“What greater thing is there for two human souls, than to feel that they are joined for life–to strengthen each other in all labor, to rest on each other in all sorrow, to minister to each other in all pain, to be one with each other in silent unspeakable memories at the moment of the last parting?”

– Mary Ann Evans

Adam Bede

This collection of letters follows two individuals in four different lifetimes. 

14 February, 1815  London, England

Dear Jane, 

I am aware of my wildly inappropriate demeanor sending this letter to you, my darling Jane, but I cannot squander in this displacement of the intentions of my heart any longer. The sun is beaming outside my window, and its warmth soaking into my penning hand reminds me of you. I find myself in this unfortunate predicament too often, a particularly radiant smile takes me back to yours, a magnetic twinkle in an eye makes me think of yours. I cannot deny that my mind is wholly and completely occupied with the very thought of you. My brain is a slave to your being, and I will waste away for however long it takes for you to see that I will never be truly complete until I can gift you my heart as well. This may be ill-received, and I understand if your affections lay elsewhere, but I could not carry on with the knowledge of your position over me left quietly in my own mind. Call me a romantic, call me a lunatic, or call me yours, happy Valentines Day, Jane. 

Affectionately yours, 

Charles. 

————

14 February, 1865  Boston, Massachusetts

Dear Charles, 

I saw your sister today. She brought her children over to play with the girls, and we all miss you dearly. She had been telling me over dinner that she read in the paper that the war would be over soon, now that the Confederacy has fallen. It is reassuring to know that the march is progressing north, but I still can not help but worry that you will not make it home. That is war, I suppose. But do not listen to me, I know how capable you are, so please keep fighting–for your daughters, for your sister, and for me. Please do all you can and come home to all of us soon. And happy Valentine’s Day, I will make sure that we spend the next one together. 

With all my love, 

Jane. 

———-

14 February, 1916 Esnes, France

Dear Jane, 

I write you this letter with the thought in mind that it could be my last. We depart from our fort here in Esnes tomorrow morning to head east to The Meuse. The men here are speaking about the possibilities of this battle, and it seems that we are all in agreement that it could be very long, and very bloody. The German forces are strong, and we have many men here, but we suppose they do too. So, if I go out on that battlefield fighting for my country, know that my last thought will be of you. I have fought this war gallantly, and I must inform you of my only regret. My only regret is that I could not be there with you to witness more of your radiant smiles, or jovial laughs. You are truly my light, and I beg you to never forget me. If I do not make it off that battlefield, I must tell you that my love for you will never expire, it traverses worlds and withstands life and death. Be well, my precious love, I will see you again one day. Happy Valentine’s Day. 

  Forever and Always, 

Your Charles. 

———–

14 February, 1965  London, England

Dear Charles,

Before you look further into the letter, I’m telling you that I do not want to hear it. I know it’s ridiculously old-fashioned, but my mother took away my telephone privileges, so if you do wish to hear from me, this is how it must be. Now, I suppose I should preface this letter by saying Happy Valentine’s Day, but I have also recently realized that you never asked me to be your Valentine, so it feels faulty. But, alas I do love nothing in the world as well as you and yada yada, so I suppose…since it is 1965, and really, girls should be taking this step themselves by now anyway, I’ll ask you myself. My dearest and most loved Charles, the light of my very life (who neglected to ask me this very prudent question himself)… would you do me the eternal honor of becoming my valentine? Now, I will not be doing that silly elementary check yes or no thing (that would be childish), so I suppose I’ll just have to ask you to let me know soon. 

Much love, 

Jane.