London, September 3, 1902

Time passed rapidly after my recovery. For twenty years Helena and I stayed at what became known as Caedmon Castle. The old earl died, but his heirs had no plans that would call for our eviction. They sold the brewery to the employees and the brew master Heinrich Boll has kept it in continuous operation ever since. For two decades the heirs were satisfied with the income our lease provided – they were getting paid for our maintaining a place they had no other use for. After the disappearance of Adam and Lilith, Helena gained access to what appeared to be unlimited funds. I never discovered the source – perhaps it was old money from the Russian nobility. I had none of my own, but Helena allowed me to preserve my dignity by hiring me as her “associate.” Though I did no particular work she provided me with a modest stipend in addition to room, board, servants, etc, at the castle. We lived during those years as “fine ladies” in an environment of placidity interrupted only by the regular, spirited discussions that took place when Helena presided over the salons.