Letter ~ Carolina Locksley

Dearest Carolina.
Please forgive me if I am being too bold in addressing you as such.

I hope this letter finds you in good shape. We are currently stationed at Port Royal. How much longer we will be here I do not know, but I am hoping that we will be returning to England soon. As much as I love the sea, I miss home.

You are in my thoughts every day and if I may be so frank - I miss you and your company. If I am back in England by ball season would you accompany me to a dance?

I hope you are in the best of health. Along with my letter, I send a necklace bought off a charming elderly lady who makes and sells her jewellery at the weekend markets here. When I saw it, I instantly thought of you. I do hope you will like it. 

It is now time for our crew to start gunnery practice, so I am handing this letter over to the captain of a merchant ship bound for England. Forgive the haste but I otherwise fear that it will be delayed for several weeks if I do not send it now. Keep safe and may the seas reunite us again soon.

Ever your friend,
Derek Fletcher.

~
Necklace for Carolina

My dearest Mr. Fletcher,

I was very delighted to read your lovely letter. It warmed my heart to read your lines and a smile to my face. I am very honored to be called 'your dearest Carolina'. Have no worried to address me as such. I like it. 
Even more am I delighted to write you these lines, hoping that they will reach you. It's been such a long time since I wrote a letter, I almost forgot the joy of writing and reading them.

You have been in my thoughts from the day we parted and I am glad to hear that you are well. Here, back home with my parents everything is well. I have been out for a ride with my lovely friend Sarah this morning and got back just as your letter arrived. 

The ride has been wonderful. I love the English air in the morning, especially when the sun is shining warmly on my face. I know... usually women in my position don't like to be tanned, but I myself prefer a slight tan to my skin. I have been down by the beach with my horse and smelled the salty air and listened to the waves. How wonderful it must be to be surrounded by that salty air all day!"

As I write these lines, I sometimes look upon the beautiful necklace that you sent me. I put it on when I got it and it is very lovely! I am most honored to have received such a lovely gift. You have my most honest and heartfelt thank you. I doubt I will ever take it off. It is really beautiful and suits me lovely.

I hope that you will return to England safely and we be reunited soon. I do miss your lovely company. I will look forward to your return and if you get back for the ball season, then I will be honored and most delighted to acompany you to such.

Be safe my dear Derek. I will pray for your safe return and think of you.

Ever your friend,

Carolina of Locksley.