Whisper of Jasmine by Deanna Raybourn

bought a creamy white frock to match the snow, utterly impractical but it was so lovely and Gabriel insisted I have something new to wear. While I was busy kitting myself out for married life, he found a jeweller and handed over a slender little band he always wore with his signet ring. He had it engraved with a Latin phrase that translates to “Now and forever” and put it on my finger during the short ceremony, so I even have a proper wedding ring! There’s a photograph, as well, or there will be when it arrives in the post. There was a funny little tourist who happened to be snapping pictures when we came out into the street, and Gabriel paid him a tragic amount of money to take ours as he swooped me up into his arms. I was laughing, so I will no doubt have my mouth open and look something like a monkey, but I simply can’t help it—Gabriel makes me laugh more than anyone I’ve ever known. I suppose that’s why I love him. There’s just something magical about him that makes my whole life until now seem so very small, as if I’ve been waiting all along for this. I keep thinking of the scene in Peter Pan when the children take Peter’s hand and fly out the window, leaving for Neverland the first time. Until then they’ve only known the safety and security of the nursery, never dreaming of what wondrous things lie just out of reach. But as soon as he touches them, they can fly. It’s like that.
    Of course, marriage, as I have already discovered is not all smooth sailing—or flying? The money Gabriel gave the tourist for the photograph was almost all of what he had on hand, so we’ve been putting up in the nastiest little lodgings on our way south. I never imagined there could be such foul hotels anywhere in England, but there are, and I am becoming quite the expert on them. Perhaps I should write a guide? Loathsome Lodgings? Or what about Horrible Hostelries? And there seems to be some trouble with Gabriel’s next expedition. He intended to return to China to attempt something in the Karakorams, but he’s had a wire from London that seems to have scuppered that. He burnt the wire as soon as it came, but he hurried off to send a flurry of replies, and I’m sure he will have it all sorted soon. There’s no one more determined than Gabriel when he puts his mind to something, and I know how desperately he wants this to work. He even dreams about it. He doesn’t snore, thank heaven, but he does occasionally talk in his sleep. He was muttering last night about China, so I know it weighs on his mind, but then he talked about wasps, too, so there’s no knowing what all is stewing in that brain of his! I simply cannot wait for you to meet him. He is too marvelous for words, darling—so much that sometimes I wonder if I’ve dreamt it all! Silly, I know. I’ve read too many fairy stories of the wee folk getting their revenge on humans who dare to be too happy. We’ll show them! I mean to go on being just as happy as we are now.
    All my love,
Mrs. Gabriel Starke
(Evie)
    P.S. I enclose the copy you sent of Practical Applications in Lovemaking for the Newly Married. It was a kind thought but not needed. At all.
    P.P.S. I also enclose the green pendant you loaned me for the party. I fear the ribbon is a little the worse for wear, but the stone itself is perfectly fine. I scrubbed it with a toothbrush and the shine came up nicely.
    * * *
    Dear Marjorie (Margery?),
    Enclosed please find the three shillings still owing from last week’s rent. I am married now and will not be returning to the flat. My Aunt Dove will be collecting my things, so please make certain my green jumper is amongst them.
    Sincerely,
Mrs. Gabriel Starke
(Evangeline)
    P.S. You snore.

Dear Delilah,
    Sorry about the motor, but I’m sure you understand. You’ll be happy to know it is in perfect condition, just as I found it, although there was a bit of a misunderstanding with a sheep and I’m afraid the front grille is not entirely square