Anna's response to John's confession.
Mr. J Bates
Grantham House
London
Mr. Bates,
I felt compelled to send you this all too quick note to ease your brooding. You can not possibly know how your letter has filled me with such joy. Silly beggar, how could you think for one moment that I could react otherwise? Your mother is a wise woman indeed. Please send her my fondest good wishes.
You may have to re copy the text of your letter over for me when you return home. I fear I've read it so many times that the ink is already wearing away! To know that you love me, of course I had hoped and dreamed that the smiles and touches you wrote of meant what you say they meant, but it was easy to think at times that I was just seeing what I wanted to see. You love me and the world is a beautiful place.
You needn't worry that I will use this information to my advantage Mr, Bates. Knowing that you return my affections is enough. I can wait forever as long as I know we both hope for the same outcome. You have made me the happiest woman in history and I anxiously wait for your return.
I dream of meeting you in our courtyard the very night you return. Dare I hope you might be brave enough to whisper the words now that you know my reaction to them? Either way, I long to see you and touch you. How unladylike of me to say so, but I'm not a lady and I don't pretend to be, as I've said before.
I will read your letter every night until you return,
Your loving,
Anna