My sister Catherine has become quite enamored of the birds near a small pier. She feeds them old bread and some of them have come close enough to actually eat out of her hand! I have never seen the like of it. I tried the same myself, but the birds would not come so close to me. Perhaps they know that I would reach out to pet them would they venture so near. Catherine has always had a way with animals. She has been sketching them ceaselessly since we arrived. I have included her drawing of the marmalade cat that sits in our back garden. I have taken to calling him Felix and sneak him fish scraps after dinner. He is a delightfully fat thing and makes the sweetest purring sound when I scratch behind his ears. I haven’t enjoyed such simple pleasures since I was a child. I am very glad my father has taken this house for the summer. Everyone is so much more relaxed than they usually are—the sea air appears to be working its magic on the Bennet family.

Have you ever been to the sea? What a question! I’m sure a man such as you, who has lived in the world, has seen a great many things. (This may be the most boring letter ever written. Think of something interesting to say or quit torturing the poor man!) Do you want to know something scandalous? You must promise not to tell my mother, for she would never let me hear the end of it. Yesterday, while out walking, I removed my shoes and stockings and walked barefoot in the sand. It felt delightful under my feet! I even picked up my skirt and walked into the water. It was like nothing I’ve ever felt before. It was soft and foaming and cool all at the same time. I laughed in sheer delight. I’m sure the children playing nearby thought I had lost my senses. But, oh! It was so lovely!

I am wanted by my mother so I must close now. (She spent a good three minutes thinking of how to end her letter.) Give my best to your sister.

E.B.

P.S. You mentioned The Lakes in a previous letter. Are you planning a journey thither? Might I know when? I have always longed to see The Lakes!

It was not the most riveting letter she’d ever written, but she supposed it would have to do. She sanded and blotted it, pressed her seal into the wax, and sent it on its way. Hopefully it would buy her some measure of good will with her future husband.

~