Marguerite placed the letter on her dresser and then removed her boots. For a long time she sat on the end of her bed and stared at the envelope, unsure if she was ready to read its contents. Finally giving in to her peaking curiosity, she stood, took the envelope, and moved to the head of her bed. After making herself comfortable and spending several minutes turning the envelope every way imaginable, Marguerite finally opened it and slowly unfolded the paper within.

My dearest Miss Krux,

As I write this I am reminded of your compassion and how it surprised Challenger. Thank you for giving an old man something to hold onto in a time of need. When we first met I was intrigued by your sophistication and your audacity at joining the expedition to this marvelous Plateau. I'm sure it will astonish you to know that I am aware of at least some of your sacrifices during the Great War. You gave up so much to help so many who may never know what those sacrifices cost you. I will say no more as I know how much you appreciate secrecy.

I am also reminded of how much you and Lord Roxton argue and fight against the feelings you two have for each other. Do not be afraid to trust in him. He is admirably loyal. Don't let his bravado fool you; he is just as afraid as you are.

I know that you are searching for something, anything, to connect you to a family you never knew. I hope that some day you will find it. Until then, trust Challenger, Malone, Veronica, and Roxton to be the family you never had. Do not be afraid to love them as much as I have grown to love you.

Marguerite, you are an amazingly talented lady with the tenacity to beat the odds. I am honored to have you as a friend and equal. I fear I shall miss you the most.

Always and sincerely your friend,

Arthur Summerlee

Marguerite carefully folded the letter and returned it to its envelope. Wiping away the grateful tears she had shed while reading, she searched for a special hiding place to store this treasure. Reaching under the table that served as her nightstand, she gently wiggled out a box that housed a few other mementos that she wanted no one else to know of. She opened the box and quickly placed the envelope on top, then closed the box and returned it to its hiding place.

Once she was sure the letter was secure, she splashed some water on her face and made her way to the door.

As he walked down the hall towards his room, Roxton thought he could hear muffled crying coming from Marguerite's room. He would check on her later once she'd had time to compose herself. First, he would read what Summerlee had written.

Upon entering his room, Roxton made his way over to the window. He gazed out at the jungle for a bit before he opened the envelope.

My dear Roxton,

I find writing this letter to you hardest of all. When first we met I was unsure of what to make of you. Imagine my surprise and pleasure to learn that you were nothing like I had anticipated; sadly I had imagined you to be a somewhat bombastic man-about-town. I'm grateful that you proved me wrong.

I am very sorry for your loss. I know how difficult it must have been for you to loose not only your brother, but your father as well. Your calmness in the face of danger amazes me, as did my discovery that despite the selfish front you put up, you are intensely protective of those you care about. You never fail to put others' safety before your own.. I am thankful that you posses such qualities as loyalty (especially to Challenger), honor, and compassion.

I am very aware of the attraction you and Miss Krux have for each other. I hope that you will prevail with a cooler head and teach her what she fears in you is precisely what she should embrace. Miss Krux is very special to me and I would hate to see her hurt in any way. There is much you do not know about her. Prove to her that her trust in you is not misplaced.

I know of your actions during the Great War and applaud your willingness to sacrifice yourself for the greater good. I am blessed to count you among my friends.

Always and sincerely your friend,

Arthur Summerlee

John closed his eyes for a few seconds to control the flood of emotion threatening to overcome him. Opening his eyes, he folded the letter and placed it back in the envelope. Then he opened a drawer in his dresser, tucked the envelope underneath the clothing, and closed the drawer. Once that was taken care of, Roxton headed out of his room.

With both of their minds elsewhere as they emerged from their rooms and headed for the main room, Marguerite and Roxton bumped into each other.

"I'm sorry. I guess I wasn't watching were I was going," the nobleman spoke first.

"I guess I wasn't looking either. Sorry, John."

"Everything ok?"

"Yes, fine. You?"

"Couldn't be better. Shall we go see if dinner is ready?" Roxton asked, offering his arm.

Marguerite placed her hand on his arm and they continued up the stairs to the living area.

Challenger and Finn had fixed dinner while they had retreated to their rooms. Finn kept her distance from the older woman, unsure if Marguerite was still upset.

Roxton pulled out a chair for Marguerite and then Finn. Challenger and Roxton then both sat down. They ate in silence for a few minutes. The men could tell that Marguerite was trying to work out how to apologize to Finn. Every now and then Marguerite would look at Roxton, hoping he would help her out some how, but to no avail.

Understanding that she was on her own, the linguist took a deep breath, "Finn I…" she started.

"Yes?" the young blonde looked up hopefully.

"I wanted to… What I mean is, I'm sorry I yelled at you earlier. I've had a lot on my mind and you being the way…" Marguerite ventured on.

"It's ok. Challenger kind of explained it to me. I'm sorry I was such a pest last night and this morning," Finn offered, when she realized that Marguerite was having a hard time apologizing.

Marguerite smiled at the newest member of her family. "You know, maybe some day soon you and I should take a trip to the lake, just the two of us."

"I'd like that. I'd like that a lot," Finn responded, smiling.

The End