Angria [3]

My darling Abby,

     I know you have been waiting for my response but I have only just returned to my new house.  We are currently in the process of unloading everything but when I received your letters upon my arrival, I couldn't resist writing you for long.  Send my greetings to your mother, I know she may not be your preferred company, but she is such a loving woman that I can't help but love her in return.  In answer to your question, about remembering my home, I assure you that there is nothing that could possibly induce me to forget that haven.  George and I are getting along famously and I look forward to making this place my new home --He just passed and tells me to send well wishes your way.

    On another note, I feel your pain, perhaps doubled.  It is terribly difficult to experience so many new things and not have my dearest friend by my side to share it all with.  When I have more time, I will write to you about all I have seen, but as I am currently in the middle of starting my new life, I shall only ask you a few questions and encourage you to continue writing me.

    First, I must ask about this soldier who came into your life recently, Zambrano?  What has happened to dear Mr. Hollyfield?  Does not distance make the heart grow fonder?  When I last saw you, you were on his arm walking into the garden.  I thought for sure that a proposal was about to be offered.  I must confess that I have recently seen the man himself.  He lives very near this place and George and I took the liberty of calling there before continuing on our way here.  He asked many questions concerning you and I had to work very hard to conceal my surprise.  Surely, I thought, if not engaged you two would be writing.  SO let me just encourage you to seriously consider your prospects.  Hollyfield is a handsome man and in possession of quite a fortune.  I know little of this Zambrano, other than his station, and I do not believe you know much of him either.  I just want to make sure, Abagail, that you are not falling in love with the idea of the man, rather than the man himself.  But enough lecture, I do hope you forgive me.

     I am quite enjoying hearing about this quaint little party. My second question concerns Clarissa.  I am just wondering, is she a handsome woman?  I imagine that she must be.  You spoke of fine clothes and wealth so I'm sure that she has been given very many opportunities to make herself presentable.  I dislike the woman very much and like you am very shocked by the Captain's reception of her.  Seems to me like they would make a fine couple, and should leave everyone else, as soon as possible, and live in seclusion.

     I hope Catherine is not taking their flirting too hard.  I am sure that she can find better than this rake.  She seems like a dear and I do wish I could have met her.  Does she say much though?  Or is she really as timid as meek as Clarissa paints her to be. 

     Tell the Musgroves I am well, if you would be so kind, and less with your sarcasm would be nice.  I too wait for the day when we are reunited, Abby, which, If I have my way, will be soon and under my new roof.  I would love for you to see the town and perhaps we will pay a visit to Mr. Hollyfield...  Keep me updated and I shall keep you as well.

  

All my love, and George's,

    Grace Wilson

P.S. No, I do not much prefer Mrs. Wilson to Grace.  Feel free to continue addressing me by my Christian name, and I shall pay you the same respect, Miss Lovelace.