Having developed an in-person affection for each other--societal tradition caused them to take the relationship first to an intellectual level before proceeding with social interaction.

I think that's a good point, Bridge. Truly. Still, these letters look more like florid term sheets than expressions of other compatibilities.

and david [what's a better word for "cultivation?"]: perhaps "refinement"?

It wasn't the one on the tip of my, um, tongue, but it is no doubt better than the one that was hanging from my uvula.