July 27th, 1888

Emmeline,

I love you.

It's taken me too long to understand that I need to give myself emotionally to you. I cannot stand the thought of losing you to my own stupid notion that if I give in to my feelings, it would drive you away.

I had been too scared to let you know how I had been feeling because if I became vulnerable, would you not think me weak?

It's silly.

I had not yet experienced the kind of intense fire I feel when I'm around you and I didn't know how to react. I didn't understand that you are everything to me. Perhaps I did but I chose to ignore it.

I want you more than life itself and I am going to do everything in my power to ensure we work, Emmeline. I want us to work.

I want you to know that. You are my world and nothing is going to change that.

I'm sorry for the pain I've caused you. I'm sorry for everything. But for once I can see clearly and what I see is... us.

You.

You are my future.

Please can we see one another soon? I miss you and I need to hold you in my arms again.

Write back soon,
Charlie

  

July 27th, 1888
Charlie,
I must admit I was hoping I'd hear from you sooner rather than later. I was torn whether I should go down to the Post Office and send you an owl or to wait. I didn't want to bother you or to pressure you in any way. I'm happy, though, that you have written. And I must say.. it was nice to read your letter.

I'd never have though you silly or weak. Honestly, I think you're very strong for being able to admit such things and to yourself and not just me. I of course, however, love hearing it from you. I'm sure you can imagine the blush on my cheeks when I read through your letter. I'm surely blushing now just thinking of it all.

But please, don't be sorry and don't beat yourself up over it. I think, no matter how much it may have pained us both, it was for the best. It has clearly made a difference for the both of us. I don't think there's anything that can stop us from our future now.

And I would love to see you soon. My mother has been hinting about having you over for dinner again sometime soon. I'll see what I can get figured out with her then I'll let you know..

I love you, Charlie.
Always,
Ems

  

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#LovelyLadySet

July 28th, 1888

Ems,

I am so glad to see a letter back from you. I shan't lie and say I wasn't anxious about sending mine but... I don't know. I had been thinking and... something made me realise how much you mean to me. As it turns out, that is a lot.

Reading your letter had me smiling. I don't really know what else to write beyond telling you I'd like nothing more than have dinner with you and your family once again.

Though I am glad to read you are blushing again. You are beyond cute when you do-so.

I love you too, Ems.

As it turns out, I like telling you that. I'm sorry again.

Yours completely,
Charlie

  

July 28th, 1888
Charlie,
You'll never know how much it has made me smile to hear the realizations you've had. I'm sure, however, that you know the sentiments are true on my part as well. Perhaps I'll survive the next year after all.

Would the evening of the thirty-first work for you? Mother says it would be the best evening for dinner. If so, six in the evening will be when dinner is served.

And please, there is no need to apologize. You've more than made it up to me now.
Always,
Ems

  

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#LovelyLadySet

July 30th, 1888

My Emmeline,

The thirty-first at six sounds exceptional. I'll arrive at your house by then.

I cannot wait to see you and hold you once again. It pains me how we left our last meeting and if there is anything one can regret in life above all else, that would be at the top of the list.

I feel guilty for what happened. And I lost a picnic basket. My mother isn't best pleased about that.

Your love,
Charlie

  

July 30th, 1888
Charlie,
I'm excited to see you as well. My mother says she's planning a special dinner for whatever reason. So.. bring your appetite. She said nothing more than that though. Apparently she's already seen to extra bottles of rum.

And.. I don't know that I'd regret that night entirely. Who is to say we wouldn't have gotten to this point without it? Sometimes, bad things need to happen for us to see the good. I know you believe little of fate but.. I still feel many things do happen for a reason, good and bad.

And don't worry about the basket, I've seen to it.

Always,
Ems

  

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#LovelyLadySet