I was engrossed in my book when a knock sounded at the door.
"Daughter?"
Father enters with a look of contrition.
"Yes?"
"I am very sorry, I shouldn't have cornered you like that."
"Yes, sir."
"Is there something you wish to tell me, daughter? Why do you resist marriage? Are you afraid?"
"No, Father."
"Then what?"
This was my moment, my chance to break free from it all, to find peace!
"I... I am in love."
"What? Why have you not told me?"
"Because you pressure me so much that I fear he won't be to your liking."
"Who is he? Do I know him? We could arrange something and he could formally court you, my sunshine."
"No, Father. He's on a journey, a very long one that will last quite some time. I want to wait for him!"
"But I hardly see you sending letters."
"I do send them!"
"You do?"
"Yes, but secretly so that no one would find out."
"My daughter, I am so delighted! When does he return?"
"I do not yet know, we are waiting until everything is settled."
"I see. What is his line of work?"
"Father! Is this an interrogation?"
"Not at all, my dear!"
"Well, it feels like it. If you could leave me alone for a while, I would appreciate it. I need a bath; this heat is making me unwell."
"I understand. I shall break the news to your mother."
He comes over, beaming, and gives me a chaste kiss, then departs, bouncing with joy.
I feel awful for lying like this, but I do not want to marry at this moment, and telling the truth would be too painful for him.
Well, I now need to start writing letters to my 'love' until I figure out this dilemma.
...
For my plan to work, I have to compose believable letters. My sisters are nosy, surely one of my letters will end up in their hands, and if they are blank, I'll be in trouble.
I sit at my writing desk, dip the quill in ink, and just as I'm about to touch it to the paper, I hesitate.
This is ridiculous! I should tell them the truth. What am I doing? I don't even know what to write...
I jump when a thick drop of ink drips from the quill and stains the paper.
Oh look! I'm wasting paper for nothing, seems like I'll be wasting a lot...
"Dearest, it’s me again. I trust you are busy, as it's been a while since your last letter. Today my father had the gall to bring around his friend, whose son asked for permission to court me. He scarcely even looked at me, we didn't exchange a single word. He told my father that he needed to accept his offer, claiming I'm 'beyond my prime,' can you believe that?! He compared me to a piece of cheese in the market; I was livid. We had an argument, and I told him about us. He seemed happy again afterward.
Today's studies were also intense; my head is throbbing! Preparing to take over from him is not easy, but I will do everything in my power to be a worthy successor.
I hope you are well, happy, and eating properly. Until soon."
I seal the letter, pen down some random address, and slip it into the post box for the mailman to collect.
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