June 30, 2008

Ana,



Daniel?! Nice?! You say that only to get me to keep my mouth shut. Fear not, cousin, I may have let my sentiments known, but that doesn't necessarily condemn me to...greater crimes. You know what I mean. I will be more careful from now on, though, so stop worrying.


However, I will not make nice to Daniel. You know I have no desire to be courted! You can't talk, you were given an arranged marriage that you are cutting out of. The only reason you are down there is to provide the next stop for our "buttercups." I am glad that code is working for us, by the way. Still, you must find someone to take your place soon.

There, now, don't let your face go so white. I am not writing recklessly. I am sending this letter by way of Mark, therefore I will speak plain, knowing that for all his faults, he will not allow this to touch any hands but yours. He can be a safe messenger for a few of our letters at least, so we may speak plain once in a while. Do tell me how you have managed your part in your new stop. I am doing fine, although its harder to sneak out from the family without you.

Meanwhile, we have indeed been invited to a party in honor of Daniel's sister, Alaina. I wonder what she shall be like. Grandmother has decided, without consulting anyone's wishes but her own of course, that we shall go. I personally think that our new neighbors could be bandits and murderers, but as long as they were Southern Grandmother would find them perfect. Even though she was raised there you would think her loyalties would have shifted by now.

Anyway, if you have a necklace that would go with my violet party dress, I would be very thankful. The clasp of my black beads is loose, and I will not wear them for fear of losing one of my mother's pieces of jewelry. As for your yellow dress, you will find out soon enough from one of the girls that it looks terrible on you...as soon as they get the courage to do so. And you call *me* silly. I didn't hold my tongue because I was upset. You just bought a yellow dress with no good reason at all. I would know, we look almost exactly alike...I can't wear it either.

Good luck with Mark, he shall probably embarass you as only a country cousin can.

Love,

Mari