1914: In which Alice starts university, Emily celebrates a birthday and a war breaks out in Europe

As a new week starts, so does Alice's new life as a university student. As she settles in, she writes to her sister: 

Dear Anna, 

So now I'm finally here. I have barely settled in, but I already feel at home. It's just as you described it, even Miss Tanner. She's not the friendliest of women, is she? The other girls in the dorm seem nice, and chatty. I can barely read my homework for how much they want to talk all the time. 

My first classes has started, and they're tough but fun. Especially the acting classes! The others are mostly about how to get charisma. I suppose it is something you need at the theatre, but I do wish there were more proper acting lessons. I have yet to start an acting club, but as I get more comfortable, I do intend to start one, just like you said, but I want to settle in properly first. Britechester is so beautiful, I think I will be happy here. 

 Lizzie sends her best. I can't believe my luck that she's here, sleeping in the bed next to me. It's both a source of immense joy and sweet torture. To have her so close and yet so far away. There are times, when she looks at me, that I think my very breath might stop and I dare see a glimmer of a hope that I am not alone in this madness. In this... strangeness that is me. But they are fleeting moments and then I come to my senses again. I know I need to be strong and not give in to these impulses, but value the friendship I have. Pray for my strength my dearest sister, that I might come through the phase that this surely must be. 

 I hope everything is well with you and everyone else. I cannot believe I'm going to miss Thanksgiving with all of you, and Emily's and Frank's birthdays! But I will see you all over Christmas break. I so look forward to it. Give everyone my love. 

Your loving sister, 

Alice

*** Dear Alice, 

 I am so happy to hear from you, and to hear that you are settling in. I will not try to understand what you are feeling or going through, as I have never had any inclination of any romantic feelings. Perhaps you are not the one who are not as you should be, perhaps I am who seems unable to feel any such emotions at all? I will, of course, pray for your strength, but do not worry, you are far stronger than you give yourself credit for, and no matter what do know that I love you for all that you are. Stay focused on your studies, and remember your dream. That is more important than anything else. 

Here things are in chaos, or perhaps it's just me who is and everything is far too ordinary. Did you see the headlines? Of course you did. I cannot believe it! I know the papers has warned about it for months, for years, but those warnings have become so commonplace that I did not actually believe it would happen. War in Europe! Frank and father are certain it will not affect us, but Nathaniel thinks differently. I do not know myself, but I cannot see how we with a good conscience can stay out of it, either. How can anyone? I do not know what to do, but I do know I will have to do something. Perhaps mother's charity club can do something? I know she'd be delighted if I actually got involved. If it can help people, maybe I should. 

 Speaking of helping people, tragedy struck in town. Reverend Hutson died. Mum is so upset. But not only him, but his illness took his wife as well. The children seems safe, for now, but obviously has no where to go. It's not as if anyone will take in both, especially not when both their parents died of illness. I feel so sorry for them. I cannot imagine losing either mother and father, as much as I complain, but both and nearly at the same time too? It's a faith too horrible to contemplate. 

 Everyone sends their love. Emily had her birthday party last night. It went well enough, though she does look a bit tired lately. She says baby Harold is a darling, however and not demanding at all. She was in a good mood, as was Frank for once. I think crisis mode suits him, he got to talk politics and sound important. Oh, I know, I should not speak of our brother like that, but at times it just seems as if he got into politics to hear himself speak. Or maybe it's just my own arrogance talking, because he does not share my views. But seeing what men can do with this world, starting wars that makes women widows and orphans, how can anyone think it right not to allow women to have the vote. Surely we'd make wiser choices? 

 But I will stop boring you with politics, I know it never interested you the way it does me. Thanksgiving will be strange without you, but Christmas is soon, and then we'll be together again. I cannot wait until then. 

Your loving sister, 

Anna