Chapter Text
22 August 1831
My dearest, Lucy:
I don’t understand.
Just last week I was with you and Johanna and I didn’t think the world could get any brighter. But now I’m here, sitting in a hot and dim cell in Australia and I’m apart from the ones I cherish most. I don’t understand at all.
I don’t understand what I’ve done wrong…I’m an innocent man, as you know. I don’t know how The Judge could just, send me away without a trial. I don’t know WHY he would want to send me away…For he also knows I’m an innocent man. I’ve never done anything to him…Is he really that vile to send me away over the fact that you don’t love him back? I don’t understand this.
To tell you the truth Lucy, I’m terribly frightened. I’m frightened of what will happen to you while I’m away. Powerful vultures seek your hand and I’m powerless to protect you. You are a strong woman though, and you have Nellie by your side as well. I’m sure you two will be fine without me…
I fear for myself too, however. I don’t know what trumped up charges Judge Turpin put upon me but they sound severe. It sounds like it’ll be a while until I get out. If I even get out at all...
I don’t understand why I’m here. But I want to be home…with you, with Johanna, but I’m not. I might never be home with you again. But I can’t give up hope yet. Surely this is all just some bad dream that I’ll wake up from and I’ll find you in my arms, smiling that beautiful smile of yours, right? A man can dream…
I love you, I miss you, and I hope to see you again soon.
With love,
Benjamin Barker