The national flower of South Africa is the Protea
" My dearest Lillian,
We are now in the most heavenly place on earth, except for dear old England of course. Richard has brought us to the newly dedicated game reserve at St Lucia, South Africa. And before you start on at me about the Boers, all is quiet for the time being.
Miss Francesca has confined me to quarters, as she says it is far too hot at this time of year for me to be venturing forth. I do , however, have the most spectacular view from the balcony. A herd of Zebra just wandered passed, and the sunsets!!!
On the journey here, we heard many rumours about the "disruptions" being caused by a young man from India named Gandhi. He has only been here for a few weeks. but is already causing mischief amongst the Indian populace. He is a very striking and charismatic young man, and is trying to bring unity amongst the peoples of South Africa by peaceful protest. Richard has gone off to listen to one of Gandhi's gatherings. He, Richard, is quite taken with his, Gandhi's, words.
Oooow...the baby is getting quite large now, and wriggles around rather a lot. Miss Francesca says "wriggly bottoms are generally boys". I do hope so.
Your hot and bothered friend, Ophelia xxx"
" My darling Ophelia,
I wait with baited breath to hear what Sir Richard makes of this young gentleman's teachings. We have only heard rumours here too, but he seems to be preaching equality for all, which after all, is a God given right. I pray only that his passivity is not met with the bullying tactics of the gun toting Boers....but I will not discuss that topic at this time.
I am much more interested in your goings on. You must be about 7 months gone by now. I can not even imagine what you must look like, or how you are coping with the travelling. Have you seen any elephants yet? Or heard the roar of the lions at sunset? I remember that sound from my childhood, both terrifying and amazingly soothing at the same time. I used to imagine that that was how the voice of God sounded when he was commanding the elements to create this paradise we so plainly named Earth.
Marcus laughs at me when I talk like that...says " she's off with the faeries again". He smiles all the time. I am so glad he came into my life. He has nearly finished the classroom extension to the cottage, and I am to shop for furnishings next week. I already have 3 students booked to start extra tuition in September when the harvest is finished. They will give me something to focus on, while I am worrying about you.
Your ever devoted friend, Lillian xxx"
Enjoy :D XXX