Chapter the Third

The quill pen shook in Elvina’s hand, partly from anxiety, partly from excitement.

Dear Mother and Father,

You know I am not like Gwindreth. I love her beyond the world’s end, but we are very different. You know me- I do not jump to conclusions or pursue crazy whims. I do not remember ever acting on an impulse without deliberate forethought and careful planning. Based on this, which you know full well to be true of my character, please trust me and try to understand that I did not leave for any reason less than the best.