Work Text:
September 1st 1838
My dearest Thomas,
I do hope that the start of your journey has, thus far, gone according to plan. Captain Yusou sent word that your voyage across the Baltic was successful and he had personally overseen your safe delivery to dry land. My friend, you might have thought to send word back of your travels before undertaking the next stage in your journey. But it is of no matter; I am sure that you shall send word before you begin the next leg of your journey in earnest.
How I envy you. Out there on the high seas, exploring the world, seeing far-flung corners of the continent, while the rest of us remain behind to play our parts. You should make the most of your time out galavanting whilst you still can. Soon enough, you shall have little ones of your own to worry about. I can attest to how much time it takes to care for the little darlings. Heaven knows how one is expected to keep up with all of that boundless energy without the help of an army of governesses and nannies. Yet another reason to be quick in your fortune seeking, if you and Ellen are to have hopes of beginning to catch up with us before little Friedrich arrives.
Things are as to be expected here. Ellen appears to be settling in well with my darling Anna. The girls absolutely adore her. You shall have to hurry back, for I fear they may claim her as their own if you take too long, and they are in need of yet another new governess. The less we speak of that, the better. I should dare say that between my darlings, Clara and Louise, and their mother, the position shall be filled.
One point has been lingering in my thoughts. I do hope our conversation around the little matter of past debts played no part in your acceptance of this position. I shall be most upset if I learn that I have played any part in your insistence on completing such an arduous undertaking. I consider you to be one of my oldest and most certainly dearest friends, and I shall not have something as tedious as money get between us; not when I earn more than enough to support both your family and mine threefold. You know you need only ever ask, and I shall be of assistance.
The shipyard continues on much the same as it always has. If things progress as they are throughout the autumn, I fear I shall have to look into hiring an assistant come the new year. If, perchance, your opportunity with Herr Knock is not as fortuitous as first anticipated, please know that there is always a place awaiting you here. Truly, you would be doing me a favour.
I shall continue to await your missive with much anticipation and excitement.
Most sincerely and affectionately,
Friedrich
P.S. Do remember to write to your Ellen when you have the chance. She has been awaiting the promised daily letters with patience and decorum, both of which I worry may soon wear thin, should you fail to keep your word. She has already given our postal worker the most dreadful fright with her lurking.
September 13th, 1838
My friend,
I am most disappointed to hear no word as of yet on the matter of your good self or your journey. Perhaps there has been an issue with the mail; I can attest to how much precious cargo seems lost at sea with far more frequency than seems reasonable. It is such a shame that your many missives — for surely there must have been many by now — have been amongst the countless riches that have been lost. Although, it does bring into question if you have received any of our letters in return? Your Ellen has persisted in writing to you every day, and I shall freely admit to sending a note or two myself over these past long weeks.
I am sure that you have arrived safely by now, and that your business must be almost concluded. The temptation to allow yourself to linger and to explore the delights that the old world has to offer may be present, but think of your duties here. It can be daunting to undertake so many new responsibilities, but I have the utmost faith in you, my friend.
Not to be a bore, but in regard to your prior concerns on the topic of a new husband requiring new wages, I would urge you to reconsider my offer. It is as I have said before. As far as I am concerned, there is not a penny owed between us; what is money amongst friends? I would much rather celebrate your safe return and have you once more by my side. That is to say, by your Ellen’s side, of course.
Once you have returned, we truly must discuss a new opportunity that has arisen at the yard. I find myself in need of someone with your particular expertise. You cannot be away for such a length of time again in the future; it simply shall not do.
Ellen is as well as to be expected, with the absence of her husband so soon after the two of you were wed. Whilst none of us should wish for you to toss aside this fine opportunity if it is still merely near completion and not yet finished to your satisfaction, you must at least send word of your safe travels.
Patiently yours,
Friedrich
September 23rd, 1838
Thomas,
I must insist that you send word at once. If I have somehow offended you, all I can do is but apologise and beg for your forgiveness. But surely your Ellen deserves no such treatment? I fear that she is rapidly approaching breaking point with your absence. Just this past weekend, she has threatened to leave the safety of the estate to find Herr Knock herself. Unaccompanied. And without an escort! You know I would never speak ill of your choice in bride, my friend, but truly, it was a most unseemly conversation. I fear that a fresh bout of melancholy may soon be upon her, should news of your safe travels not reach us post-haste.
I myself have attempted to speak with Herr Knock thrice since your departure, each time to no avail. You must excuse my language, my friend, but what sort of a bloody slipshod place have you found yourself employed with? I must insist on discussing the matter upon your return. I know that you are reluctant to leave the estate agency business after so many years of hard work and dedication, but a man of your talents is clearly being wasted on the likes of Herr Knock. Accepting the offer of a helping hand from a friend as old and dear as I should never be considered charity, Thomas. I shall not hear a single word about it.
My darling Anna has not been herself as of late. At least the girls still seem in good spirits. It is most troublesome to see how quickly hysteria spreads amongst the fairer sex.
We shall most eagerly await word from you of your impending return.
Ever yours,
Friedrich
October 1st, 1838
For Gods sake Thomas, answer me!
Though it pains me to send troubled news in such a manner, I fear I can withhold the truth from you no longer. It would appear that your Ellen’s melancholy has returned in full bloom. I have called in any number of experts to speak with her about the madness she has been spouting these past days.
Where on earth did you find this girl? Screaming at all hours of the day and night. Thomas, she walked into mine and Anna’s private bedchambers in nought but her nightgown! I fear that if this behaviour is to continue, I cannot in good conscience allow her to be around my girls. They are at such an impressionable young age; who knows the damage it could cause?
You are to hurry back at once. I am beginning to think that something must have happened to you on your journey, for you have been far longer than you should have, even accounting for misfortune and poor weather. No fine house or maidservant is worth this, Thomas. Come home to us.
Were you and I not as close, I should have half a mind to have that woman committed and be done with it. Yet I fear that may damage our friendship in a way which I cannot risk, no matter how great the temptation; it is almost too much to bear.
Heed my warning. I shall give you one final week, Thomas, before I take matters into my own hands.
Yours,
Friedrich
October 7th, 1838
My Lord,
I must sincerely apologise for the unprecedented interruption, but I find myself in dire need of your assistance. I believe my good friend Herr Hutter is, or has recently been, a guest of your household? He was due to arrive to conduct business some weeks ago, and yet no word has been heard of him since his departure.
We fear that misfortune may have befallen him during his journey. His wife is most concerned; the two have not long been wed, and she fears that such a lengthy separation so early on is an ill omen. It would do her heart and my own a great service to hear word of our dear Thomas’s safety.
I eagerly await your response.
With the highest respect,
Friedrich Harding
October 13th, 1838
My dearest, darling Anna,
Words cannot express my regrets for not being able to linger to tell you in person of our departure. I fear that I must make this quick, if we wish to make it to the docks in time.
Thomas has taken ill. His client and generous host has invited Frau Hutter to join Thomas during his recovery. I intend to see his safe return at such a time as he is deemed fit to travel, as per local doctors' recommendations, as well as to escort Frau Hutter to be by his side.
Fear not if word is slow to reach you. I have heard tell that a number of missives have gone missing as of late, and it would not surprise me if my own were amongst their number. I shall write to you along the way, god willing, and upon our safe arrival. Look after our girls. Please, do not worry yourself; I shall be back long before little Friedrich is due.
Ever yours,
Friedrich