Q & A with Andrew Birkin #10

[Liz]

As you read Mr. Birkin’s responses to our questions, please keep in mind that his answers are intended solely for the purpose of our readers. Please do not use his replies or take any quotes from them for any other purpose or post them on any other boards or websites. That was his only caveat when he agreed to participate. I know you all will honor his request!

Had Sylvia lived, do you think they would have eventually married? Was Sylvia “in love” with J.M. Barrie?

AB: I’m absolutely certain Sylvia was never in love with Barrie – “the best friend in the whole world” is how she described him in her Will. And what is friendship but love without its wings? It’s true that Barrie gave her an engagement ring, and maybe she would have married him precisely because he was impotent – i.e. she so loved Arthur that she could never have made physical love with another man, and therefore Barrie was a “safe” option – and a marriage would have guaranteed legal security for her boys..... But this is all supposition on my part....

[scarlett]

Ah. So Mr. Birkin's supposition agrees with ours on this point. Just as their friendship appeared to be a mutally beneficial, I suspect their marriage would have been as well, but I still don't see Sylvia actually marrying Barrie, love or not.

[KYwoman]

And what is friendship but love without its wings?

I really like that.....

[DeppInTheHeartOfTexas]

KYwoman wrote: And what is friendship but love without its wings?


I really like that.....

Isn't that lovely!