Times Hearts
Page 4
Friday August 25th 1865 at Bleesdale
Grenna,
I received your letter a few days ago and yet in my heart I could not bear the weight of what I must now write. You understand, as much as it is for your reputation, as it is for both of us, I must withdraw from our engagement. I say this with the deepest of sorrows for a love like yours is a flower to beheld in the spring and watch its delicate blooms gently and slowly unfold with so much love inside, that your heart swells. I have though, utterly failed you. I am keeping this letter to you short so as to spare you, in hoping so, the lightest of grief.
In this, I can now only be your friend, if you so request it. If not, it will break my heart and break the friendship that has been between us for several years or so ...yet I shall always remain your friend.
Your friend,
Grayson.
Lord Dagg
Wednesday 30th August 1865 at Whitcomb Cottage, Lake Windermere
Dearest Bess,
Having taken ill over the last couple of days, with which I am now recuperating and on the mend. Dearest Mama had the foresight to send me here for my health, and I am taken to the wonderful clean fresh air of Windermere. I am happy to report that I am indeed feeling all the more quite myself again.
No, I have not indeed heard anything more of Grayson, nor am I intending to reply his letter, though my heart wishes it otherwise. This I must fight with all of my strength and convictions.
Today, Alice and Maud will set to boating on the lake. I am afraid, my strength is not up to par yet, so I will miss this little adventure, but hope I will take to the waters of the lake before our return to London.
I am writing this whilst sitting outside on the veranda amongst the pretty summer rose blooms of pink and crimson. The day is full of wispy frothy clouds and the sun peers out every now and then. A warm light breeze flutters my writing paper once in a while. I will read Chaucer’s book you sent me later this evening. Thank you for the gift of it.
Now I must go, as the tea is drawing, and I am going to have some delicious fruit cake. I will write again, Do hope to hear from you and Letzia soon. Send greetings to your dear Mama and Papa for me. They were most kind on my last visit to Somerset.
Affectionately
Grenna
Monday November 6th 1865 Boroughly House, Bath
Bess, dearest,
We arrived safely to Bath three days ago. In reply to your enquiry of the man to which you spoke of in your letter, I must confess I do not know this man. I had overheard Violet mention him and I saw him momentarily at the Lennington’s annual ball as indicated by her fan to where he stood. I know neither not his name nor his station. He simply was just an invited guest by the Berkshire family whose name is unfortunately linked with Miss Georgette Steele who is said to be as beautiful as she is charming as she is cruel. I had heard talk that she dropped Mr Charles Ledings, because he bore no title nor was he a man of great monetary substance. I am quite sure she has left a string of broken hearts scattered behind her somewhere, but this dear Bess, can only cause her harm and to be seen as such a viper to mens hearts.
For the while, I am here with my Mama as you know. She is so enjoying Bath and all its beautiful architecture and takes to bathing in the soothing waters daily.
Tell me all your news.
Affectionately
Grenna