I always did like dogs!

[Holliday Fudge]

7th August, 1887

My darling Topaz,

My brother, Somersby, showed me yesterday’s paper.

I would have written then, but I did not feel as though I could convey what it was I wanted—needed—to say. After sleeping on the matter, I want for you to know that, first and foremost, your friendship has long been one that I have valued deeply, and that will not change. I mourn deeply that I will not get to exchange whispers with you in the middle of the night, nor come to you with a difficult homework problem, nor see your lovely face each day at breakfast, but in the ways that truly matter, in the depths of my heart, our friendship will not change at all.

I cannot begin to imagine how you must be feeling, and I shall not begrudge you if you decline to respond to me at all. Know only that I remain most ardently your friend, whatever shape that bond might take in the months to come.

With all my love and friendship,

Holliday

@'Topaz Urquart'