January 22, 1813. London.
Dearest Kitty,
I am sorry for not being as dutiful as you with writing letters. In truth, until very recently there was nothing worth writing about. You keep saying that London is the most exciting place in the world, but nothing exciting has happened to me. Well, until yesterday.
I do hope that you are sitting down while you read this, for what I have to tell you will shock you I am sure. I know it shocked me. But I shall tell you anyway. I have a suitor! And I am not even of age yet! You kept saying the moment I came of age I would have married some young man or other - most likely David. And I kept telling you no one would have me, that I deserve no one - especially not David the best of men - so I keep my heart for God. And yet here I am.
Let me tell you how it was. I was helping Mother in the shop, and she had gone for a moment. A man entered our little shop and asked about the laces and ribbons for the hats in our window. I, of course, answered his many questions as best I could. He said some witty things that set me laughing. I suppose my face must have gone red like it does so very often. Well, as I was measuring some ribbon for him he asked me if I was free - if I was not engaged or wed yet. How my mouth must have fallen! I was so startled that I stumbled over my words in reply that I was, indeed, free. His face immediately brightened.
Oh! His face! I forgot to tell you what he looks like! He is not as tall as most men but still taller than myself. His dark hair, cut so very short, lies close to his head, which makes his large brown eyes seem even larger. He is not a big man, nor is he thin. But what caught my attention - other than his wide smile and bright eyes - was his voice. Just like David's voice. A different timbre of course, but so charming, so pleasing! I was so flattered by him. When he left, Mr. Matthias Antony left a calling card in my hand and bade me good-day.
Oh the thrills of life! But what shall Mother and Father think? My agreeing to be courted by a perfect stranger! They will never let me see him, I know it. I must tell them about it of course. But what shall I do? I do want to be courted by him. I must know if he is a good man. I will meet him again somewhere eventually. Even if I do not try. Please pray that he is a devout Christian. He must be a good man. I dearly hope so. I think I shall meet him. There are things I wish to ask him. Even if Mother and Father say no, I must meet him again. There is something about him. I do not know what it is yet. I must find out.
Your sister,
Annabelle
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