Dearest Molly,

It has been several months since I have last written to you and I am deeply sorry for that. We are now in winter and the new year is approaching. I am excited to welcome in a brand new year full of new promises and adventures for you know I turn seventeen just a few days into the new year.

My relationship, if I may be so bold as to call it that, has been continuing on smoothly these past few months. We have met several more times in the attic without anyone being wiser. Not only that, but we have kissed on more than one occasion.

Once or twice we have almost gone too far, although we are both far too inexperienced to know what that means. I do not know if I want to do such a thing for I know what I will be called if we do, and yet I feel as though I love him enough to want to. Perhaps, when the truth about our relationship is revealed, it won't matter as much for we could get married. Then again, what would the harm be if no one really knew the truth?

I know what Mother has to say about women who commit such acts before marriage. She often refers to them as charlatans or whores, talking about how they must have been raised in a barn with the pigs if they feel as though it is acceptable to act in such away. I do not see how there can be anything wrong with it if it is with the person you love. Surely that means more than marriage. The person we love might die before a bond can be finalised and then what?

It certainly seems an over-dramatisation of something that, on the surface, appears rather trivial.

What could the harm possibly be?

Until next time.

Love, Catherine.

~~~

First Published - February 22nd, 2022