Let me first assure you that I'm quite alright. No serious physical harm has befell me as a result of my decision to marry Mr. Crouch. My father was furious, obviously, but I escaped the house unscathed. Mr. Crouch and I are presently honeymooning in France. We shall return to England eventually!

Now, onto the details. As I'm sure you're now aware, I eloped with Ben Crouch following the Valentine's Ball. You know how I've cared for him over the years, and after seeing him that night I knew I couldn't marry Mr. St.John-Black. He was perfectly respectable, and I'm sure if we had gone through with the wedding I would've been able to craft a different sort of happiness. But, what's done is done. I shall never know what sort of husband he might've made.

When Father learned of what I've done he immediately disavowed my actions and asked me to leave the premises. That's is the reason why you received the response you did. It has been a struggle to reconcile with this fact, so I hope you'll forgive me if I don't expand on it further. Perhaps one day I'll relay exactly what happened that morning.

Have you spoken with Dorothy? I have drafted a few letters to her, but I must confess I'm terrified of her reaction. The harm I caused to her reputation...I can only hope she will one day forgive me.

I promise to be more responsive to any letters sent my way. I've been dreadfully ill with seasickness that has only just recently begun to leave me. How are you faring? And the shop? I still wear the bracelet you gifted me before Christmas.

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beautiful set by mj