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Romance of Lilacs

May 4th, 1882
Willowbrook

My dearest Susan,

I'm overjoyed to read your message. I'm doing wonderfully at my parents’ new estate. The lilacs bloom so sweetly along the trails! I could spend hours strolling under the oaks, with only songbirds and hedgehogs for company.

Our personal library is simply massive; Father has taken it upon himself to purchase nearly every book we could possibly want for: novels, histories, philosophy, poetry, scientific literature in all the major languages. Often I take one and sit in the tree swing with apples and a cat, expanding my mind by the absorption of knowledge in the open air. I can think of nothing better.

Mother says Mary and I must attend an upcoming soiree in the neighborhood, to meet prospective suitors. I am dreading it. Mary is excited, but I shrink from such crowded and tiresome activities. Young men are brash and forward. They lack true intellectual habits, always talking about fox hunts and wars and drinking too much. I daresay I have not met a single one who can carry on a meaningful conversation for any length of time.

Do advise me on how I can best navigate the ballroom without excusing myself and running to refuge in the gardens. Father says I'm introspective and introverted, and there's nothing wrong with that, but Mother insists I need to integrate within high society or I'll never acquire a mate. Honestly, I wonder sometimes what is so crucial about marrying. I wouldn't mind spending at least a few more years of my life as a single lady under Father's care.

Sincerely Yours,
Emma

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May 10th, 1882
Mansfield Park

My dear Emma,

I read your latest letter with much joy and indeed some slight amusement, as you confess your perplexities about young men. Marriage is no small matter; there is nothing wrong with taking one's time and choosing an appropriate mate. Patience is a virtue. You will find him when you are ready, perhaps without even looking.

Practically speaking, when you attend the soiree, hold your head up and maintain dignity as befits an intelligent lady. Mary does not spend so much time in deep thought as you, preferring to interact with others, and that is fine. Do not feel pressured to make conversation; if a gentleman wishes to speak to you, he will, and if you wish not to speak with him, simply direct his interests elsewhere with a firm yet kindly word. He will take the hint.

Ah, the countryside life! I do long to breathe the sweet scent of your lilacs. London is dreadfully dusty. I will be making time to visit you in the near future, Lord willing. I pray you will not be anxious about your first soiree. There is nothing to be fearful about. You are beautiful, thoughtful, and intelligent, and any decent man would love you for the treasure you are. There will be one worthy of you.

Be sure to tell me everything about how it goes.

Warmly Yours,
Lady Susan

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May 16th, 1882
Willowbrook

My dearest Susan,

I clung to your words as my parents, Mary and I attended the Bingley Mansion Spring Soiree. It was strange at first, but I left with a feeling I've never had before.

Father kept a close eye on us, despite being on the other side of the room, playing cards with the elders. Mother knew Dowager Jones, and apparently they have much in common. Mary immediately made herself at home with the Bingley girls, who introduced her to several young men who seemed to get along quite well with all of them.

I found myself sitting alone on a chaise lounge, so naturally I studied the sorts of books the Bingleys fill their shelves with. Mostly lightweight literature, not what I could lose myself in, but I plucked down a penny novel to hide my awkwardness with. Over the pages I watched the others interacting; it is fascinating to me, analyzing the multitude of expressions and subtle emotional cues of men and women. I much prefer being a spectator at these events, than to be one of those under examination by such as myself.

One young man my eyes were repeatedly drawn to. He stood a head higher than all others, with a shock of curly black hair and the medium tan of one outdoors, not too much, but enough to be strong and healthy. In conversation with other youths, he appeared slightly impatient, with brief, simple answers. To the elder men and women, he spoke respectfully, taking time to listen and respond in kind. With young ladies, he seemed almost to avoid them, yet wandered the ballroom's perimeter as if seeking one to interact with.

There is an indescribable electric feeling about this man. I quite lowered my book to study him better. It is no wonder our eyes met. His eyes are magnetic, I declare, sparkling with a light that speaks of a sharp, observant mind. I immediately put up my book to appear occupied, yet part of me thrilled with a desire for him to come and speak to me, though I shivered at the prospect.

Keeping my eyes glued to the page, I nevertheless sensed his drawing closer, until finally he loomed to the side of me, an imposing shadow.

“Greetings, miss. I hope you are enjoying your evening.”

He inclined his head politely, his voice calm and deep.

“As well as one can, who is used to quieter settings,” I responded with a smile. “Mother insisted on my appearance here, otherwise I would be pursuing knowledge in my father's library.”

“Oh, I quite understand. My father and I live alone, and though I am quite tired of my own company, I fear the unpleasantness of informal conversation almost more so. My name is Daniel Morrow, and I would be pleased to know yours.”

Of course I introduced myself; having established ourselves on such a comfortable beginning, he pulled up a chair and we soon were exchanging thoughts. He is most gracious, engaging me on subjects ranging from the latest botanical discoveries in Africa to the pitiful condition of the House of Lords. I quite enjoyed myself, discovering a good bit about him.

His father's estate is 250 years old, but the family lived overseas for 25 years and only moved back recently owing to his mother's death, a loss which he feels keenly. He appears to have a gentle spirit and sensitive nature; when I described the lilac walks at home he expressed a desire to visit. I smiled at that and asked if he would visit me if there were no lilacs.

“If you would have me, I'd be delighted.”

Mother, Father and Mary came up at that moment, and I introduced him to them with a flush of excitement and nerves. It went wonderfully; Mary teased me about my new beau all the way home, but I was so preoccupied with thoughts of Daniel, I hardly noticed.

Susan, do tell me, am I head over heels for this man? Do I know enough about him yet? A million questions are tumbling about in my head, and I can hardly wait until our next meeting, a teatime visit at our place. He is different from the others, I'm sure he is, and it isn't my imagination. Impart some wisdom, please, for my nerves are all a-twitter with anticipation and misgivings.

Sincerely Yours,
Emma

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May 22nd, 1882
Mansfield Park

My dear Emma,

Your descriptions of your meeting with Daniel Morrow are promising. I see no reason why this relationship wouldn't be a suitable one, since you and he appear to have similar introspective tendencies. It is difficult to gauge such things from a distance, having only your words on paper, but I expect you will be getting to know each other far better as the weeks progress.

If you need further understanding of his temperament, I would recommend two things: examine his treatment of children and animals, and do this in the real world, not by asking him. If he insists he abhors hunting, for instance, but mistreats his horse, that is a poor indicator of character. You have not mentioned strong drinks; perhaps none were served at the Bingleys. Watch his use of it, and monitor his behavior if he allows himself to fall under the influence. A temperate man is a treasure indeed.

Test his patience, if you wish, by teasing and feminine silliness, but by no means take on affectations that would drive him away or create misunderstanding. Be yourself, honest and true, and if he is worthy he will reciprocate.

Keep me informed about everything, and I'll advise as best I can. I'm so excited for you.

Yours Truly,
Lady Susan

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August 23rd, 1882
Willowbrook

Dear Susan,

You have been such a wise companion as I've explored this new relationship. I couldn't be doing it without your guidance. Daniel and I have come a long way in the three months since we met. We go for long walks together on the tree-lined trails at home. I've seen firsthand what a kind and gentlemanly soul he is. You should see the quiet reverence on his face when a butterfly alights on his hand as we sit in the tree swing.

I've never seen him touch strong drink, even when others around him are partaking. Father says he has a steady, temperate character, and Mother is dreaming of our engagement, though it's happening faster than I thought a courtship would. Surely one doesn't marry the first man one finds, though I must admit Daniel and I get along wonderfully.

I love having him as a partner at the soirees and balls I've attended over the summer. I always have someone to talk to, and it has boosted my confidence knowing I don't have to interact with anyone except him if I don't want to. He never leaves my side the whole time; I have not seen him dance with another.

I'm realizing the importance of settling down as the lady of a house. Daniel has no women in his life since his mother passed, and I believe if I married him it would be a positive thing for us. Is this my future place in life? He would respect my quietude, uphold my desires, and understand where I come from. What could be better?

Besides, I am quite obsessed with him. He is by far the handsomest man I've known. Susan, reassure me this is proceeding as it should. In the dead of night, when I wake from dreams of him, I fret that our relationship is all in my head and it won't work out the way I think.

Sincerely Yours.
Emma

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November 27th, 1882
Willowbrook

My dear Susan,

My hand shakes with joy as I write - forgive my sloppiness! This very afternoon, my birthday, Daniel proposed to me, in front of everyone: Mother, Father, Mary, his father. It was the most breathtaking birthday gift I could ever have wanted. We are engaged to be married next May, at lilac time.

Everything is working out perfectly, and truth be told I couldn't have done this without you. I shared all the nagging fears, the tiny details, the silly things, and you gave me nothing but the wisest, most patient counsel. We have exchanged near a hundred letters since my family moved to Willowbrook.

Adventures untold lie before me as I prepare for this new era of life. I am quite assured it's the best thing for me. Once, I said teasingly to Daniel that I will miss my father's library. In all seriousness he told me I could bring the entire collection home with me if I so desired. A man who will gladly rebuild his life around me is a treasure indeed. Home with him will be all I have ever hoped for or dreamed of.

Of course, we will keep up our communication. I wouldn't dream of being without your guidance.

Forever Yours,
Emma.

Words: 2000.
Written for "Jane Austen Writing Contest 250 Years"

Jane Austen titles used include Emma, Lady Susan, and Mansfield Park. 250 and 25 highlighted in pink.

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