Peter to Edmund, or
SouthwestExpat to BellatrixtheStar
Dear Edmund,
Susan did not accuse you of doing anything, and it was not my intent to accuse you either. We are concerned for you because we both know how provoking Eustace can be. Constant torment, as you described it, can wear down even a great store of patience. This is the longest any of us have had to endure him, and before now, there have been four of us to take him on – now it's just you and Lucy. Naturally, Susan and I both worry about you both. I'd like to think you'd be worried about me if I were in your position.
You said the Scrubbs had dinner with friends – does Eustace have any he could go bother during the day? On second thought, that's probably not something to encourage – any friends he has would only give him more and worse ideas.
I asked the Professor if he'd ever heard of someone being allergic to kindness, intending it as a joke. But instead of laughing, he became very thoughtful, puffing on his pipe. Then he said that kindness to an enemy can be like heaping coals of fire on his head. I asked him where he had heard that, and he said it's in the Bible.* He didn't say much else about it, but while I dare say the coals are figurative, not literal, you may be speaking truer than you know yet.
As rough as this exam prep is, I'll take it over sharing a room with Eustace. I wish we could talk in person too – I wish there was some way, any way at all, for you and Lucy to stay here with the Professor. But while you might be able to squeeze into my bedroom, there's no place for Lucy to sleep, and we certainly can't leave her alone with Eustace. It's been very wet here, so trying to camp in the garden and letting Lucy have the bedroom is out of the question – we'd both have colds in a week.
Since talking in person isn't possible right now, write to me when you can – always but especially if you need to vent about Eustace. Tell Lucy I'll write her soon. The Professor sends his regards.
All my love,
Peter
*See Proverbs 25:22, Romans 12:20