Dearest Molly,

I've always loved autumn. The colours on the trees, the slight chill in the air as the sun shines overhead. There's something beautiful in the red and orange on the trees, in the crushing sound they make on the ground and how everything just feels peaceful.

Our attic meetings have become the highlight of my days as the seasons have changed from summer to autumn. No one has discovered us yet and we both intend to keep it that way for as long as we possibly can. We both enter and leave the attic separately so no one sees us. He was once spotted by a fellow servant but managed to talk his way out of it by claiming he was on an errand for my father.

I think I can say today that I am in love with him. His words captivate me at every turn, I get butterflies in my stomach whenever he speaks and I can think of nothing else other than when we will be together again. Of course, we still have to be careful, and our meetings are as infrequent as ever, but I now know what I feel in my heart.

I love him.

Every time I am with him, my heart aches with longing and I spend every waking moment waiting for when we can be together again. I want to tell Mother and Father the truth, I want them to know that I am in love. I want to shout it from the rooftops or my window, but I cannot.

He gave me some more tulips just last week and when Mother asked about them I had to tell her I had asked for them myself. I wished to tell her, and I almost did, but this must remain a secret.

I am so glad to have these pages to confide in. Without them, I am sure I would have already told the world what I feel in my heart but I am not ready to do that. For now, these words live in ink only, hidden under my floor and away from prying eyes.

Maybe one day I can share my feelings with my family.

Until next time.

Love, Catherine.

~~~

First Published - February 17th, 2022