8 - Correspondence: I
Dear Uncle Athos,
I write with very glad tidings indeed. Roberto, the naval officer who had for so long plagued me with his intentions has, in my absence noticed my elder sister, Isabel. While I agonised in France over my impending union with the young man, he was falling very much in love with my sister here in Spain. Thankfully, I have an excuse I can give my family for my exceedingly cheerful disposition recently. I can very easily say it is happiness for my dear sister, although it is a much deeper happiness than they would know.
I write you all of these things as I cannot express them to my family here, of course. I know that I am personifying selfishness and ingratitude, but although I was willing to marry Roberto and honor my parents' wishes -as is my duty to them- I am elated to find that I still have the chance to marry for love, should that love find its way to me.
I am also very happy for my sister, that she has found her love in this world. Bless her that she has saved me as well.
I miss you all terribly and long to be back in France. Mother and Father have agreed to send me back as soon as possible since there is no young sailor to keep me here, however now I am heavily involved in Isabel's wedding plans. I am actually quite grateful to have something to occupy my time as I wait for my journey back to France. When I was a child, I always found joy in your house, but I am now beginning to see it as a second home to me. It is very refreshing. My sisters are all kind to me and I love them very much, but to enter your house full of mirth and tales of adventure is refreshing and my character welcomes it.
As I write, Isabel calls to me. We must go into town now to shop for the wedding. There has been a new light in Isabel's countenance since she met Roberto. As selfishly happy as I am for myself, my heart overflows with joy for my sister. She is a new woman.
I must see to my sister.
My love to all of my musketeers,
Marie