In the early hours of the first of June an owl clatters on the window of Minnie's bedroom waiting to be allowed entry. In its claws it carries a single red rose and a letter addressed personally to Miss Jessamine Parkinson.
Dear Miss Parkinson,
I hope that this letter finds you well.
I must say that I am quite taken by you, if I was to hazard a guess at your newt's I would give you an "O" because you have charmed me. Since our dance at your Coming out Ball I have had you on my mind, your feminine elegance, your perfume and the delightful way that you wear your thoughts on your face. I hope the evening was every bit as lovely as you deserved and that you will remember it forever.
I am aware that it is early in your first season and that there will likely be many more suitors wishing to gaze into those blue eyes, but I wished to inform you of my intentions. I would like to know you more Miss Parkinson, I am of the mind that this avenue could lead to a courtship and beyond, should you not find my company objectionable of course. I am confident that I can offer you at least as much as the next man and more.
To that end I would like to propose we attend an event together, you may have heard of the Bone Menagerie? If you would be so generous to entertain me, I would like to visit it with you and enjoy its curiosity, I hope it would allow us to get to know each other a little better and help me decide whether a second letter, to your parents, might be in order.
Whatever you decide, I hope your season is fun and you enjoy this window where you are more powerful than you understand, you have the ability to make decisions that will change a man's life.
I hope you decide to change mine.
Yours Faithfully,
Mr Harrison Maurice Knight