His to her:
April 3rd, 1902
My Dearest Margaret,
While I fully acknowledge my audacity and selfishness in expressing this, I am compelled to pour out my heart's desire.
Margaret Jones, my love, will you embark on this extraordinary journey with me and embrace the title of Mrs. Margaret Harris? Your presence in my life has ignited a longing that transcends all boundaries.
I understand the complexities that surround your current situation, yet my heart cannot bear the thought of settling for less than the extraordinary love we share. The dream we once whispered has now taken hold of my being, and I cannot resist its allure.
Life has a way of aligning our paths, and I believe this is one such moment. Together, we can create a home filled with warmth, laughter, and the promise of a family. Beyond our dreams, we can build a life that is truly fulfilling, where our happiness is intertwined and our love knows no bounds.
I am aware that my request is daunting. Leaving behind the familiar can be intimidating, but I promise to be your unwavering companion every step of the way. Our combined incomes will empower us to pursue our aspirations, from expanding our dream home to traveling the world.
The sky is infinite, my love, and I long to soar with you by my side. With your 'yes,' I will dedicate my every effort to making our dreams a reality.
Before approaching you, I sought your mother's blessing, knowing that her guidance holds deep meaning. Regardless of her response, I will continue to respect your decision wholeheartedly.
My love for you knows no limits, Margaret. It is a flame that burns brightly, illuminating my every day. Will you take my hand and together, let us paint a masterpiece of a life filled with love, adventure, and unwavering happiness?
With all my heart,
Edward Harris
---------
April 7th, 1902
Her to his:
Dear Edward,
Your unexpected proposal evoked a tumultuous whirlwind of emotions within me: shock, nervousness, surprise, and amazement. The man I had once loved, the standard against which I had measured all others, the embodiment of the qualities I seek in a life partner—it was a testament to the enduring nature of our connection.
Your proposal flattered me deeply. You have always held a special place in my heart, and the thought of spending the rest of my life with you is both enticing and overwhelming. However, I cannot ignore the reality of my current situation.
I am currently in a fulfilling relationship that brings me immense happiness. My partner is a kind and loving soul who has supported me through thick and thin. I cannot bring myself to hurt him in such a way. It would shatter his heart, and he deserves better than to be cast aside for someone from my past.
I understand that the timing of your proposal may have been influenced by circumstances beyond your control. However, I cannot ignore the fact that I am committed to someone else. It would be unfair to him and to you to enter into a marriage without fully resolving my feelings.
Furthermore, the timing of your question feels rushed. Why didn't you ask first if I wanted to rekindle our relationship as a couple before proposing marriage?
I still care for you deeply, Edward, but my love for my current partner is different. It is a love that has grown over time, a love that I cannot simply abandon. I appreciate your reaching out to my mother, but her influence cannot sway my decision. I am my own person, and I must choose the path that is right for me. I hope you can understand my decision and respect my choice.
Let us not rush into this. I believe that we need more time to reflect on this. Perhaps, in the future, when our circumstances have changed, we can revisit this conversation. But for now, I must choose the path that is right for me and for my current partner.
With love and gratitude,
Margaret Jones
-----------
His to her:
April 10th, 1902
Dear Margaret,
As I pen these words, my heart is a maelstrom of emotions, a whirlwind that threatens to consume me. I am lost and bewildered, unsure of how to navigate the treacherous path that lies ahead. Upon receiving your response, a surge of hope washed over me, swiftly replaced by an unbearable despair. I had allowed myself to believe that our love could transcend the obstacles that had kept us apart. Yet, it seems that fate has dealt us a cruel blow.
The knowledge that you are happy with another man fills me with a profound sense of betrayal. I cannot shake the feeling that all those stolen glances, whispered promises, and dreams we once shared were nothing more than a cruel game. The love I have always held for you feels like a hollow echo, a painful reminder of what might have been. I had always harbored a glimmer of hope that our paths would cross again, that we would rekindle the love we once shared. I had always believed that if circumstances were different, we would find our way back to each other. But now, that dream has been extinguished, replaced by a profound sense of loss. It feels as though that opportunity has slipped through our fingers, like grains of sand in the wind.
You asked why I did not reach out to you sooner, why I did not attempt to rekindle our love before proposing and making such a life-altering request. I was foolishly optimistic, believing that the love we had once shared would endure. In hindsight, I realize that my actions were premature and ill-conceived. Your heart, now belongs to another, and my love, however strong, cannot compete with that bond.
Now, I am left with nothing but regret and emptiness. I have lost the love of my life, and with it, a part of myself. I do not know how to move forward, how to pick up the pieces of my shattered heart.
I am sorry for putting you through this turmoil. I understand that my actions were unfair and thoughtless. I should never have expected you to abandon your life and run away with me. The realization that my actions were selfish and unfair consumes me with guilt. I never intended to cause you any pain.
All I can do is hope that time will heal this wound, that one day I will be able to find peace and happiness once more. But for now, I am trapped in a nightmare from which I cannot escape, haunted by the love that I have lost.
With love and sorrow,
Edward Harris
------
Her to his:
April 15th, 1902
Dear Edward,
As I pen these words, my heart aches with a mix of sorrow and regret. It has been four long years since we parted ways, and we had both agreed to remain as friends. However, I must now confess that my actions and words have caused you pain and confusion, for which I am deeply sorry.
I acknowledge that my kindness and the way I communicated with you may have led you to believe that I was open to exploring a reconciliation when you became ready. I should have realized the potential consequences of our continued friendship and taken steps to prevent this misunderstanding.
Over the past years, we have both undergone significant transformations. Much has changed in our lives since we parted ways. Our dreams and goals have evolved, and we have become different people. While I will always cherish the love we once shared, I must acknowledge that it is no longer the same. I have cherished our friendship, but I failed to recognize the hurt it was causing you.
In the past, I mentioned the possibility of marriage as a condition for us to reunite. I should have realized sooner that maintaining a close friendship with the past lover could be detrimental. My kindness and concern for your well-being inadvertently gave you the impression that I was still available. For this, I am deeply sorry.
Your recent proposal has reopened a wound from our past, a wound that I had believed was healed. It has forced me to confront the reality that we have changed and that our desires no longer align.
I understand that we may need time to heal from this. I too will need space to process my emotions and make sense of this new reality. During this time, we may need to limit our contact to allow both of us to move forward.
I do not wish to cut you out of my life entirely. We have shared many memories and experiences, and I value our friendship. However, it will need to change. We can no longer be as close as we once were.
I urge you to move on with your life. Do not wait for me. I do not want to be the reason for you to put your happiness on hold. You deserve to find someone who can offer you the love and commitment you desire.
Edward, I truly hope that you can understand my decision. I wish you all the happiness and fulfillment in the world. You deserve nothing less.
Please know that I will always cherish the memories we have shared. Thank you for everything.
With love and regret,
Margaret