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Dear Audrey,
I’m not sure why I’m writing to you. I am sat in my office trying to go over the latest Cavendish figures. It’s gone eight o’clock in the evening and all I can think about is the way I left things with you.
Before all the trouble at Cavendish I had thought we were getting on rather well. At the time I didn't have any reason not to think I would be in the position where I had to leave Grantleigh. But I did and now everything feels different.
I know you will understand me when I tell you that selling grant was the only course of action open to me. I had to fight with everything I had to remain chairman of Cavendish Foods. It wasn’t only my pride that wouldn’t allow me to give in to the board, it was a deep sense of possession that told me I must take them on and hold on to my company. The company I had built from nothing.
I know you had the same feelings when you lost the estate. What I hadn’t thought of was that I would feel that way about Grantleigh too.
I have only been back in London two days and already I find myself longing for the clean air of Somerset. To walk the grounds of Grantleigh. This may come as a surprise to you, but I also yearn to get on my horse and ride across the fields.
It doesn’t make any sense does it?
It shouldn’t even be possible for someone who never thought living in the country was for him to want to be back there as much as I do. But that is how I feel. I look back on the years I spent living at Grantleigh and although it wasn’t perfect it was the place I had most felt at home in my entire life.
I know what you are thinking and yes, I do like my London Flat. It’s plenty big enough for mother and I but there is one thing that always made life better for me at Grantleigh and that was you.
I know we had our disagreements and you didn’t like how I was did things some of the time. But we both only wanted what was best for the estate and I came to enjoy the sparring between us. I hope in the end you came to view me as a friend.
Why am I telling you all this in a letter you may ask instead of telephoning you?
The truth is I don’t know. There is so much I want to say to you but I’m not sure how and writing to you seemed the best way.
I understand if you don’t write back. I just wanted you to know that I will always cherish the time we spent together and if you are ever in London, please come and see me and mother. It would be wonderful to see you again.
Affectionately Yours
Richard