June 10th, 1888
Handsome,
I'm sure you didn't expect this. I didn't either. And I'm sure you won't believe me. But..

I'm sorry.
Sincerely,
Emmeline

  

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#LovelyLadySet

12 June, 1888

Miss Woodcroft,

As am I.

It was a poor time to make my feelings known; I should not have expected you to take me seriously.

What truly matters is that you made your feelings known, and I shall endeavor not to intrude upon your life any longer.

Sincerely,

Handsome Whitledge

  

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— set by MJ —

June 15th, 1888
Mr. Whitledge,
You're a bastard. Truly, you are.

I took the step to apologize even though that night still hurts me more than you'll likely ever know and yet you can't even give me the benefit of the doubt. Things were said, awful things I regret and feel awful for. But if I remember correctly, you were the one to initiate any of it. Who in their right mind gives a girl of my stature four shots of firewhiskey when it is plain as day they've likely never even had so much as a beer before! That's on you Mr. Whitledge.

And if your feelings are hurt by what I said, though you say it's not true, perhaps you need to really think hard about it. Really hard. Because if what I said was certainly not true, why are you holding it against me?

Enjoy your life, Mr. Whitledge.
Sincerely,
E. Woodcroft

  

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#LovelyLadySet

18 June, 1888

Miss Woodcroft,

Why would I give you four shots? Let me make it plain and clear for you: I was not sober, much like you weren't. It does not change what happened and what was said, though.

The only difference between us is that I meant what I said. I have — or perhaps had is the better word now — feelings for you and have for half of the previous school year.

You may have had the most to lose to begin with, but I'm the one who lost the most in the end.

Goodbye Emmy,

Handsome Whitledge

  

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— set by MJ —

June 20th, 1888
Mr. Whitledge,
There's no why, Mr. Whitledge. You did. It was your sickle that paid for the four shots I drank despite saying I wasn't sure. It was also you that thought it wise to take me to a back room. Yes, I followed but obviously I was not in the right state of mind. Would the Emmeline you know ever go with a boy into a backroom in such a way?

And if what you say is true, why would you take that moment in time to tell me of your feelings? You had a half a school year to tell me. While, might I add, I was coming to you for advice regarding Mr. MacFusty. Was that all some ploy? Lead me astray with your guidance in regards to him so that you had a better chance? You have to stop and look at it from a different perspective. How else was I to take any of that.

Don't you dare tell me you lost the most. You'll survive with a slightly tarnished reputation. I, on the other hand, could have been utterly ruined. My reputation is already far from pristine thanks to something my father has done that I had absolutely no control over. And now I've had to face my mother over the gossip being heard in regards to that night. I'll be lucky if I even get to see my seventh year of school after having worked so damned hard to get to where I was. So excuse me if I have no sympathy for what you may have "lost."
Sincerely,
E. Woodcroft

  

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#LovelyLadySet

— The handwriting starts off nice, but towards the end it becomes much sloppier and more difficult to read. (He may have been drinking.). —

22 June, 1888

Miss Woodcroft,

Do not ask me to assess your character when you passed such a harsh assessment of mine. The Emmeline Woodcroft I knew would never stoop so law as to accuse me of being nothing more than a rake trying to get under her skirts; I'm not sure any judgment I pass would be accurate, nor entirely fair at this point.

To make assumptions is unbecoming of you, Miss Woodcroft. My attempts to assist you in your pursuit of MacFusty were attempts to see you happy. It was obvious that your attention was occupied elsewhere, and I had no intention of subjecting you to my affection if it was unwanted. I considered us friends at the very least.

It is not my place to judge how much you've lost, but at least you have a mother and a family. I would do anything for a scolding — or even a beating — at this moment if it meant that my mother or father were around to give me any sort of guidance. All I have is a sister who would have rather I died than our father and a bunch of other silly girls running around the house.

Sincerely,

Mr. Whitledge

  

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— set by MJ —

-There's likely to be "water" spots on the paper though she'll say it was from rain if ever asked.-

June 24th, 1888
Mr. Whitledge,
Good luck in your future endeavors then, Mr. Whitledge. Should you have some better luck in your life.

I see little chance of what friendship we may have had being salvaged at this point so I simply wish you the best.
Sincerely,
E. Woodcroft

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   Handsome Whitledge

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#LovelyLadySet