I can claim fluency only in three; I should apply myself better to the others. We shall both be learning, perhaps.
I can love England for many things, especially now I am come to Germany, and have all of the foul weathers of the north and none of the pleasures of home. There is something to be admired about a walk in an English wood or Scottish moor that even my love of other kinds of wildernesses cannot change. Has Robinswood fine walks? I should like to discover them all. I shall wear sensible shoes.
As for my family, I do find as the holidays near and the spirits that accompany them stir, too, I have found again those feelings in me that wish to be apart of something. The lonely traveler is not, I think, entirely purged, but perhaps she can learn to live in accord with a young woman who has obligations and attachments. I have had a letter from my father, recently, and I lost the whole of the afternoon feeling despondent that I was not there with him in his little annex, tending quietly to the herbs, our hands and faces having as much fill of sun and soil as the plants under our care. The cork tree we planted three years ago is flowering for the first time, as it seems he's finally managed to create native conditions. He hopes I will be home in time to see it, as do I.
Mother amended the end of his letter to write of her own eagerness to see me again, and I was surprised at the tenderness I found in her sentiment. She is more a proud woman than she is warm, and I am sure you will not be surprised to hear my anxiety when it comes to explaining to her my intentionsdesire plans to see you while I am home. I can only hope she will protest more my visiting you in your home than she will to you, though she cannot find good reason for either from my perspective. I have been in far more compromising positions visiting the MacDougal estate.
Egypt has provided you as fine of an experience as Portugal, for you have discovered much about yourself in each place. I am glad for it, and hope soon to have as much aim for my own future self. Next time you go, shall you let me judge the beard before it is gone again?
I am not as discerning at the table as I could be, and like things far sweeter than is entirely healthful. I beg you do not go to any special lengths for me, I would be as happy dining on bread and water if I am in your good company.
Yours,
Padma
27 November 1998
Dear Theodore,
I can claim fluency only in three; I should apply myself better to the others. We shall both be learning, perhaps.
I can love England for many things, especially now I am come to Germany, and have all of the foul weathers of the north and none of the pleasures of home. There is something to be admired about a walk in an English wood or Scottish moor that even my love of other kinds of wildernesses cannot change. Has Robinswood fine walks? I should like to discover them all. I shall wear sensible shoes.
As for my family, I do find as the holidays near and the spirits that accompany them stir, too, I have found again those feelings in me that wish to be apart of something. The lonely traveler is not, I think, entirely purged, but perhaps she can learn to live in accord with a young woman who has obligations and attachments. I have had a letter from my father, recently, and I lost the whole of the afternoon feeling despondent that I was not there with him in his little annex, tending quietly to the herbs, our hands and faces having as much fill of sun and soil as the plants under our care. The cork tree we planted three years ago is flowering for the first time, as it seems he's finally managed to create native conditions. He hopes I will be home in time to see it, as do I.
Mother amended the end of his letter to write of her own eagerness to see me again, and I was surprised at the tenderness I found in her sentiment. She is more a proud woman than she is warm, and I am sure you will not be surprised to hear my anxiety when it comes to explaining to her my intentionsdesire plans to see you while I am home. I can only hope she will protest more my visiting you in your home than she will to you, though she cannot find good reason for either from my perspective. I have been in far more compromising positions visiting the MacDougal estate.
Egypt has provided you as fine of an experience as Portugal, for you have discovered much about yourself in each place. I am glad for it, and hope soon to have as much aim for my own future self. Next time you go, shall you let me judge the beard before it is gone again?
I am not as discerning at the table as I could be, and like things far sweeter than is entirely healthful. I beg you do not go to any special lengths for me, I would be as happy dining on bread and water if I am in your good company.