My dearest Percy,

I tremble as I write this, for fear that my father may find it and destroy it; however I must prevail! We have been courting for two years now and friends since childhood, years of love and time to cherish each other. But last night as I dined with mother and father, she brought up the topic of marriage! My father proceeded to list suitors, all of them twice my age and no doubt lecherous. I cannot bear the thought. I must be with you- I don't care if this whole town shuns me! I don't care about class or money. I just want you. We must be swift, meet me at midnight tonight by our old forest hideout we made when we were children. Be prepared- I will bring my dowry and all my important possessions. I love you, that's why I gave myself to you, and I know you love me too. We will leave this town and its sullen inhabitants. We can move to London so you can become a naturalist just like you dreamed.

I will see you tonight.

With love and kindness, through this life and the next,

Eternally yours, Emily.

Ps. Do not reply. As you know my father has suspected our friendship became something more for a while now, but without proof he wouldn't deny us that. I think he has been intercepting my letters, I know he just wants what's best for me, but he won't accept anything less than some rich Lord.


Emily,

By the time you get this, I will most likely be gone. I know we're friends, but that's all we can be. My involvement with you was a lapse in judgment. No man will ever hire me if he thinks I'll seduce his daughter- this would ruin me. I've found someone else, she's a better match I think. We've been together awhile now. I'm sorry, but I cannot accept your feelings anymore, it was fun while it lasted but I've got to think about my future. A future without you. I never wanted to hurt you, I didn't think it would last this long without you ending things. Don't look for me. Don't write. I won't reply. I just need you out of my life for good, or it will be too painful for the both of us.

Percy.


My dearest Emily,

I write this letter in the hopes that someday you will return and read it. Let it be said, when I received your letter I was consumed with rage. You had gone behind my back, stolen from me and ignored everything I said. But I want you to know I forgive you. I love you, my daughter, and I will never stop loving you. And yet I cannot help but feel dread in the pit of my stomach- you say you love him, but when I look into his eyes I see nothing. They are as blank and cold as a sheet of ice over murky water. I cannot read him, and I do not like that. Honest men have nothing to hide. I fear that one day he will hurt you, or discard you. Perhaps worse. I can feel the malevolence, the darkness that coils within him. I can smell the tar that drips from his heart, hear the stirrings of hate. I can't accept him. I'm sorry. All I ask that if you ever read this letter, you will come back. I miss you and I never wanted you gone. Be careful.

With all my love, Father.