super late but ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[Tybalt Kirke]

13th May 1886

Dear Elsie,

Happy birthday to you!

I had hoped to actually get to see you to properly celebrate today, but alas! Besides, I wouldn't want to intrude on your birthday plans. Enjoy today, and I look forward to seeing you (soon, please)!

Though I'm sure nothing is any match for my presence, I have attached presents. Nothing grand, I'm sorry. And choosing books for you is beyond my capability, though I suppose you can never have too many journals to write in, and I thought this one was quite nice! I also couldn't help myself, so picked out some inks too - I think they're fun, but you might just find them obnoxious.

You ought to try the one in the white bottle, though.*

[Let it not be said that I am encouraging deviousness: we both know quite well how devious you can be when you want to. I thought it might come in useful sometimes, though.

Lots of love, and] Happy birthday again!

 
Tyb

*invisible ink holla! also ft. a conspicuous blank space/invisible addition in the letter bc tyb feels like a secret agent XD

@'Elsie Beauregard'

  

[Elsie Beauregard]

14th May 1886

 

Tyb,

I had hoped to see you as well, but we're so caught up with last minute things for Adella's wedding that we haven't even had time to celebrate. It's alright though, there isn't much exciting about turning twenty anyway. A wedding is far more exciting!

Thank you so much for the presents though, they're very thoughtful of you. You are right, at least in my case, I can never have too many journals.  I'm very intrigued by the white ink I'll have to try it in my new journal!

Thank you again,
Elsie

[PS. Will we see you at the wedding? Dell said I could invite a friend or two... do you think that would be obvious? Had I mentioned it before? I thought I had, but everything has been so busy that I can't remember anymore. Regardless, you're welcome to join us if you like, but I won't take it personally if you don't. We'll make plans soon either way! Miss you.]