I don't own Persuasion.

July 28, 1806

Dear Lady Russell,

Thank you for your last letter. I am sorry you are feeling unwell and I pray you are better when you receive this letter. I hope Father and Elizabeth are doing fine, for I have written them a letter, but have not received a response. I should not be surprised; they will probably open it the day before I come home. I am doing fine here in Monkford. Mrs. Stevens and her husband, the Admiral, have been wonderful to me.

Married life has not changed Emily. She is as full of gossip as ever. Even though I have been here for four weeks, I have been to so many balls, I have lost count. There are times I want to stay home and do my sewing, but Emily does not want me to stay indoors during my stay. She wants to find a husband for me, even though I have told her many times that I am not ready for marriage. She just laughs and calls me odd.

I have made few acquaintances here. They are mainly friends of the Stevens'. One of them is Lt. Commander Frederick Wentworth. He joked that he was not related to the Wentworths of Strafford. He is charming, respectable and intelligent. He is twenty-four and fought at St. Domingo. He arrived two weeks before I did and lives not far from us. We talk nearly everyday and he always looks for me when I go to a ball.

I must confess I am a bit smitten with him. You are the only person I have told, not even Mrs. Stevens knows this. I must leave you now. Emily wants to buy a new gown and she wants my opinion. Tell my father and sister I am doing well and I will send them another letter.

Truly Yours,
Anne Elliot

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