Richard Cooper's 2nd Letter to Lillian

Dearest Lillian,

I think I know why you will not marry me. I am very sorry, but I will not stand in your way.

Your friend, Evelyn Woodward, was escorting some of her students to Mexico City, and she suggested that I accompany the group. I did not think at first that this was the right thing to do. It felt too much like I was spying on you. But, she assured me that this was not the case, saying that I would provide respectability and, if necessary, some measure of protection. I allowed myself to be convinced.

I apologize for this. I truly did not intend to retrace your steps or search your past. But, I found myself asking people I met if they had seen you during your own trip.

I met a woman in Mexico City named Elena Alcatruz. She remembered you well, and remembered the man she saw you with, Josh Winters. She remembers him with some regret, actually. She liked him a great deal, but she said that he only had eyes for you, and that you made it clear that you were smitten with him. She said that you tried too hard to be witty and bright and part of the night life of the city, something I found hard to believe. I have never you seen you trying to hard, or in any way awkward or lacking poise.

But then, as you tried to tell me, you do not love me. You love him. Like Miss Alcatruz, I must accept this. She did not want to come between you and Josh Winters.

I do not want to do that either. If you love your musician, then by all means, marry him with my blessing. I wish you only the best.

All my love,

Richard