Doves and Peacocks

Dear Ruthenia,

I imagine you may be surprised to be receiving a letter from me at this time. The truth is, the subject of this letter comes as a surprise to me as well. But writing you about it has become necessary.

You may recall how, not so long ago, I held nothing but disdain for you. For better or worse, my feelings have changed completely since then. On the day of my cousin's wedding, when we conversed on the steps to the boulevard and danced under the chandelier lights, you planted in my heart a seed that has since germinated into a steady and ardent longing.

Yes, Ruthenia, I'm afraid I have fallen madly in love with you. I hope this does not startle you, but my feverish restlessness has grown to consume all my days, and I can no longer keep my silence.

If you should wonder why I feel so, then I will gladly tell you: it is because you awe me like no other with your fearless spirit. Few I know would dare do all that you do. You are tenacious and talented, and I sometimes feel the world would always bow to your will, for there is no other with a drive as potent as yours.

And, perhaps more shallowly, I find your appearance quite pleasant to the eye. It is hard not to notice how you dress and style yourself with such candidness that it appears you are always ready to spring into action

I have begun to ramble, forgive me. I do not expect any action from you other than, perhaps, to tell me if you would ever—if it suits you—consider becoming my partner.

I understand that that may come with pressures relating to my accursed visibility and the number of people always prying into my affairs. If you must refuse me for the sake of those matters, then I understand, and accept that, too.

I only ask that you tell me sooner rather than later, for I fear will soon perish of the agony of not knowing your answer.

Yours sincerely,

A

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That was how Aleigh's second attempt at a letter went. But rereading it made him cringe more than once, so it was relegated to his drawer. He did not discard it, just in case he would need to refer to it again.