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