Topic: Better Late

Everett Ogden

Date: 2007-09-21 21:42 EST
A stack of letters wrapped in twine arrived at the Lanesborough. Each one was individually addressed, sealed carefully in an envelope. Each bore the same obsessively tidy script. There was no telling what the delay had been in the delivery; there had no doubt been some great snafu communicating across lines of space and time, from one world and one era to the next. All the same, the letters came.

Everett Ogden

Date: 2007-09-21 21:43 EST
Gideon,

I suspect the first that thou mayst note of this letter is the quaver which I cannot keep from the lines of my letters. This night it is not a thing of fear, nor excitement, nor illness nor weariness, rather it is simply that I cannot find a still moment on this ship that will enable me to write clearly. In this moment, my humors are balanced and I steal a little bit of peace.

The days are long, and as I have suspected, quite full of illness. I fear that my trousers shall be too loose to wear without a belt within a matter of days, but such is the way of things. The sea and I never were meant to be compatriots.

I wonder how the strange home I left behind me doth treat thee in my absence. I think often on it, and most days, I find that I long powerfully to simply demand the ship turn about and bear me home. It is folly, I know what must be done and I shall not turn back in the face of petty reservations. I have been misused, as have my kin, and I shall not stand idly and allow everything to wither and fall, not without singing of the truth to those who may or may not be inclined to believe it.

For the strength thou hast leant me, I am most grateful. It is indeed my greatest wish that I should return it to thee with a smile and my gratitude when I take the arduous return journey to that land beyond the pale, the place that finds me better than any, and still knows me not. I hope to amend the latter once this sorry business is done.

This candle burns down, to disappear to nothing soon. Know that I think on thee fondly and pray that thou art well. Until the morrow, adieu my friend.

With my warmest regard,

E

Everett Ogden

Date: 2007-09-21 21:43 EST
Gideon,

We are soon to make landfall. Ahead of me are days of travel ere I return to Warwick and learn in what manner I shall be regarded by my kin. In my heart of hearts, I believe, as I must, that my beloved family will embrace me again and that they will know the truth of it as they see it from my eyes. However, it doth not escape me that this simply may not be so. I must think upon what I shall do if I am no longer to be accepted as my father?s son. This prospect strikes fear into me, but it is one that I must recognize.

I know that when I see Anne in her sorry state, I am like to feel naught but my roiling rage and the impotent grief that has compelled me to make this wild journey. I know that if I can temper these emotions with something like patience, things shall progress in a far better fashion for me. I pray I am not too hasty with my tongue, and yet I pray that nor shall I be timid in my truths.

Selfishly, I wish that thou were with me, that I might take comfort in thy good company. Strangely, I also find some relief in the fact that thou shalt not see me in so sorry a state. My pride doth demand that I save some face yet, and that I face these things on my own, as a man. Know that I think on thee, that I worry for thee, and that I, in my own way, still pray that thou art well. How fervently I pray for this?

E

Everett Ogden

Date: 2007-09-21 21:44 EST
Gideon,

I have arrived in Warwick. The letter that I sent ahead to my brother Christopher hath been well received by him, if not is wife. I am invited to stay, at least for a bit. He doth seem, to my surprise and relief, at least willing to hear me out and wait and see. I am to sleep here and assist on their farm until the time arrives for me to meet with Anne, John, and the rest of my family.

Though he is fearful of speaking out against her, fearful of what John may say, he seems to think that there is something disingenuous about Anne. It is the reason that I think he is open to my words, and my tale. It is so good to be with him. His wife doth think of me as a wretch and a coward, a maker of cuckolds, and still Christopher tells her that I am family and I am to be fed. It doth make me less fearful, and Ruth shall come around soon enough.

E

Everett Ogden

Date: 2007-09-21 21:45 EST
Gideon,

It hath been many a week since I have last put ink to page, and I assure you there is good reason for it. I have shown my face at the farm. My mother was furious, nearly as much as her mother. Anne wept openly, and John well? He struck me, though I cannot fault him. My tongue was too sharp and too cruel, even for her. She stands by her words that the child is mine, even as her belly swells like a ripe summer melon. And I shall need to replace my spectacles.

I think that my father believes me. This is something of a revelation, as I am uncertain that I can recall the last hour when my father put his voice behind mine. My mother will not speak to either of us. These days are dark, and yet my faith is somewhat restored in all of this. My blackened eye speaks differently than my heart, but truly, which is the better organ? Both have long been weak.

How I worry that you are not well. I know that it is difficult to get post from there to here. It is difficult to bring anything. I do wish that you could see me. It would do me well to hear your voice, and your encouragement, my friend. Only time will tell how things shall end, but at least I know that I have tried.

How I have tried.

E