Unsent:

December 4th, 1891

Dear Zach,

You have a daughter, or at least I presume she's yours. Her hair is as inky black as your own and she has the bluest eyes I've ever seen. I want her to be yours. I want to come home to you.

Addressed and sealed but ultimately unsent:

December 5th, 1891

Dear Zach,,

There's a ship leaving for Scotland in three days. The fee is outrageously expensive but at least it's a magical ship and not a muggle one. Sailing muggle ships throughout the winter is awful, you know. You can never find enough warmth below deck and every spray of water is like getting hit with ice. It's awful, truly.

Returning to you is all I can think of lately. The Americas are lovely and all, I suppose, if one's interested in that prosperous "American Dream". However, there isn't much room for prospering when you're a single woman with the lie of being a widow hanging over your head like a noose. I kept my name the same, I figured that was easiest but my dearest husband perished only a month into our marriage.

Just long enough to give me her.

Ilona. Our daughter.

She deserves more than what I'm able to provide her here on our own. She deserves family and holidays and joy, not this desperate attempt to flee from the most important relationship I've ever had. Even if you don't accept me back, I pray to God you learn to love her as I do. She is a miracle, after all. A tiny, perfect miracle.

We will be docking in Scotland in a few weeks. Please, don't turn her away.

Jo

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   Billie Farrow, Elsie Kirke, Gideon Browne, Rosie Flitwick, Tilda MacFusty

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The differences in the flat were so immediately noticeable that Jo would have thought she had misspoken the address if it weren't for the layout of the place. It was as though Zachariah's belongings had vanished altogether: his endless stacks of books, his slippers, the chairs they sat in together so often. Jo stumbled against the newer armchair, her hand gripping its unfamiliar fabric for support. Had he given up on her then? Or, worst still, had he fallen in love with someone else?

Her breath caught in her throat as she continued to take in all the changes to his home and, for the first time that afternoon, she was relieved to have befriended the innkeeper well enough to entrust Ilona into her care for an hour or two. The infant was always noticeably more irritable when Jo's own moods were downtrodden; she couldn't imagine trying to calm her daughter in the face of such devastation. He had moved on without her; what was she to do now?

She sighed. Moved on or not, he had the right to know about his daughter. Jo had little hopes that he'd claim Ilona, at least not in the public sense, just as she was well aware they could never be together now in any traditional manner. Still, she could hardly allow him to carry out his life completely unaware. Accepting or not, he had the right to know.

Reaching for a piece of parchment and the inkwell, Jo penned a quick letter requesting he contact her. The news of Ilona had to go directly from her lips to his ears, which meant seeing him...and oh Merlin. What was she doing? Jo scribbled out the address of where she was staying, too frightened by the thought of being caught completely unaware, and folded the letter before she could think better of it. Ilona deserved this, whatever pain it caused her.

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January 14th, 1892

Zach,

The floo wasn't locked so I thought you might be home. I wasn't trying to intrude or cause any issues, of course ... you have my sincerest apologies for any difficulties my unannounced visit might have caused.

We should talk at your earliest convenience, it's important. I'm staying at an inn in [location]. Send an owl to the enclosed address when you can and we can arrange a better time.

Jo

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   Zachariah Binns

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When Zach had accepted the undertaking that was the bookshop, he had promised himself to continue Horton's tradition of treating his staff like family. This came with certain pros and cons. In the case of Jo's letter, it had meant his manager had found a discrete way to present it to him. However, it had also invited a barrage of queries that he had not been equipped to answer. Who was Jo? Why did they have access to his private floo? What was so urgent that an owl wouldn't suffice?

In true Zach fashion, when faced with discomfort, he simply apologized profusely, blushed, and disappeared with the promise of an explanation forthwith. Although, how detailed or expedient that account would end up being was anyone's guess.

Instead of simply stowing away in the back room like a normal person would, he turned on his heel, quickly crossed the shop, stepped into the public floo, and disappeared.

It would be several hours and an incendio later that he owled his rather short reply.

January 14th, 1892

Dear Jo,

It is wonderful to hear from you. I had grown worried that something grave had occurred.

I sincerely apologize for any undue stress visiting my old flat might have caused. I longed for a change of scenery and have recently moved house. I meant to inform you; I wasn't sure you wanted to hear from me neglected to send the letter.

I have enclosed said letter and my new address. You are welcome to call here, or I would be happy to meet you at any location you prefer.

I do hope you are well.

Zach

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   Jupiter Smith

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January 14th, 1892

Zach,

There's no need to apologize to me, nor is there cause for worry. I'm alright.

Congratulations on the purchase of your new home. I wish you nothing but happy memories within its walls. And do apologize to your manager for me, I never would have intruded upon his home if I had known.

Due to the late hour I'll be unable to speak with you tonight. Is tomorrow afternoon alright? Is there somewhere in particular you would like to meet?

Jo

  

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beautiful set by mj

January 14th, 1892

Jo,

I will always worry about you.

Tomorrow afternoon is just fine. I have generally completed all the pressing shop tasks before the lunch hour.

I have no preference as far as a meeting place. I would only request it is somewhere where you feel the most comfortable.

Zach

  

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Pretties thanks to Olive! <3

January 14th, 1892

Zach,

I've enclosed the address of a pub in Johnstone. The area is a predominantly muggle one, so you ought to use caution if you decide to apparate. I've also included the address of a public floo connection.

I shall see you tomorrow afternoon. I will plan to arrive shortly after one.

Jo

  

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January 14, 1892

Jo,

I will endeavor to be discreet in my travels. I shall see you at one.

Zach

  

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Pretties thanks to Olive! <3