AUCTION ITEM #2, PETWORTH ESTATE: LETTER OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN ADDRESSED TO VISCOUNTESS SARAH BOLINGBROKE, ENVELOPE INCLUDED, NO WAX SEAL


My Ladye,

I prey you forgiv my wryting, I hav askt my cousin Rupert to pen this lettr as I cannot reed or wryt. I only wishe to say sorrye. So very sorrye.

It were I who took yor lettrs. I had much need of coyn for my mothers helth, she is poorlie, and yor father wud not give me an advance. And ther are those in th villej who wud seek to harm yor father for his cutting of th tree, and they toled me of the publishing howse.

You was always kind to me, yor mother too. I never ment to hurt you, but I needed coyn for my own mother lest she nott dye. I prey you and the Lord forgiv me as wel.

You could all leave, iffen you wanted. Be away from him that's too cruel for all. I know the wurld of the fair folk, and hav for some tyme.

There be another faeri tree, differnt from the one he cut downe. Follo the roade that winds beyond your home estate, passed the river and oer the stone bridge. You wil see it.

Abigail