September 3, 1889

Mr. Lukeson,

You can not imagine the joy your words have brought to me. How I shake as I write my reply. How I have hoped to hear see such words from you. Yet even as I read them I feel a sense of dread. I can no longer deny that I have fallen for you as well. (What a relief to pen such words to you!) But to know that my own feelings are reciprocated when I am promised to another? There is no feeling worse in the world. The very thought of my impending nuptials fills me with horror. I can not imagine going through with the marriage now. Yet I can see no way my mother would call off the wedding. If only we could run away from the world, start out on our own, with no one to steer our own actions or desires. But such things only happen in stories. If only I could be yours. If only it were you standing at the end of the aisle, I should be a very happy woman indeed if dreams were reality.

Wishfully,
L.F.

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Thank you MJ for an amazingly Lucy set!