Come Twilight (74 page)

What I shrew I have become, and a carker, as well. I would not be amazed if you stopped reading before you reached this point. If you are still with me, I must tell you that I miss you, and I would be glad of seeing you at any time, in any place you may select, even in the distant lands of the Silken Empire—where you have gone, although I have not. Choose where you wish to meet and I will find the means to be there. Inspite of the confusion in Roma, I would be delighted to have you with me, and would sacrifice my entertainment here for your company.

With my affection and my—however unwished-for—guardianship,
I sign myself,

Your most enduring, most fond,

Olivia

by my own hand at Roma on the 14
^th
day of September in the Pope’s
year 1133