Letter from Robert to Mademoiselle Reisz

Dear Mademoiselle Reisz, 

I hope you are well. I am too. 

I have arrived in Mexico City. Although I left fairly abruptly there was a reason for this. I do not owe an explanation to anyone but I believe and trust that you should be one of the few who knows. Over the past few years I have developed a special affection for Mrs. Pontellier. I felt somewhat chained to my emotions. I realise she is married and even though I sense there is some disconnect between the two of them I feel as though I am in no place to get in the middle of the two of them. For this reason, I thought it would be better to leave, not only for their sake but also for the sake of my mental wellbeing. 

I have spent the past days thinking of Mrs. Pontellier. When I wake up in the morning, during breakfast, lunch and dinner, when I go to sleep, while I’m out with friends. I often long for her presence. I feel the need for our candid conversations. I am aware that there is only so much I can do now. I can’t write to her in fear of Mr. Pontellier having access to it and creating an even bigger problem for their already troubled relationship. So I ask you: have you seen Mrs. Pontellier? How is she looking? Our day will come, as Mrs. Pontellier says. 

I will leave it here for now but before I say farewell please promise me that if Mrs. Pontellier should call upon you, play for her that Impromptu of Chopin’s, my favourite. I heard it a day or two ago, but not às you play it. I should like to know how it affects her. 

Best regards,

Robert