Dear Diane

London, England, July 20th, 1832

Dear Anna,

To follow up our conversation through your door, while I lay on the floor of your hallway all but begging you to just marry me already, I would like to say that you have a fabulous wit. I would like to talk to you more in person, but you brought up the small detail of trust. Trust before love is the phrase that stands out to me the most about our conversation.

If only we had the time to meet each other before and court each other like so many other couples in this day and age, but with our status and families getting in the way, I fear that you will never actually get the chance to fall for me.

I have decided to take a different approach to the arrangement that was made long before you or I could form thoughts or words.

Let me describe myself to you, in the most vulnerable way I can.

Anna, my name is Charles, and I have grown up across the way from you. You were born in November, and I was born in July two years before. Our parents have been friends since before either of us were conceived. Your father met my father in school. They both made very successful businessmen, although your father has fallen on harder times. They decided we would be married, and that we should be married before you turn 19 this coming November.

You were best friends with my brother John, at some point, although you do not ask for him now.

I have watched you grow, become friends with John. While you two were able to play, I was forced into school far away. I spent the summer reading while watching you two all day. I went on a tour of the east while you and john finished your studies, and now that I am back, I only returned about a month ago, our parents have thrust the subject of our engagement.

Please, let me get to know the girl I have seen grow my whole life. I have offered a small part of my life in exchange for yours. Learn to trust me, get to know me as I would love to get to know you.

Yours,

C