Dearest Molly,

We have found a place to meet in secret.

On one of my wanderings around the house, I discovered the staff rarely step foot on the top floor unless we have guests and Mother only uses her art room a few times a week. If we are quiet enough, we can meet in the attic without anyone finding out. No one ever uses the attic unless we require extra chairs at the dining table or if we need the Christmas decorations.

Since discovering the attic as a safe space for the two of us to meet, we have met only once, but it was nice to have somewhere private to meet. I missed hearing him talk such poetic words and spent the entire hour we were together listening to him speak about art, music, philosophy.

We finally had a place we could call our own and we both looked forward to the next time we could disappear together and just talk. With each day I spend with him, I wish more and more that Father wouldn't be so possessive of my life and who I choose to spend it with. I know that if I were to choose him over the suitors Father believes are acceptable, then he would disown me and turf me out of the house.

I love my family more than anything in the world, but I am starting to wonder if maybe I love him more.

When it came down to it, could I really choose between my family and the man I love? In truth, Molly, I don't like the idea of being caught in the middle of the people I love most in the world. How am I supposed to decide if I want to be with my family or with him?

I need help, Molly.

Until next time.

Love, Catherine.

~~~

First Published - February 16th, 2022