Liana
Almost five days now.
Did I know that the quiet girl I befriended on the fields during target practice would become such a dear friend? Of course not. But I am ever so glad we did. I know you will say we are being dramatic, but I feel like we never told you how important you are to us, and it is high time we did. Your absence is taking its toll, on Edmund more than anyone else. Peter seemed the least attached, and yet he is always asking for news of you. Of course, he may just miss your quieting presence in the solar after dinner. Lucy is sad, but she spends her free time in the Houses looking after your patients and feels a connection with you in that way, I suppose. I drift here and there, so forgive me if this letter is longer than it should be since I feel the need to speak to you of all that is on my mind.
Edmund has dark circles under his eyes, and his movements are mechanical. He will eat what I put in front of him, he will sleep for a few hours at night because I send guards to take away his candles so he cannot read, but he is up before dawn every day and slaving away until sunrise, writing letters and signing papers and doing everything he always does. But, Liana, there is no energy in his movements, and that worries me. I know he loves you, and I know you love him, but I did not imagine his affection ran this deep. Every second he is thinking of you, I know it, and this unknown disease that you are battling in the theoretical sense is worrying him more and more. I cannot bear to see my brother in pain, and it is for this reason that I entreat you to be careful and return to us healthy and hearty. Edmund would never forgive us or himself, and perhaps not even you, if any harm were to come to you. Please, Liana, stay safe and look after yourself. I cannot bear the thought of losing you, and I don't believe Edmund is able to even entertain such thoughts right now.
I do not mean to make you worry or feel guilty for his state. He is emotional and has always been this way, so I have no doubt that once you are back he will be as he always was, though is it too soon to say that we will soon have a cause to be full of joy, perhaps sooner rather than later? I don't want to alarm you, but please know that nothing would be closer to my heart, should you come to such a decision. For now, I merely wish you good luck and pray for your safe return.
Your friend
Susan