Victor –
I do hope you forgive me for skipping formalities in my response to your most recent letter. I have read it over again and again in order to figure out my feelings towards the subject. I confess that, initially, I burst into tears at the first reading. Surely, Victor, you understand my pain? I have spent the entirety of my life believing that one day you and I would be betrothed, therefore I have never considered the possibility of anything else. How could I? You were correct, many tears have fallen from my face as I have ruminated on your most recent letter. It seems as if I have had the experience of every negative emotion humanly possible: pain, fear, anger, sadness. I confess, in the first moments of reading your letter, I thought nothing but unkind thoughts for you.
But dear Victor, I have allowed myself many days to think about your words. I find myself agreeing with you more and more with every memory of our childhood that floats back to the surface. We are not blood, my cousin, and yet I too cannot see past the veil of family. Just as you have come to see me as your sister, I believe that I can only see you as my brother. And, sharing your sentiment, I have no desire to marry my brother. Presently, I have decided that I did not desire to marry you either. It is a bit saddening, is it not? Your parents, the wonderful and benevolent Frankensteins, had taught us to love one another. But, Victor, have we ever truly loved each other beyond family? I certainly do not believe so. You were correct; in realizing that you do not wish to marry me, you have set both I and yourself free. I feel as if I could sprout wings.
Just as you have requested, I have informed your father, Alphonse, about your decision. Unfortunately, but not unexpectedly, he is quite unhappy about this news. Is it not understandable, though? It is what he, along with you and I, has believed would happen for many years. I do believe that he will come to accept this news by Christmas, just as you have hoped. Truly, cousin, I thank you for the honesty you have granted to me. I am thrilled to see you at Christmas, along with Henry Clerval. Send my kindest regards to him as well, assuming that he is still visiting you when my letter arrives.
– Elizabeth Lavenza
November 20th, 17–
YOU ARE READING
He Calls Forth the Better Feelings of my Heart
Fanfic-- I am posting this here, but originally I published it on AO3. I will now be posting it on both websites. -- Victor Frankenstein realizes that he never loved Elizabeth romantically. After this realization, he begins to spend more time with his fri...
