September 16, 1889

Dearest mother,

I do not know how to begin this letter, so I shall begin with the simple truth. I love you. I understand the reasons for your arrangement with Mr. Lécuyer, however, I hope you will recall your own feelings when you were to marry father. I did not love Mr. Lécuyer nor did I ever hope to come to. My heart belongs to another. I hope you will understand my reasons with time just as I apologize for any stress this has created for you.

By the time you read this I will be a married woman. Married to someone to holds my heart and soul and who wishes only that he might be able to make me happy for the rest of our lives. I love him mother, as I believe you will come to as well.

Given the circumstances of our marriage I understand if you wish I did not return home for some time. I shall respect that and shall wait until you believe I should return. Know that I will miss you and I will wish every day to be by your side tending to you.

Your loving daughter,
Lucille

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Thank you MJ for an amazingly Lucy set!