My friends are all men. They may be called gentlemen, but they are not. Our masculine talk is rough and unfit for ladies. And I find myself not interested in the ladies of London.
Yr. Friend,
John MacNaughton.
Do not restrain your language with me, Your Grace. We Scots are a rough, coarse bunch and I myself have been known to use foul language at times. In fact, sometimes I think I should have been a sailor, I have such a tendency to curse.
Yr. Friend,
Helen Boyd.
Have you found the waking hours to read “The Lady of the Lake”? I am anxious to hear what you think of the king in disguise. I will tell you Lady Ellen rejects the king when he makes a suit to her, wanting only to marry the man she loves. Of course, the king is in disguise at the time. Otherwise, perhaps she would have accepted him. But the king, I think, was wise to test her, to see if Lady Ellen wanted him without his crown.
Your mention of being a sailor made me realize you have not asked in your previous letters about our mutual acquaintance, Captain Pike. I know you met him on his trip to Dunmore and again in London. I hope you are still friends and you feel warmly toward him.
Yr. Friend, John.
I am ashamed to admit I still have not read the poem you sent me. I find I am only interested in reading one thing—your letters. I do take the book out every evening with good intentions but do not progress beyond the first few verses. I just think I am not a good reader.
I am a good listener, however. I wish I were a Countess of Kinmarloch from five hundred years ago with a bard to recite stories to me.
And as to Captain Pike, he is a very worthy gentleman and was nothing but generosity itself to me during our acquaintance. I wish him well. Is he well?
Yr. Friend, Helen.
Do not be ashamed! I sent you the book so you would have some amusement. And, yes, so I might hear your thoughts on it. Pure selfishness on my part. I didn’t mean to give you another task. Burn the blasted poem, if you wish!
Captain Pike is well and asks after you. He is worried about the sudden and heavy storms which come in Scotland. He wants to make sure your roof is snug.
Yr. Friend, John.
The roof is tight-fitting on my cottage. There is nary a leak. Please tell Captain Pike to have no concerns. All is well in Kinmarloch.
Yr. Friend, Helen.
In your last letter, you said all is well in Kinmarloch. But you said nothing of your own health. Please tell me if you are you well?
Yr. Friend, John.
You should have no concerns about me, Your Grace. I am well, I am eating well, and the roof is snug.
Yr. Friend, Helen.
You mentioned a Miss Margaret at one time, in one of your letters. Is she well?
And I have realized the cost of replying to my letters must be very high. I do not want to cause expense by asking you to answer me. Will you allow me to pay for the cost of your post?
Yr. Friend, John.
I can afford the cost of the letters. Miss Margaret is very well.
Yr. Friend, Helen.
When our correspondence first began, Captain Pike told me you had hoped for a marriage for yourself soon. Have you had any suitors upon your return to Kinmarloch? Are there any men who have taken your fancy or captured your heart?
Yr. Friend, John.
I have not had a reply from you as quickly as your letters usually come. I hope you are well? And I hope I have not offended you in any way?
