Dearest Alaya,
I am safe and will be working at the Edinburgh School of Medicine for Women. As the train came through Scotland I remember our honeymoon, our amazing time together. I hold on to that memory, your face and your cool touch.
I know how difficult is it to stay home. I was mentally prepared to deal with you following me. I will be fine. We know that this is just the beginning and we shall survive, if we stay the course.
Tell me, has Mother Vastra found her tea?
I live in a military dormitory with three other women. There is a table in the middle, a fireplace and two large windows to a cobble-stone courtyard. The first night I could not find a peaceful position to sleep, I miss your coolness. So in the middle of the night I rotated my bed against the wall, the wall was cool. It is a poor substitution and I finally did fall asleep.
I have three room-mates, but I must confess I do not want to make any close friends or allies. I want to keep to my books, do the expected work and come home. I become accustom to associate with strong independent women, two are crying every night. It is annoying.
On my first day it was twelve hours with paperwork, reading policy and sitting through lectures all in a wool itchy uniform. I miss my cricket outfit.
Tell Mother Vastra I found a private area for my morning exercises. With each move I close my eyes and imagine our gymnasium, I find peace. I will attempt to wake up at six to exercise, this way I know at least we are doing something together.
When you write Louisa and Flora tell them thank you, Doctor Elsie Inglis has been quite helpful and I am treading carefully. Elsie is a personality no match for Vastra.
All my work here will transfer to the London School of Medicine for Women, which means none of my education is on hold. Doctor Inglis has asked many questions about Flora and Louisa, too many for me to wonder if there was a previous relationship. I believe she was in a relationship with Flora.
In fact, Doctor Inglis offered to volunteered with Louisa and Flora. Louisa rejected her because "they had enough volunteers". I suspect a ruse to keep a friendly distance. Now Doctor Inglis is raising funds for her own military hospitals. I will keep you updated.
The lunch Mother Jenny packed I have carefully rationed everything, especially the sweets. I shall hold off until my heart can handle the tastes of home, I started to eat a custard pie when my eyes flooded with tears. Maybe you are right, I should quit medicine and go into dramatics, I would be home with you.
I have five minutes before the post goes out. I will write again soon.
Your Fiona
PS York is halfway between London and Edinburgh which is about four hours by train.