Your letter was most certainly informative and I thank you for your candor. It reminded me of a conversation I had with my mother presumably shortly after Mr. Crouch and I eloped, so at the very least it has sparked some memories.

Whatever your words or choices were at the time, I forgive you for them. We were quite obviously ill suited for one another and I'm glad to know we've both found happiness since then. While I still cannot recall the events of Valentine's Day 1889, which I'm told is the night we ran off, I'm now certain it wasn't a planned out decision. I told no one of my thoughts to elope or made any mentions of Mr. Crouch to any of my friends. It seems odd that such a life altering decision wouldn't have been shared with someone beforehand anyway.

Forgive me, I'm rambling.

Please send Mrs. St.John-Black my best wishes. Once things have settled some more here perhaps I shall ask her over for tea.

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beautiful set by mj