I must thank you for your exceedingly kind letter. You could have chosen a path of bitterness and instead were genuine in your words, thank you for that. It's something I won't forget.

Might I press you for more details? Everything is still so foggy to me and I'm struggling to make sense of it all. Was I aware of the things you said and did? Did that play a hand in my abrupt decision to elope? Mr. Crouch and I are as happy as any married couple are to be, I've merely never been capable of leaving a puzzle unsolved. He is exercising extreme caution in providing details to avoid overwhelming me, which is kind in a way. It is, however, mildly frustrating to only have bits and pieces when you're trying to make sense of the larger picture.

We shall meet as friends should we ever see one another in public again. Of that I'm certain. As for my family, I don't believe there to be a path of reconciliation available. As I'm sure you were made aware, my father is quite set in his ways. Little could sway him. At least that part makes sense.

I do hope you and Mrs. St.John-Black are happy as well. I remember her from school and she is an incredibly kind person.

---

beautiful set by mj