04 May, 1890

Miss Forwar,

Few truly selfish people would choose a life of making a difference over one of comfort. I suppose I am selfish for considering your advice, and I have considered it. I'm sure my mother could pull some strings if she needed, or even my sister. But the longer I think about doing so, the sicker I feel. How awful would it be to fail and be the only one in the family who had to rely on nepotism to get a position? I want to succeed on my own.

I'd say I'm the same way. I love to learn, but struggle when I don't like a subject. Are you the same way? What subjects do you enjoy most?

Yours,
Nelson Bide

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4th May 1890

Mr. Bide –

That you want to succeed on your own speaks very highly of your character, I hope you know that. Others I've witnessed are often comfortable with resting on their laurels whilst others bend over backwards to try and make ends meet. I say this as a woman from a family relatively well off.

I would have to say my most favorite class is Potions. I'm rather good at it and I often tutor my younger sister. It isn't a class but I adore music, and I'm not ashamed to say I'm rather good at that as well — even more so than most of your average debutantes. Again, any subject I excel in is one that is undoubtedly a favorite of mine. I know that's rather boastful, but I find I seldom find myself in an environment where one can be this shameless. I do hope you'll forgive the bragging. And yourself?

Yours,
Alyce Forwar

  

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