Dearest Molly,

We were almost found out.

The two of us met in our pre-arranged spot in the orchards beyond the house in the early hours of the morning. No one knew I had managed to sneak out of the house, not even Mother who had been determined to continue with her etiquette lessons. He managed to slip away too, but I suppose that was easier for him to do.

It was a warm day, with the summer sun just above us despite it being early. We met under the shade of the trees. He appeared more confident about our meeting than I did. Molly, there is just something in the way he speaks that has been enraptured. Every word sounds like it has been lifted off the page of an Austen novel or a Shakespearean play. I have never known a man to speak so eloquently, not even the suitors' Father believes are appropriate have such a way with words.

I, on the other hand, continued to come across as a complete, and utter fool.

I could think of nothing to say; no words could ever match the ones that feel from his lips under the apple trees. It is a wonder that he still has an interest in me since I have struggled to form even one coherent sentence in the few times we have met. Perhaps a book might be able to help me, they are always a fountain of knowledge when it comes to matters of the heart.

We were alone for all but five, perhaps ten, minutes before a shuffling sound in the trees caught our attention. No one could know that we had met in secret, not even the other servants who were bound to gossip about my impropriety if they were to find out.

The two of us crept away from one another, going in separate directions in the hopes that we would not be seen together. As I was leaving, I came across one of the garden boys, Walter, who asked me just what I was doing in the orchard on my own. I told him I had merely decided to go on a morning stroll and I think he believed me.

I don't think he saw us together, but there is no guarantee. We shall have to be extra careful in the future to ensure we are not caught. Father would be most unhappy if he were to find out.

Still, I wish our meeting hadn't been cut short the way it had. I would have loved to have listened to him speak for a little while longer.

Perhaps next time we can meet without any interruptions.

Until next time.

Love, Catherine.

~~~

First Published - February 7th, 2022