Dearest Molly,

Mother suspects something is going on. I do not believe she knows for certain that I had been meeting someone right under her nose, but she suspects something is amiss.

Just the other day, I was returning from the attic when she emerged from her art studio still wearing her paint-covered smock. She appeared startled by my sudden appearance and glanced towards the attic, but I do not think she saw him emerge just before me. Then she started to ask all manner of questions about what I was doing on the top floor.

I had not prepared to answer such questions and must have looked like a vagabond who had been caught doing something unseemly. Neither of us had intended on getting caught and so we had not prepared any excuses if we happened to be spotted. I stuttered and stammered like a fool until I offered what could have passed for a decent excuse. I told her I had heard a noise.

She did not look as though believed me and now she suspects me of being up to something. Apparently, I have not been behaving as myself these past few weeks — not that she would know all that much about me since she rarely spends time with me — which has become a cause for concern. Of course, I could hardly tell her that I had finally found love for she would be sure to tell Father.

What am I to do, Molly?

I knew this would be complicated, but I never thought it would lead to me having to lie to Mother about my movements in our house. Then again, I do not see how my movements can be of any concern to her since this is my house too. Perhaps she will forget about it, but I know we are going to have to be extra careful in the future.

If only this could be simple.

Until next time.

Love, Catherine.

~~~

First Published - February 18th, 2022