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To William Frankenstein,
Thank you for your letter and its expeditious arrival so soon after my correspondence. I understand that my uncle’s passing was one of unforeseen circumstances and though I didn’t wish for his plans to be known to me like this, I nevertheless am grateful to you and your brother’s kindness in my grief.
I admit this is not how I would come to imagine a future engagement, but I trust my uncle’s judgement of your character and based on whatever work it was that preoccupied his time so with your brother, he seemed to have held you both as dear to his heart as he was able - and I would be grateful indeed to meet you!
To my knowledge, it was towards the natural sciences that your brother and my uncle collaborated? I admit, it had been many months since we last spoke or even wrote to each other, and the first I ever heard of it was in the letter you sent me to introduce yourself.
And as you put it there - it was during said collaboration that he also lost his life. I thank our Lord at each prayer that what you told me was the truth and that it was quick and painless, an unfortunate accident with the equipment.
I hope that this loss was not in vain and what they worked towards could still bear fruit. My uncle was himself a surgeon - though from what I understand not nearly as pronounced as your brother - but it is my firm belief that they were working towards something good, and at his death wasn’t in the pursuit of fools as so many men with the means and money are want to do.
Forgive my passionate nature, I merely hope that their work had the sort of meaning that all of man should strive for.
I’m looking forward to meeting you and that it now will be under happier circumstances than an exchange of letters regarding Death.
It warms my heart for you to also ask of my interests and ideals for our meeting. Our convent will certainly be modest in your eyes - as I have come to learn you have both manor and apartments in Europe - but it has been my home for half my life and is dear to my heart.
The cloister has a small garden in which both birds and many insects reside, and if you will permit me I would gladly point out my favourites among them.
I also thank you for sending with this letter the portrait of yourself, such a small gesture indeed and yet it will not make you a complete stranger to me, as I will know your face and character more surely. It is not the most important reason - however - as I firmly believe one's countenance holds little weight compared to one's deeds and heart. No, the reason I am grateful the most, is that the photograph was taken by my uncle, and will now be one of his last belongings I have.
For that you will have my gratitude always.
Best regards,
Elizabeth L. Harlander