13 May, 1847, ten o’clock
Russell Square, London
Dear Arthur,
I hope you realize this wedding will be the death of me. I was quite willing to run away to Gretna Green, but no. YOU had to have your grand party.
I am sending the caterer to you. I cannot hear one more word about canapés.
Love,
Sarah
***
13 May, 1847, eleven and three-quarters o’clock
Beecham Chambers, London
Sarah, my love,
How can you find any part of this frustrating? It’s exhilarating to deal with all these details.
Will you be home later? I miss you.
Arthur
***
13 May, 1847, one and a quarter o’clock
Russell Square, London
Dear Arthur,
If you like it so much, you plan the wedding. I have more important concerns, namely my bridal trousseau—what little there is of it. Seriously, Arthur, some of these fabrics are truly scandalous.
I have, of course, purchased all of them.
All my love (and most of my kisses),
Sarah
***
13 May, 1847, two o’clock
Beecham Chambers, London
Dearest, loveliest Sarah,
Surely all of your kisses?
Arthur
P.S. Of course I will organize the wedding. The trousseau is of utmost importance. You must ensure it receives the attention it deserves (even if you won’t be wearing any of it for more than five minutes).
***
13 May, 1847, three o’clock
Russell Square, London
Mr. Davenport,
Sir! How scandalous! You are truly inappropriate. Why, if you just knew what I had planned.
I shall detail it for you. Please find an itemized list and schedule enclosed.
Of course all my kisses,
Sarah
***
13 May, 1847, four o’clock
Beecham Chambers, London
Sarah. My Sarah.
That list. My God.
You slay me. Every time.
***
21 October, 1847, one o’clock
The Blue Room, Wildfell House, Clemmens-Upon-Avon
Dear Arthur. Husband.
Do you realize we have done exactly as our mothers wished? Oh, it is galling to think we have stumbled right into their plot.
Still, I cannot be too upset. I do, of course, get to be married to you.
Love,
Sarah
P.S. I think we should give my trousseau another run, don’t you?
***
21 October, 1847, one and one half o’clock
Your father’s study, Wildfell House, Clemmens-Upon-Avon
Dear Wife,
I have no care for what our mothers wished. I only know I thank all that is holy every day for you.
And your trousseau.
Arthur