Bewitching The Recluse [BOOK 2 of Price Family Saga]

0. Prologue (At The Beginning Was A Letter)

A/N: Once again, if you haven't read BOOK 1 - be aware that the entire story will be spoiled within the next chapters. Return to my profile to locate the first book in the series.

Also, I'd like to thank you @zeen2805 and @EvilMaybeWriter for your unending support and for being the first ones to finish BOOK 1 - I hope I won't disappoint you with this continuation!

July 7, 1756, London

My Dearest Travis,

This missive you now peruse shall be my final correspondence to you. I am well aware that your response shall not grace my hands, much like the twelve letters I've dispatched prior. It is a peculiar sensation, comprehending that you shall never be mine. We find ourselves ensnared in an enchanting cycle – my heart pines for you, your affections belong to Eliza, and Eliza's affections, well, they remain shrouded in mystery even to herself, of that I'm certain. But I am also certain of one thing – her sentiments are not bestowed upon you. 

I beseech you, cease this before your heart shatters into countless fragments. I assure you; this epistle is not borne of envy. My intention is to caution you, even though I recognize, as these lines are composed, that the endeavour is entirely futile. I shall never grasp the allure that captivated you, likely starting with her comely countenance, as that is the foremost element which typically captures your gender. It is as though ladies possess naught but beauty to commend them.

Allow me to extend my sincerest apologies, Travis. I beseech your forgiveness for the importunity I have inadvertently caused. Pray pardon my intrusion through these numerous letters. Forgive me for succumbing to this affection for you. 

It was akin to an ailment, a truly lamentable affliction, consuming me inwardly alongside the fervent flames of jealousy, restraining me from progressing since our inaugural dance at the occasion of my debut into society. I regarded it as a destiny-wrought encounter, for from the moment our discourse commenced, I was cognizant that you were the gentleman with whom I could envisage the entirety of my existence, until my twilight years.

Ever since that time, you have incessantly occupied a portion of my thoughts, and in secret, I nurtured the hope that one day, when your fervour for Eliza wanes, you might take notice of me and apprehend the depth of your forfeit. Meanwhile, I endeavoured to acquaint myself with other gentlemen, harbouring discreet aspirations that I might encounter the one who could mend my heart from this affection, and once again relish the surge of sentiments akin to those I experienced with you. 

I endured a protracted period living as a soul divided, veiling my genuine emotions from all but you. Yet, even on this day, the phrases you once uttered continue to afflict me. The realization that you are prepared to await Eliza indefinitely weighs heavily upon me still. The anguish is so profound that it seems as though my very form yearns to shatter into futile fragments.