20Given that the producers aren't likely to backpedal and show us what happened in Vienna, I thought I'd take it upon myself to have a bit of fun with Julia's journey of self-discovery.
Disclaimer: Now I guess CBC owns Murdoch rather than CITY-TV … either way, I've got nothing to do with it.
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January 23, 1900
Dearest William,
I'm still on board the Ruritania and will post this when we dock in Plymouth, two days hence. I hadn't intended to put pen to paper so soon, but I confess the voyage has been stultifying thus far, with little to do except brush up on my German. Given the frigid temperatures, even strolling the desk is an unappetizing proposition. I miss you terribly.
As we've drawn closer to European shores, I've become apprehensive about meeting Dr. Freud. His reputation precedes him, and while our initial contact was encouraging, as I re-read his letter of invitation, I worry that he did not take me very seriously – being from the colonies, and a woman at that. He may indeed be shocked to have me turn up on his doorstep! But I haven't come all this distance to be denied, so I shall just have to persuade him that I am a genuine student of psychoanalysis. Wish me luck.
Ruby had some contacts in Vienna who have found me a small apartment to rent, within walking distance of Freud's workplace. I'm looking forward to once again having a floor that doesn't move. Even better, I'm told there is a little bakery down the street which makes delicious pastries, so I shall not starve!
Don't fret, my darling. Vienna is quite civilized and should be very safe for a woman alone. If I should run into difficulty, you know I will not be shy about engaging the assistance of the local constabulary!
No-one in Vienna, however (or anywhere else), could ever take your place in my heart.
Your Julia.
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January 26, 1900
Dearest William,
There's time for a quick note while I'm on the train from Plymouth to Hull today. I just wanted to let you know how much you're in my thoughts.
I'm to board a ferry from Hull tomorrow, which will take me to Rotterdam. It's supposed to be a fairly short crossing, just a few hours. Then by train for the final leg of the journey to Austria, from the lowlands to the Alps in the space of a day! The Dutch trains are supposed to be very quick and efficient, but I have heard horror stories of them losing luggage, so I shall have to keep a close eye on my trunks. Not that there is much in them at present, as it has been so cold I'm wearing almost every stitch of clothing I have brought with me. Thankfully the carriage I'm in at present has provided coal-filled foot warmers – but I can still see my breath!
Nonetheless, the English countryside is lovely, all covered in hoarfrost. Quite an improvement over the grubby Plymouth docks. I don't have high expectations of Hull, either, from what I've heard, but I shall only be there one night, and I trust there will be no shortage of inns and hotels given the constant traffic from the harbour there.
Will, I know we discussed my plans before I left, but I want to be sure you understand my reasons. Being parted from you so soon after being reunited was never my desire – quite the opposite, in fact. But I hope that by disappearing from Toronto for a while, I can avoid embroiling you (and yes, Darcy as well) in my three-penny scandal, for which you are not at fault. I so deeply regret so many of my choices now, and more than any of them I regret turning my back on you and trying to forge an acceptable future out of an untenable situation. My heart knew better then, and it certainly knows better now. I am more grateful to you than I can express, that you still have room in yours for such a headstrong fool, and I hope we won't be parted for much longer. I intend to return to you a wiser and more honest woman, with every intention of making a life with you should you still wish it.
I will forward you my address once I reach Vienna. Please write to me there, and help me feel your love and support in my new venture. Until we are together again, I remain …
Your Julia.