My sweet cousin Emily has been so touched by the sensitivity of her swain that she wishes to proclaim to the world her thanks and affection. Accordingly, here is her love-note to him. Further episodes in their romantic tale will doubtless follow daily.

Dec 12
My dearest darling Edward,

What a wonderful surprise has just greeted me! That sweet partridge, in that lovely little pear-tree; what an enchanting, romantic, poetic present! Bless you, and thank you.

Your deeply loving
Emily

P.S. Edward's correspondence is unavailable to me, but perhaps he will choose to publish here his portion of this idylic duet?

I have access to Bobby Shaftoe's earlier correspondence, but not Edward's.