Dragon Age 2 Unable To Complete Companion Quest

I am at the end of Dragon Age 2 on the PC (Steam version).  However, because I read a letter on my desk, among many letters, I can't complete Aveline's companion quest. Whenever I go to the Gallows to complete her quest, the end of the game automatically starts.  This is a terrible way to program a game, allowing someone to read letters on their desk that cut to the end of the game before you are ready.

Is there is a way to unread a letter?  Or, are there any mods that can be installed that cause the letter to show as unread?  If I just accept that I must end the game, I can't use Aveline (my tank), which causes me to lose.

While I can load a prior save, it requires that I replay the entire Act 3, including many of the roughest fights that took me many attempts to beat.  I would rather not have to refight these battles.

(cm edit - moved to DA board)