Andrew Makepeace Ladd III and Melissa Gardner, both born to wealth and
position, are childhood friends whose lifelong correspondence begins
with birthday party thank-you notes and summer camp postcards.
Romantically attached, they continue to exchange letters through the
boarding school and college years—where Andy goes on to excel at Yale
and law school, while Melissa flunks out of a series of “good
schools.” While Andy is off at war Melissa marries, but her attachment
to Andy remains strong and she continues to keep in touch as he marries,
becomes a successful attorney, gets involved in politics and,
eventually, is elected to the U.S. Senate. Meanwhile, her marriage in
tatters, Melissa dabbles in art and gigolos, drinks more than she
should, and becomes estranged from her children. Eventually she and Andy
do become involved in a brief affair, but it is really too late for both
of them. However Andy’s last letter, written to her mother after
Melissa’s untimely death, makes it eloquently clear how much they
really meant, and gave to, each other over the years—physically apart,
perhaps, but spiritually as close as only true lovers can be.