February 21, 1890

Dearest Bella,

I am so very happy to hear from you, whatever the reasons behind your writing. I sorely miss our conversations and your company. It seems almost a life time ago since I last had a conversation with you. I remember those days fondly.

Ace and I have found much happiness in our marriage. Ace treats me well and for the first time in a very long time, I feel as if I have a family. That said, we do have some news of our own. We shall be expecting our own newest member of the family this summer. My healer tells me he suspects late July. We have moved into Flint Manor and I have renovated the London house so we might summer there. Sometimes I feel like the manor has ghosts, mother's, father's, your's. Why just yesterday as I sat in the drawing room I remembered gossiping with you over the healers at St. Mungo's. We were such different people back then.

I only just received a letter from the new Mrs. Crouch this morning. I believe she is well, despite the circumstances. They have left on their honeymoon and I hope that by the time they return some of the scandal shall have died down.

I remember you were once embroiled with a Mr. Crouch, is he one in the same? If so, how are you faring at this news?

Your friend always,
Lucy