From Mary to Bert
October 1, 1916
The Silver Bird Inn
Wonderful Bert,
I have invited my family to come for our wedding! I am thrilled! Oh, you simply must meet them, they are wonderful! When shall I tell them to come?
Love,
Mary
P.S. Do not worry, I am only inviting my family, and I know they will keep it a secret.
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From Emma to Mary
October 2, 1916
Peter's Ridge
Mary,
I am so happy for you! Although, I must say that I am not surprised. You and Bert were surely destined to be married and be the happiest couple on Ondera (second only to me and my Wilson). I will certainly attempt to visit, though I must keep us as safe as I can. Our enemies seem to have moved away from my town for the time being, so it will be much easier to escape. When do you want me to come? And when is the wedding?
Love,
Emma
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From Bert to Mary
October 3, 1916
The Charity Apartments
Beautiful Mary,
I am certainly looking forward to meeting your family, remind me, how many siblings do you have? (I just have one, and I will be sure to contact him. He, however, has nearly reached the age of 15,000, and his choosing ceremony is soon. He might not be able to make it.) I think some time in November would be perfect for a wedding, say… November 14th? I have that day off, so it would be perfect (it's a second Tuesday, and no one ever seems to need me to work on second Tuesdays, so I have decided to take them off). Why don't you tell them to come a week or two before that.
Love,
Bert
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From Mary to Bert
October 5, 1916
The Silver Bird Inn
Kindest Bert,
I have a sister just younger than me, her name is Emma. She is married and has a 200-year-old son named Edward (but we all call him "Eddie".) Her husband is named Wilson. I do believe that November 16th is the perfect date. I will certainly tell my family to visit earlier. I hope they all come. My mother is getting on in years, and my sister lives in a war-ravaged town. Were you on Ondera when the war started? That reminds me, I never asked why you left. Was it because you were orphaned?
Love,
Mary
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From Bert to Mary
October 8, 1916
The Charity Apartments
My darling Mary,
I can't wait to meet my future brother and sister-in-law, but especially my future nephew. He sounds right adorable. And yes and no to your question. I was on Ondera when the war started, but it was not long after my parents had died, and I was planning to go to Earth. I left just as it was starting to get worse. I did leave because I was orphaned, but also because I wanted to be able to support my little brother. Earth has a lot more jobs, because everyone on Ondera works for years and doesn't retire for a long time. There was no other way, so I came here, and I sent my brother (Jack's his name) to live with my grandparents. I didn't feel able to raise him, as he was only about 300 at the time. Why did you have to leave, Mary?
Love,
Bert
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