8 October, 1890
My dearest Willard,I hope your week has been well. If only I could say the same. Another one of my friends has announced her engagement, and made a fool of me with her comments that followed shortly. Oh how I should be engaged already, she said. If only she knew.
I think she should. I think everyone should know—or have my reservations in the past proved more contagious than I intended them to be? I am not embarrassed of you, and I realize that the secrecy may give the appearance of such. I know it is not an ideal situation for either of us, but I am now certain that time will heal the wounds between my family and I, especially when you prove to be the opposite that my father expects.
And I know you will.
With love,