July 13th, 1888

Emmy,

I know exactly what - or who - you can do! This sounds exactly like one of my romance novels! I am so excited for you!

How did he react when you told him you loved him? What kind of lessons? Oh my, is he going to bed you!?

What kind of feelings?! I must know, Emmy! I want to live vicariously through you and your romantic endeavours!!

You need to meet him soon! Oh my. What have you two done together?!

Your friend,
Sher

  

July 15th, 1888
Sher,
You are the worst sort of influence, you realize that, right? Though, I already knew that and should have expected such a response from you!

But in all seriousness, Sherry, he didn't say it back. I think he wanted to, he seemed to want to but he just couldn't. I'm not really sure what to think about that. Maybe I don't really love him and it was just an in the moment sort of thing? I think I do but maybe I don't really know what's going on. It's all so confusing.

And we haven't done anything.. I just don't know what to expect from him sometimes. It all gets so frenzied at times then there's just.. a calm. I don't know.
Your Friend,
Emmy

  

July 15th, 1888

Emmy,

Of course I'm a bad influence! You're too much of a goody-goody. You need someone to lead you astray sometimes!

What do you mean he wanted to? Surely if he loved you he would have said it back, right? What did he do instead?

And it sounds like you do. Does he make you happy? Do you want to wife him? I bet you do!

... Also if you haven't done anything what are these "lessons"? Is he teaching you how to be a hit wizard or something? You're being vague!

Write me soon please - I'm on edge with this and I've finished my romance novel!

Your friend,
Sher

  

July 18th, 1888
Sher,
Well he said he felt the same. That's almost as good, right? It seemed as if he couldn't say the actual word. But I do feel as if he's shown it in other ways at the very least. I guess you don't have to actually say it to feel it, right? Perhaps I'm just overthinking it all. That seems to be a problem of mine. Overthinking everything and then inevitably ruining it in the process. I should stop doing that, shouldn't I? This is why it's so awful we can visit in person. Surely that would help.

And I would honestly love to be his wife... I never thought I'd ever feel such a way with anyone. But.. I could see myself building a life with him. But I can't now. I have to finish school and at least get a career started! What if something were to happen to him and then I'd be all alone without a finished education or a career. No.. I have to do those things first before even considering something otherwise.

I suppose we've just vaguely mentioned lessons of intimacy. I think, had he not been such a gentleman, we might have done more on that bench in the park. But we both agreed that we couldn't do that there. A lady's first time should be.. memorable. And special.
Your Friend,
Emmy

  

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#LovelyLadySet

July 18th, 1888

Emmy,

I suppose. But please don't think you'll ruin it. I'm sure he does love you. Men just... don't like to show their emotions, I suppose. They are weird creatures.

I'm glad you feel like you can spend your life with him. I'm glad you're happy. But that's smart. Make sure you have your future sorted before you make any commitments. I'd hate to see my best friend hurt! And I'm happy to poison him if you need - haha!

But oh! More on the bench? Did you want him to take you on it, Emmeline? Did you!? I'm joking - but also I'm not. This has me all giddy! I bet he has a way with his hands!

Your friend,
Sher

  

July 20th, 1888
Sher,
Men are strange creatures. Why do we like them?

Luckily, he seems to understand my need to finish school and start a career though. So I should be okay on that front. I just hope he is truly as patient as he said he'll be. It is a long time to have to wait, after all. But I know he's vying for a promotion himself so perhaps that will help to distract him. It's why we haven't seen each other again. He's been busy with work. I'm not actually sure when I'll get to see him again.

You're awful. You're making me blush all over again. But yes, he has amazing hands. Soft and gentle in ways you wouldn't expect of a Hit Wizard...
Your Friend,
Emmy

  

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#LovelyLadySet

July 22nd, 1888

Emmy,

I'm not sure. Women are much more sensible! We ought to wed one another and save the hassle... haha. I'm kidding!

I'm glad he's patient and you're both being sensible though. I hope it does work out between you two. You seem absolutely smitten!

And oh? What is it he's done with his hands, pray tell?

Also I'm sure you'll see him again soon. Maybe you ought to write him and let him know you wish to see him.

Your friend,
Sher

  

July 25th, 1888
Sher,
I wish this fog was gone. I need a friend and not just through letter.

I.. I don't know what's going on anymore. I don't know what to think or what to do.
Your Friend,
Emmy

Wet smudges are dropped along the parchment, likely from tears.

  

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#LovelyLadySet

July 26th, 1888

Emmy,

What has happened?

This fog will clear soon as I will come to Hogsmeade at my earliest opportunity.

But what's happened, Emmy? Is everything okay? I'm worried.

Please tell me everything is okay. Do I need to poison someone?

Your friend,
Sher

  

July 27th, 1888
Sher,
No. No Poison. But I'm still confused. And hurt.

He told me he loved me. Likely because he was caught up in the moment but then he.. panicked. And then he withdrew and looked to the damned bottle of wine. It hurt.

I'm still hurt. We talked but... I just don't know. I don't know what to think.
Your Friend,
Emmy

  

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#LovelyLadySet

July 28th, 1888

Emmy,

Oh Emmeline. I am so sorry.

Men don't know how to act or even react to their own feelings. They don't know what's in front of them until it's gone.

At least he said he loved you however. Maybe he did mean it. I don't know.

I wish I could offer more comfort and it pains me to not be able to see you but perhaps that was for the best.

Maybe now he will understand what you mean to him. I don't know. Do you still want him to court you and wife you?

Your friend,
Sher

  

July 31st, 1888
Sher,
Two things..

First, Charlie wrote to me over the weekend. He said he'd thought a lot on what happened and then he apologized for it all. Told me he did love me and that he realized how much he really did care but was afraid that if he admitted as much I'd view him as weak. Men are idiots. But.. I'm glad to know that he's finally being honest with himself and with me. He's to come to dinner tonight!

Second, I believe it is safe to say I did not get named Head Girl. And.. I'm surprisingly okay with it. While I had sincerely hoped I would, perhaps it wasn't for the best. At least I have a distraction from it all.
Your Friend,
Emmy

  

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#LovelyLadySet

August 2nd, 1888

Emmy,

First, who cares if you didn't get Head Girl! It's nothing but some privileged title for school. It has absolutely no power over you as a person and you can still make a future for yourself!

A future with Mr. Caulfield! I need to know more about this development! What did he say? Do you still have the letter? Please send it me! I NEED to read it! I am so glad he has confessed his feelings toward you! You deserve to he happy, Emmy.

How did the dinner go? What happened? Did he bring you any gifts? Was he appropriate? I hope he wasn't!

I also hope you slapped him for being an ass - I would have. And of course men are idiots: they're men!

Please write soon! These letters from you are all that is keeping me sane right now.

Your friend,
Sher

  

August 2nd, 1888
Sher,
I'm sure you'll forgive me for keeping his letters to myself and pretty much answering none of your questions but the one. How dinner went..

Sherry, it was magical! My mother, apparently, is a bit of a sneaky mischief maker and left me to finish dinner. Claiming she had to get something. Only.. she only provided me with enough food for two. It was amazing, really. Very sweet and simple, just the two of us for dinner. But.. it quickly took a turn.

I'm not giving you all the little details, not through a letter. You'll have to come see me or I you if you want them. The fog is blessedly gone so we can actually visit in person. Trust me, it'll be worth your time if your mother will let you come to Hogsmeade. I've hardly slept since that night because I can still feel him every time I close my eyes.

Hope to see you soon!

Your Friend,
Emmy

  

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#LovelyLadySet

August 3rd, 1888

Emmy,

I'm going to ignore the rest of the letter. Feel him? Emmy what did you two do? I'm going to see if I can come and see you soon. What date would be best? I'm glad the fog is gone!

I need to know absolutely everything! Has my innocent Emmy finally lost her virtue?!

My mind is rushing! I have to see you soon!!

Your friend,
Sher

  

August 3rd, 1888
Sher,
I should have known you'd latch onto that..

Come tomorrow! Any time, doesn't matter. Just come to the house. Father will be gone and mother won't think twice about you coming by!
Your Friend,
Emmy

  

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#LovelyLadySet