𝐷𝑒𝑎𝑟, 𝑦𝑜𝑢'𝑙𝑙 𝑏𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑢𝑠 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑦 {Philidosia Love Story}

.1799.

------------- January 1799---------

My Dearest, Theo

Christmas Day with my Grandparents was busy as ever. We had all our relatives up here so I'm sure you could only dream of the chaos, imagine a herd of buffalo, most wearing large hoops and frilly skirts as they run up and down the stairs trying to get all some and twenty children ready for Chistmas Day Mass. William was as sweet as a year old child can be, he let loose such a loud scream in the middle of our hymns, I told mother he was trying to sing with us. 

Angelica went shopping with our other cousins yesterday and wanted me to tell you she got you a gift and she's planning on sending it along with this letter. I got you a gift as well but I would prefer to give it to you in person.  We are planning to return by the end of the month, I would love to spend the day with you when we get back, maybe go sleighing? I don't start college again till Feburary 20th so until then, I am all yours my dear. 

How is your Mrs. Burr doing? We were all saddened to hear of her illness. Mother would like to vist her when we come back, that is, if she is up for visits. 

I'm afraid this is all I can write my dear, the mailman is walking up the steps now and they will not be running mail this weekend. 

My dearest, you have my heart. 

Yours forever, Philip. 

I smile happily as I tuck away the letter into my nightstand and move onto the package that had been set on my bed. Pulling on the light blue ribbon and untucking the folded brown paper I pull out a set of beautiful pearl haircombs, oh that sweet girl...

I glance up at the clock on the wall, quickly pulling out some parchment and ink. I tap the dry quill against the paper before dipping it into the well and beginning to scratch my words across the paper. 

My Dearest, Philip. 

It joyed me greatly to hear from you again, I've been living rather on edge these past few days but your letter was a ray of sunshine piercing through my heavy dark clouds. 

You asked about my Mother, well, to tell you rather bluntely, I'm afraid she is going to die. She came down with an awful fever a week ago and the doctor expressed his concerns, I had lost track of time as I tried to keep her comfortable and I never left her side, which is why I am sorry this letter is reponding late to yours, which must have arrived at least five days ago. Her fever seemed to break just hours ago and she seems to be in a more peaceful slumber now, I know your mother and mine are good aquantances so of course Mrs. Hamilton can visit!

Philip dear, I am rather scared. Not just for my Mother but also for my father, He seems to be working himself more and more, visiting my Mother when he is not at the office. I know how scared he is and I afraid he'll work himself to death. I don't want to lose both of them, they are my only family. 

As for your holiday I'm afraid I cannot give you any definite answer, I think my Father is trying to send me down south till summer. As if I'd leave my Mother! But, maybe thats what he knows...maybe he plans to send me away to a finishing school after Mother passes. He always said I reminded him so much of her, maybe it would pain him to see me if she passes. 

Oh, there I go again, over-analyzing every move and word. Except yours my dear, your words and actions I am sure of, you have my heart my dear, take care of it. 

Your dearest, Theo

P.S. tell Ang I love the haircombs! 

I blow on it lightly, spraying a spritz of my perfume before waving the letter through it. I slip it into an envelope and quickly decended the stairs, bumping into my father in the foyer.