The Gentlewoman's Deception

Ch. 13 // The First Letter

Breaking the seal, Louisa eagerly opened the letter. She hoped that this contained the answers to the millions of questions racing through her mind. Aware that the twins, the man from the bar and the mysterious lady were watching her, Louisa slightly turned away to shield their view of the letter. Knowing that it was from Henry Taylor, she figured it would contain information that she wasn't quite ready to share just yet...

Dearest L.,

I hope the journey treated 4.4.3 well. You 6.14.11 be tired after your month of travel as the sea can be unforgiving at times. But you know what they say, "to 167.17.7 true freedom, one must first endure hardship." I've heard 2.19.9 exceeding amount of stories about people who, once they travel abroad, never return, but by no means is that an 245.2.9 2.5.2 relocate to England. 8.1.4 weather in New York has been so warm that the 3.27.7 carnation buds have started to bloom. The Annual End of Spring 167.26.8 will be in two weeks time. It is a shame that you will have to miss it this year. You were one 27.4.2 20.12.9 best dancers. There is always the next spring 221.28.10.

Before I forget, 60.26.4 72.2.9 36.6.5 86.6.3 I remind 285.12.10 not to feel compelled to bring me back a 51.11.5. You 324.29.7 have always been so generous when it comes to gift giving. In the event that you find yourself 73.10.5 a shop, just memorize the display and describe it to me upon your return. I have heard that Marylebone 19.3.7 Street has many shops that are popular to peruse among the upper class of 315.14.6.

I 5.17.5 you will have no trouble finding your 114.29.1 3.11.2. They will have much to 52.1.1 about with you, and it is of the utmost importance that you 206.28.2 14.1.6 113.8.10. I assume that if you are reading this, then you did not give them 3.3.8 trouble. Make sure that they give you the other 143.11.7 that I included with this letter, 325.1.5 will find it very useful for your apprenticeship. I hope it 50.12.4 help inspire new designs of the latest fashion.

Since it takes 45.10.2 a month for my letters to reach you, I am really writing to 47.8.9 you. It may be old news, but it is worth mentioning that the newspapers in New York are just now reporting a pirate 108.2.9 along the Atlantic trade route. I hope that does not ruin any of your plans, but I know you are not one to dabble with pirates.

I hope you find your 100.13.2 with the seamstress comfortable. She will make for a most gracious host as long as you stay 379.18.4 and complete your studies under her tutelage. 64.5.6 5.9.1 many other young women who would gladly take your place. Sharpen your 15.8.5 11.4.2 34.12.5 to soak in as much knowledge as you can, as you can find lessons 229.12.1 170.8.9.

My next letter is already on its way. I anticipate your response.

Sincerely,

H.T.

"My bag?" Louisa looked up at the woman expectantly.

"Pardon?" The woman furrowed her eyebrows, taken aback by Louisa's sudden request.

"You need to get me my bag." The lady motioned for one of the twins to fetch Louisa's carpetbag. The letter needed to be decoded, and she knew just the book to do it. Once the twin returned with Gulliver's Travels, Louisa set to cracking the code. It didn't take long before she had uncovered Henry Taylor's hidden message.

You must obtain an invitation to the first ball of the season. It is prudent that you present yourself before high society. Trust welcome party. Talk, listen and learn anything you can about future attack. Stay vigilant. There are eyes and ears everywhere.