My Dearest Fiona,

You are not easily replaced, the hot water bottle leaked on to the bed. I had to move to the drawing-room and slept near the fireplace to keep warm. Come home soon, I need my personal hot water bottle. Besides, you replaced me with a plastered wall!

Mother Vastra is taking great pride in mother Jenny's skills. I have never doubted my mothers' love and support of each other.

Being detective is very satisfying. I shall share stories, if there are any exciting to share. Mostly I sleuth theft and stupidity. I have conflicted desires: one for 'our London' to be safe and the other for me to have juicy crime to investigate. For now I will carry on and be ever diligent.

Thank you for advice on Mr Gardner's daughters. Miss Alice Gardner is quite good with sums and accounting, we hired her directly. Miss Shaw and Miss Gardner became friends immediately. Which pleases me, I need my employees happy. I can't stop the war but at least when they work their minds can take a vacation from the loneliness, stress and even the loss of the war.

When I was at NNYU my Professor Snyder would, once a month, have an open office for students to gather for casual conversation - he called it "shooting the breeze". What do you think? Have such socialization with the women of the shop or is that too intimate?

I must wear the perception device while I am out of the house. Mother Vastra and I have developed headaches after the device is active longer than five hours. We learned to take breaks every four hours and turn off the device in private. I use the station loo, it is most embarrassing just sit on the cold seat waiting for my body to recover. I believe my Commanding Officer thinks I have poor bowels. I have started to bring book with me, I can usually read one chapter before turning on the device again. The headaches have subsided. I do carry a spare perception device, for when damage occurs. I appreciate your concern.

I hope the small pouch is suitable. I didn't know how small. I tested it with my picture. Let me know immediately if it is not what you need and I shall send a new one with my next reply.

Three days? That is scandalous.

You chosen sleep over writing, the right decision. You must keep up your health and I understand my love. Take your time in writing. I believe if you must communicate urgently it will come in a form of telegram.

Tonight at dinner I shared your story of Brice and Cadha, we drank a toast in their name. I think of you with my veiled face and my scaled body. Yes, our love is great and we shall never let go.

I will do my best to help you cope with the loneliness.

It was difficult, especially as I sat in my dorm studying while my peers were laughing and playing in the halls. I wanted to join them but I reminded myself this time in NNYU was temporary. I focused on those things that would make my permanent life better. Everything was about something greater, your mother April understood that better than anyone I have ever known.

April knew the future and focused on your survival.

When I felt lonely I thought of my Mother Jenny disowned from her family, living by her wits and completely alone.

When I felt lonely I thought of my Mother Vastra stranded here alone without her family.

My mothers found each other, rescued and love each other ... what greater hope for me to hold to knowing that mother Vastra and Mother Jenny exist in this world. This crappy, hateful world even amazing wonderful things happen ... consider me, look towards yourself and think of us. We are the product of our family's misfortunes, love and ambitions. I would never be a detective without my mothers' influence, you a surgeon without your mother's influence and there would not be a Flint-Saint Clair Clan if our family raised us as the typical timid Victorian woman.

Hold on to hope. Hold on to the love your mother April offered freely. Cast all loneliness aside and make room for an amazing future. We have much to enjoy, many reasons for happiness and above all we have each other. Dare to be brave.

Don't let the loneliness win. You are my Samson girl and you can take it from here.

How is Elise? Will you be sent overseas? They can't force you to go.

I miss you terribly

Your Alaya

PS The tea is safe and secure.