Letter arrived in the early morning of September 17.

September 16, 1889

Dearest cousin,

I hope you will forgive me for not writing sooner. At first it was because I was worried your father would find some way to you through me. Then it was because I thought you needed space and would contact me when you were ready. However, seeing as I have not heard from you, I chose to write to you now. I did not wish you to read of this news in the paper as I still consider you my dear friend.

Recently my mother arranged a marriage with Mr. Lécuyer. She has been very ill and did not wish to see me left on my own when she was no longer with me. I could not fault my mother’s reasoning, but you can understand how distraught I was at the idea. I’m sure you still remember the Lécuyer girls from school. They were to be my stepdaughters.

Love is a funny thing, however, as I found myself with feelings for another. Mr. Lukeson, whom if you will recall was in our year at school, has, by the time you have read this, become my husband. It was a match of love, which I am sure you will understand.

Know that I think of you fondly and wish all the best for you. I will always be here for you. I would hope that your own life shall be as full of bliss and happiness as mine will surely be.

Fondly,
Lucille

  

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Thank you MJ for an amazingly Lucy set!

September 17th, 1889

Dear Lucy,

Your letter has made me realize how much I've yearned for the affirmation that you do not hate me for the pain I caused your family. I must admit that the guilt of the suffering you all have endured has driven me to burn every letter I've tried to write and to avoid places where I might see your faces.

I am not surprise that you wished to marry for love, but I must admit that I never believed you would elope. Perhaps I did influence you in some way or another. I hope you've thoroughly thought your decision through. I have held affection for a number of men since I graduated from Hogwarts, and a decision to elope with any of them would have been one I regretted had I made it hastily. That is why I happily remain unmarried—at least at the time of my writing. You may have inspired me.

I tease, I tease. I hope you happiness in your marriage to Mr. Lukeson. I never knew him well at my time at Hogwarts, but we spent enough class time together that I don't doubt he has a friendly enough demeanor and a kind enough soul. Just know that I'll be here if time get rough. I'm also looking for a job opening if the new Mrs. Lukeson might be so kind enough to welcome me into her charge.

(I'm kidding. You don't want me working for you.)

With love,
Bella

  

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— MJ is MAGICAL —

September 19, 1889

Dearest Bella,

How could I hate you? I have only ever wished to help you. I had, rather foolishly it appears, thought you hated me when I received no letters. Please do not burn any more. My window is always open for your owl.

I do not know if your actions influenced me, but my own path was clear the moment I found that my affections were returned. I could not have lived in a loveless marriage and Mr. Lukeson’s love for me has grown from a friendship we have fostered since our schooldays. I do not believe our actions were rash or that we did not think things through. I have not yet come to regret my decision, although your siblings feel quite firmly that I may. I do not believe that it will come to that, for how can a marriage born out of love result in regret of any kind?

I admit, your humor is refreshing after such a series of letters deploring my actions. I long to hear of you and the life you have found from yourself. If there is anything I might do, you need only let me know. Perhaps I might do better than a mere job, my conscious could not contend with you serving me, when you are as dear to me as a sister.

With love,

Lucille

  

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Thank you MJ for an amazingly Lucy set!