April the 22^nd, 1814

Topsham, England

For God, King and Country you brave, my noble heart

In answer to your question, yes, my hand will wait for thee

Your last letter was so long in its arrival that I feared the worst

Yet I hoped above all hopes and somehow knew you were still among the living

I have enclosed a lock of my hair, for your good luck

I keep your ring on a chain at my breast, nearest my heart

Where it is you belong when we are no longer apart

Percy keeps me good company, but he is a poor substitute

He is never far from my side, but I think he misses his master

Please take care, my lord, so we both may welcome you home one day

For your unscathed and speedy return I pray most fervently

Truly yours, and for eternity I shall remain,

Miss Victoria Margaret Astley

May the 13^th, 1814

Bath, England

I sincerely hope this letter finds you well, my sweet

Victory is finally ours, but comes as bittersweet

Your good luck charm must have rightly been

But I must inform my unscathed return cannot be

Please fear not, my dearest, for no limbs am I missing

Though a blast has taken my sight away from me

A crueler fate than death is this, my calamity

For what life have I if never again to look upon your face

Remember my good friend, John, from next bed he writes for me

The poor chap lost both his legs below the knee

It pains me to let you go, but I know this must be so

I release you, Miss Victoria, from our engagement so brief

As a gentleman I cannot ask you to accept me this way

Sweet memories of your kind and gentle green eyes

The flowery scent of mahogany hair, your dew-kissed skin

And the angelic voice accompanying the pianoforte

These I will hold sacred to my heart the rest of my cursed days

Please keep my signet ring as a token of my affection

Though I will understand if you can’t bear the reminder

If this is so, I ask you to return the ring to my mother

For as sure the sun rises in east I shall not bestow it upon another

And keep my dog if he pleases you, he has always favored you over me

It pleases me to know at least he may be by your side and warm your feet

I remain forever true, and ever yours until the ends of time,

Lord William James Devonshire

May the 29^th, 1814

Topsham, England

My dear, brave and noble lord, what nonsense do you speak

The warm heart in your chest is still beating, is it not so

It must still pulse, for my own has not stopped skipping

As I know it would if you were to leave me alone in this world

I do not pity you, my love, for there is no such need

If you leave me now, what difference is there in death

I intend to keep your ring, as you will be returning to me

I love you unconditionally until my dying breath

Please, my lord, I beg of you to let go of your foolish pride

My life’s fate could ne’er be greater than to be your sight

The calves were born just this past week

Following their mothers on unsteady feet

Early roses are in full bloom, offering vibrancy to an awakened world

I have them clustered in my room, bathed in gold from the firelight

The air is heavy with their scent, a constant reminder of the first bloom you gave me

I know our love can withstand the test, please let me be your eyes

You need not hold onto the old, my love, we will make new memories

Give my best to dear John and remember to thank him for me

I am counting the days until our joyous reunion, at last will be

Your hopelessly in love future wife,

Victoria Margaret Astley