Chapter 8: Epilogue
Bertie Pelham was on a mission, and he was bound and determined to keep this gift a secret from his wife. The problem was finding the time available to get to London to have it done. Each time he found an opportunity, something else would come up and there went his chance.
As luck would have it, he found the perfect time at the end of November. His wife was now six months pregnant with their child and sick with a cold. The cold had her miserable, but she was determined to get Christmas gifts for everyone. Bertie volunteered to head to London- with her list- and get the items. She finally relented after realizing the snowy cold weather would only make her cold worse.
After stopping at the specific places on Edith's list, Bertie walked toward the magazine's office. He had phoned ahead and got a hold of one of the layout guys who would meet him inside. He had a plan in mind, but needed his help to execute it.
Several hours later, Bertie returned to the office. When he was handed the piece of paper, he was stunned. The man had done a better job than Bertie had ever dreamed. He even handed him the name of a local shop to get it framed. With a generous tip, Bertie left and went to get it framed... and it was perfection.
My Darling wife, my Edith,
I have never revealed this to you... but I am taking the time on our first wedding anniversary to do so... When I was caught in my quandary over what to do about us... I found a note from my grandmother in my journal... she had written it so very long ago and had these verses on them... When I read them, I knew in my heart our love was strong enough to survive... and I was more than right.
After we returned from our honeymoon, I found another version of the Bible at my favorite bookstore. When I read the verses in the American Revised Standard Version, I knew what my anniversary gift to you would be. I decided to add this letter and personalize it for your own eyes, since I have no doubt the frame will be on display.
Love is patient,
How many times have I exasperated you with tales of being a Marquess,
and you have loved me through them?
love is kind and is not jealous;
I have to admit the jealous part is a bit harder,
I can't stand the thought of another man admiring my beautiful wife!
love does not brag and is not arrogant,
As much as you deserve to brag about you,
you don't... and arrogant? not a word to describe you ever
does not act unbecomingly;
for all the times you have kept me in step as I still adjust to this title,
I can only give you my sweet thanks...
it does not seek its own,
you are the epitome of grace, even more so now carrying our child
and humble as you have soared in your new calling as Marchioness
is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered,
For the few times we have argued,
you have forgiven and loved me...
does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth;
As we continue to walk forward, let us continue to walk in truth
Lies and mistakes almost separated us forever...
bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Let these be true for all eternity and beyond...
know that I believe in you- as a wife, a mother, a Marchioness,
a modern woman, a magazine owner...
No matter what you choose to do,
I will always support and love you...
I love you now and always,
your Bertie
New Years Eve 1925
The tears streaked down Edith's face as she read the letter. On the table beside her was her gift from Bertie. He had given the verses and had them decoratively written and printed. After they were printed, an artistic border had been added and it was now beautifully framed- ready to be hung. She knew her husband had a romantic streak, but this went above and beyond her expectations. She couldn't find the words to thank her husband, she simply let her lips and hands do the talking.
The letter would be kept in a drawer along with the letters from their courtship. The frame was placed predominately on her dresser. Each day they both would stop and read it once again and remind themselves that it was the definition of love.