Friday June 19, 1851

Dear Mari,

That certainly sounds like Grandda! Needless to say I miss him, all of you, more than I can say in this letter. Tell Mark I miss his jokes, no one tells anyone up here in the proper city it seems. Oh, and give Grandda a hug from me. Also tell Pansy that none of the cooks up here rival her in the least, she needs to move here and give them all lessons.

I found your note about the new boy in town most curious! You simply have to drop by Hartfield with Pansy and a plate of cookies. Oh, and when you do then you must tell me everything!

As for life here it's . . . interesting. The girls are wonderful (so wonderful they offered to proof read my letter for me as I write. I promised to help the eldest, Elisabet, with her cross stitching and the younger two, Mary and Frances, with their corn dolls if they'd forgo the sacrifice). And of course He is kind enough although we've scarcely spoken, unfortunately. His sisters do tell me all kinds of generous tid-bits, however. It turns out his full name is John Albert Herald (not Johnnie, as his parents call him, Al, as his siblings call him, or Mr. Herald, as I've called him when I've had to call him anything). Also, he apparently holds a great liking for weapons and arms, he won a fencing match yesterday.

Of course Raleigh itself is gorgeous enough. Everything is so full of life, from the plants (which certainly seem few and far between compared to back home) to the people bustling about (you wouldn't believe the city fashions here. Elisabet helped me tie up my corset today before we went shopping and she nearly suffocated me!). And yes, we did go shopping. And I compromised with you, I got a mint green dress with yellow under sleeves. Really, I hardly think I look washed out in the least, and Elisabet confirmed that for me.

Of course there are some things which aren't quite as intriguing. I was rather surprised by the amount of servants here. Also it's said to be rougher in the area, Mr. and Mrs. Herald have informed me I am not to go out past six o'clock, and I'm not to go out at all without an escort. Of course, I wouldn't go out without an escort in such a large city anyway . . . . but it is still slightly disconcerting.

Oh. And the Herald's asked me today what time I thought would be best for the wedding. They suggested August. I smiled and said I thought that would be nice.


I love you all, remember to tell everyone I miss them (especially you, my twin!) Your continued prayers would be appreciated. I am thinking at present that a May wedding might be nice. Next May, that is.


With much love,
Ana


P.S. I received the buttercups! They're gorgeous and I put them exactly where they should be, right on the wall.