Lilli's Quest (15 page)

Dear Karl, I've been thinking about one of our conversations before I left. You asked if I might come to London during the Christmas holiday season. If only there were passenger flights available, I would not have to spend so much of our time together at sea!

            
Perhaps winter break, between college semesters, would be a slightly longer period of time, and I could manage a crossing then. What do you think?

I proceed to tell him about my welcome-home party at the Brandts and the bedroom chat with Isabel, Ruth, and Sybil about women's futures after the war. What does he see happening in England now that the troops are home? Will women return en masse to household duties, or will they seek jobs, even professions? I thank him for his offer to “keep an eye” on my sister. Although
we've both acknowledged that Helga does not care for him, it is still reassuring to have someone in occasional contact with her.

I close with more information about next week's camping trip. And, no, I do not and will never tell Karl about my first and last date with Roy! I want to end my letter with affection, not too warm, but warmer than usual.

What shall I say? Cute, modern phrases are not for Karl and me. We have never called each other by pet names. What shall I say, how shall I let him know that I have not abandoned him, that I still see him every day, waving to me in his broad and gracious manner from the boat dock. Then, a thought occurs. I will translate an old-fashioned German phrase that I have always loved. And so I write:

I send thee greetings with my whole heart.

            
Your Lilli