A/N: This is an old school thing I wrote when I was 17. We had just finished reading Wuthering Heights and were given the task to write a letter from one of the characters. I chose to write the letter I imagined Isabella left behind when she eloped with Heathcliff. Hope you enjoy.
Disclaimer: None of the characters belong to me.
My dear brother,
if you are reading this letter you will know that I have left Trushcross Grange to go away with mr Heathcliff. I know it is a very foolish thing to do; it could very well spoil my reputation, but I could not stay any longer with her in the house.
We used to be happy, you and I, just the two of us. Do you remember how I would play the piano whilst you practiced your dancing? I have not played a single note since she became the mistress of our home; apparently my playing gives her a headache. I do not blame you, brother; I can see how she has bewitched you.
I know very well that envy is one of the seven deadly sins and our mother always told me that a lady should not be jealous of other people but I must confess that I am jealous of Catherine. After you married her you have only had time for her and her antics, though, truth be told, it started when she was hurt and lived with us for five weeks. All day long you sat and read to her, completely ignoring me even though it was clear she did not want your company. This behavior of yours has continued and it has spoilt her. Everything you do is to please her, and you become cross if I do not do the same.
I am sorry that I must hurt you like this, but I have been silent for too long. She has poisoned your mind. You used to be carefree and alive, now all you do is worry about her and her feelings for Heathcliff. I am really doing you a favor by running away with him; I have removed your competition for her affections.
But I do not want you to think I am doing this only as a favor. I love him, with all my heart. I know he can seem a bit rough sometimes and I know none of you think very highly of him. But he was there for me when you were too obsessed with that wife of yours. I feel alone in this house, it is like I have no one left anymore and Heathcliff understands this. He listens to me. He sees me. I know he will always have Catherine in his heart but at least he will try to love me, you have forgotten all about you darling sister.
Though I think I have been greatly wronged in my own house I do not blame you. You were a young boy when she captured your heart and you could not know what she would become. Even now I do not think you have seen her real face. You do not know how horrid she can be. I know these words are too harsh to come from a lady and I do apologize, our parents and you have taught me better, but I could not stand in the shadows any longer. Please forgive the impertinence.
But I am leaving tonight. I am marrying Heathcliff. I will be happy. I know it is the wrong way to come about things like these, we were suppose to court each other before marrying and we were suppose to ask for your consent, but I know you would never allow this to happen and I could not wait for you to accept him. I could not wait to leave. Forgive me brother and welcome me when I return as mrs Heathcliff.
Isabella.
