To Gerald Stapleton
In France (is that right, Aluinn? I could correct that...)
From: Stapleton residence, Boscastle, Cornwall

July 13, 1800

Dear Gerry,

I have decided to leave divinity school. I am simply not cut out to be a divinity.
I have been waiting to use that sentence for some time--is it obvious?

Don't try to dissuade me, however; I am writing this for practice in telling people, rather than to get your permission. And I will have told the parents before your return letter will get to me--or to them, for that matter--so you needn't worry that you're being dragged into anything. However, if you do not hear from me again for three weeks or more, I would take it kindly if you'd ask someone to check the attic, where they might decide to detain me until I decide that my greatest desire has always been to stand at a lectern.

Nor am I stepping off a cliff, as it were: as you know, I enjoy writing and languages, and over the last term have begun taking commissions for translations from minor bits of classic literature. Apparently I have a gift, and have earned enough to arrange for a modest flat in London for a space of three months. I fully anticipate having earned more by that point. So you see it is all planned out, and all that remains is ensuring that everything goes perfectly.

I would have made a poor clergyman--pity the congregation that would have made do with the likes of me!--and will be much happier this way. Also, this way you will have a place to stay when you are on leave near London. Which I hope you will be soon.

With Trepidation,
Your Brother (who trusts in your goodwill),
Geoff

To Geoffrey Stapleton
At the Stapleton residence, Bocastle, Cornwall
From: Ireland

November 23, 1800

Geoffrey,

I believe, brother, that whatever makes you happy is what you must do. You are the youngest brother and therefore have no extreme expectations upon your shoulders. I know that mother had high hopes for you as a clergyman, but in honesty I did not see it, though I would never say such in her presence. I pity you for having to break the news to her. If you do not reply to this letter in haste, I shall send word to the appropriate parties that you are prisoner in the attic.

I have never read your writings, beyond this letter you have most recently sent, though I think perhaps I ought to. An older brother ought to be able to offer some constructive criticism do you not think? Although I would be rather bored with translations if they are not of anything exciting, I suppose.

Though, you know brother, you might have enlightened some poor congregation with your exciting grasp of Hebrew and a recent flaw in translation and how it might effect one's eternal soul.

On second thought, yes, pity the congregation who might have had you as their flock leader.

Once we are finished in Ireland, I suppose we will come back to London, if only shortly. There has been murmurs of trouble in the East and I have an inkling we might be sent somewhere rather exotic. It is quite exciting and I rather look forward to the experience, truth be told.

Thank you for your letter, it has offered me a break in what has seemed a rather painful task here in Ireland, to think of a more peaceful place in England is a moment to be cherished.

Your brother (in whom you might always trust to have goodwill),
Gerry

To Geoffrey Stapleton
At the Stapleton residence, Bocastle, Cornwall
From: Portugal

September 7th, 1801

Geoffrey,

I have received news most recently that I thought I might have found distressing but instead found rather lifted a weight from my soul. I doubt if you recall my fondness for a young Miss Melinda Parks, but I did have a flame for the gel. She told me she would wait for me to return from the service, that we might marry once I had returned for I had no means to keep a wife at twenty years of age. Perhaps you do recall, perhaps not; at any rate, I have recently received word of her engagement to a Mr. Baxter.

I am sure I do not know who Mr. Baxter is, however, it seems he has snatched my future bride from me. This is the news to which I referred at the beginning of this note, brother, that the woman I thought might be wed to me in a few years time has actually wed another. I thought, when I first began to read the letter, that I ought to be rather distressed and distraught. However, as I read on and finally reached the end of the letter- sent to me by James Havurst, if you recall I attended Eton with him- I found myself feeling quite relieved.

This all might be of no consequence to you, however I felt the need to tell someone else and request to know what you think of the situation. I have sent my regards to Mr. Baxter and Miss Parks, an honest and heartfelt congratulations on their nuptials. Perhaps I was never meant for such things; I find the army far more interesting than marriage seems. Now I will be able to continue in the service, with no dire need to end my employment in the near future.

I do hope you are well and that your writing is providing a well enough living for you in London.

Your brother,
Gerald