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From Bert to Mary
September 24, 1916
The Charity Apartments
My amazing Mary,
My letters end in "love" now? And, of course I will help you find a job. What are you looking for? I'd assume you'd rather not be a chimney sweep and get your pretty face covered with soot.
Love,
Bert
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From Mary to Bert
September 26, 1916
The Silver Bird Inn
My surprisingly endearing Bert,
Of course your letters end in "love"! I love you! And my sincere thanks. I'd prefer a job with some kind of teaching. Maybe a nanny? Just tell me whatever you find.
Love,
Mary
P.S. I am glad you got more writing paper.
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From Bert to Mary
September 28, 1916
The Charity Apartments
My lovely Mary,
I love you too. I have ever since you had my bike drive itself down the neighborhood in a fit of anger. On a completely different topic, a nanny suits you well. I got a lot more paper, knowing that I was likely to write to you.
Love,
Mary
P.S. Meet me at seven, tonight, at the street where we met.
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From Mary to Emma
September 29, 1916
The Silver Bird Inn
Emma,
I am not going to tell you the news because I want to leave you in suspense, just continue reading. Don't worry, it's wonderful!
Bert asked me to meet him on the street where we met, and I did. He was waiting there with a beautiful chalk drawing on the sidewalk. The picture was of a gazebo with small lights all around it. Bert took my hands, gave me a slightly nervous smile, and took me into the painting. We stood in the middle of the gazebo when Bert finally spoke.
"Are you happy here? On Earth?" He asked, looking deeply into my eyes. All the teasing had gone out of his eyes, he was perfectly serious and sincere. I watched Bert, slightly confused.
"What has brought this on, Bert?" I asked, brushing my thumb along his cheek.
"Just answer the question, Mary." Bert said, his eyes pleading. He looked almost afraid.
"Good heavens, Bert. I will answer your question if you need the answer that badly." I said. "I miss my family very much, but I am finding that I am enjoying my time here, with you." Bert leaned his forehead against mine, and closed his eyes.
"You're happy with me?" He asked, opening his eyes once again.
"Yes, Bert. Of course I am." I gave him a look that conveyed my sincerity. He gave me a small smile, and then moved slightly away from me.
And then he got down on one knee. I gasped as he pulled out a tiny wooden box and opened it to reveal a small ring.
"My dear, kind, beautiful Mary. I can't live without you. Will you-"
I got down and kissed him before he could finish. I could feel Bert smile, and then he returned the kiss. Bert pulled away after a moment.
"I'm assuming that means yes." He grinned. I laughed and nodded emphatically. Bert chuckled and then became solemn once again.
"We have to keep this a secret, Mary."
"The engagement or the marriage?"
"Both, dear. If we are connected, people are more likely to get suspicious about us living so long. They will find out that we are Ethereals, and that is never safe." Bert pulled the ring out of the box and gave it to me.
"You must wear this on a necklace, so no one will see it. I will also wear one on a necklace, when we are married." I nodded.
"Yes, of course. But may I wear the ring for a moment? It is beautiful." Bert nodded and I slipped the object on my finger.
"I am sorry I couldn't afford a metal ring. I carved that one myself and painted it."
"I love it. It is even more beautiful because you worked hard to make it yourself." I admired the ring, the band was painted black and the jewel was painted silver. Bert took my hand and kissed it tenderly.
"I'm very glad you like it. I may get a more permanent one later on, so it lasts for thousands of years." I smiled at Bert, overjoyed, and his eyes took on a mischievous gleam. He picked me up and cradled me close to his chest, then he stepped out of the gazebo and we traveled back to the street. Bert carried me all the way back to the inn and deposited me in front of its door. He kissed my hand once again and then looked at me.
"I will see you soon, my darling." He said and then departed.
Emma, I am engaged! I have already begun planning details, but I must discuss it with Bert. I am constantly in a flurry of excitement, and I haven't yet taken the ring off. I will, but I simply must find a chain for it. Emma, you must help me plan my wedding! You should be here with me! I'm sure you could sneak away to the portal between our planets without too much trouble, you only have a family of three, after all. Please come! But be sure to be careful!
Love,
Mary
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From Mary to her mother
September 30, 1916
The Silver Bird Inn
My dear mother,
I am very sorry that I have not been corresponding with you as much as I should have! I miss you very much, and I wish to tell you the most wonderful news! I am engaged to be married! My fiancé is another Ethereal named Herbert Alfred, but he goes by Bert. He is absolutely wonderful. I wish for you to come stay with me before our wedding (which we have not set a date for yet). Bring father, of course, but only if he is in a good mood.
Love,
Mary