; if you're going to reprimand me for something, take it from a witness, not second hand. I am certainly not perfect, but I was not called Just because I lost my head whenever someone annoyed me. Honestly, I'm a little hurt that you think I would.
Rereading this, I feel like I was harsher than your comments warrented and I apologise. I did not mean to be so defensive. And certainly everything you listed in your letter was true. I'm happy for your concern as I know it means you care. And you're right; he may be an ass, but he's no traitor! I'll try my best to represent Aslan well to our poor misguided cousin. Who knows, maybe he'll decide to quit tormenting me if I'm nice? He's quite possibly allergic. Whoops, yes okay, I see what you and Lucy mean. I'll do better.
Anyway, our dearest relatives went out to dinner with a family friend, so Lucy and I enjoyed a quiet house for the first time in weeks. Lu went out as soon as they left and bought some meat to go with the vegetables Aunt Roberta had left us! We had a delicious dinner and played a riveting game of cards afterwards. It was a close thing and I almost won, however it's hard to beat someone if they have the upper hand. But I guess that's just the way things were dealt. Ah well, I'll win next time!
Lucy sends her love, and give the Professor our deepest regards. And good luck with your studies! From what you've said, I'm jolly glad I'm not preparing for an exam right now.
Lots of love,
Edmund
P.S. Lucy just read this over and said I'm being too harsh. If that is the case, I'm really sorry! I admit I was a little annoyed at the time, and now I've had some time to cool off I can see how it might read that way, even if I did have some justification. I'll send this anyway, if only because I do want you to know how I felt and I don't have time to write another one if I want to catch the post. Bother! I wish I could talk to you in person!