Margaret de Beaumont to Giles De Braose

[Margaret de Beaumont]

To the most learned scholar of the d'Aubignies, master of languages and of mercy, greetings!

Your renown as a scholar and a keeper of wisdom is legendary throughout the realm. As such, I am curious if you will be attending the coming coronation as I shall be. I wish greatly to be acquainted with you and other scholars you may know that are as of yet undiscovered by the assembled peerage. For does not the Blessed St Anselm of Canterbury say, "I long to understand in some degree thy truth, which my heart believes and loves"? As that same Saint did seek to understand some small portion of the world that He has given us, so too do I seek to understand what I may.

And while you may say "You are but a woman, why do you care to seek knowledge for yourself?" I say two things. First, I say it is not for myself that I seek knowledge, but for my Fathers, both in heaven and on earth, and for myself, so stay yourself some little while. Second, I say that I am but following in the footsteps of St. Paula who did assist St. Jerome in translating the Holy words of God Himself to Latin that it might more successfully convert the sinful to his ways. Did not the Prophet, Isaiah, say "Tremble, you ladies of leisure; tremble, you daughters of complacency". Therefore, I seek wisdom and knowledge to better serve the Glory God rather than any base earthly desire.

If these letters shall pass any response you make while on the crossing to the coronation, I shall put it down to simple mischance, a well-intended task put to the side for the tasks of the day and begrudge it not. But make you no mistake, I will converse with you should you be so tasked as to be unable to respond.

I look forward to meeting a like-minded personage and to expanding my knowledge and wisdom of God's world.

By the grace of God, I remain,
Margaret de Beaumont.

[Giles de Braose]

Lady Beaumont,

It is a pleasure beyond words to receive a missive from one so enlightened and educated as you show yourself to be in your correspondence. It seems Our Lord Father has seen fit to bless you with a curious mind thirsty for knowledge, and a simple man such as I can hardly question his infinite wisdom in this decision, so I say embrace the gift he has given you.

Saint Augustine told us - "I learned most, not from those who taught me but from those who talked with me." Accordingly I look forward to expanding both of our minds at the coronation, at a time and place conducive and appropriate to our standings and reputations. I regret to say however, that I am unfamiliar with most of the guest list, although my brother informs me Marie de France will be in attendance, but perhaps we may discover some new, great thinker of our generation, either apart or together.

Please pass on my best wishes and deep affection to your family,

A kindred spirit,
Giles de Braose