Elizabeth sat at her writing desk, quill in hand, as she stared out the window deep in thought. The sky outside was growing dark, but she had no intention of lighting the candles just yet. She needed this time to think.
For weeks now she had been exchanging secret letters with Samuel, the stableboy at her family's estate. They had met by chance one morning when Elizabeth had snuck out to go riding against her parent's wishes. Samuel saddled her favorite horse without asking any questions, and they soon fell into easy conversation as he escorted her through the countryside trails.
Though they came from different stations in life, Elizabeth felt an instant connection to Samuel. With his gentle demeanor, sharp mind, and an intuitive connection to her restless nature, he stood uniquely understanding. As the weeks went by, their friendship deepened through their covert letter exchanges, which were delivered by hiding the letters in an old hollowed out tree near the stables.
Elizabeth knew a relationship between them could never be. Her parents expected her to make an advantageous marriage someday. But in her heart, she had come to care deeply for Samuel. She had to tell him how she felt, propriety be damned.
Dipping her quill in the inkwell, she began to write:
My Dearest Samuel,
Writing such words seems unbelievable to me, but I cannot ignore what my heart recognizes as reality. In these past months, you have become so dear to me. I treasure every instant we have together, regardless of how brief. Though circumstances beyond our control may keep us apart, I want you to know that you possess my heart completely.
I dream of a day when we might be together openly. But even if that day never comes, I will always be grateful for the gift of your love. You have made me feel truly alive for the first time.
No matter what the future holds, I am yours, now and forever.
With all my love,
Elizabeth
She folded the letter carefully and sealed it with wax. Tomorrow she would find a chance to sneak it to their tree. She could only hope Samuel felt the same way.
Sad Ending:
The next morning, Elizabeth headed out early to the stables. Her heart was racing, but she knew she had to deliver the letter before the day's work began. She made her way to the old tree and slid the envelope into the hollow opening.
Suddenly, a voice behind her yelled "You there! Don't move!"
Elizabeth turned to see her father and two footmen approaching. Before she could react, her father seized the letter from the tree hollow.
"So this is how my daughter behaves?" he thundered, enraged. "Consorting with a common stableboy!"
Elizabeth tried to plead with him, but his mind was made up. He banished Samuel from their estate that very day. A tearful Elizabeth watched from her window as he rode away for the last time.
Though she continued to sneak letters into their hollowed tree for years after, she never received a reply. Her forbidden love had been discovered, and her chance at happiness gone forever.
Happy Ending:
The next morning, Elizabeth headed out early to the stables. Her heart was racing, but she knew she had to deliver the letter before the day's work began. She made her way to the old tree and slid the envelope into the hollow opening.
Later that day, a reply letter was waiting for her in their secret spot. With trembling fingers, she opened it to see Samuel's messy scrawl:
My Dearest Elizabeth,
Your letter was the greatest gift I have ever received. I too have fallen completely and hopelessly in love with you.
I know the road ahead will not be easy. But I believe what we have is worth fighting for. If you are willing to take that leap with me, I am yours forever.
Meet me tonight at the edge of the forest trail where we first rode together. I have a plan. We will be together, I swear it.
All my love,
Samuel
That night, Elizabeth sneaked out to meet Samuel. To her surprise, he had two horses waiting. "We will ride to Gretna Green," he said. "It will be a long journey, but once we cross the border into Scotland we can be married."
Elizabeth hugged him tightly, overjoyed. Hand in hand, they mounted their horses and rode off under the moonlight.
The road ahead would not be easy, but Elizabeth knew as long as they were together, they could weather anything. Their love had overcome all obstacles, and now their new life could finally begin.