My Dearest Armand:
So little time remains.
We approach shore; disembarkation is soon upon us. Unless we act now, scarce could we find future occasion to reunite and continue what, aboard ship, has proved a love that shall surely last till time is no more. I have loved you as none other. It is not a boldness of emotion that now speaks but a heart of truest and most heartfelt conviction that begs you reconsider your decision to part from my society permanently. We are capable, most certainly, of making a life together that transcends the happenstance of our having met so casually on this veritable flagship of all seagoing vessels.
Given what is clearly a serendipitous encounter, can you not, therefore, cast asunder your former life, one that, you confided in me, was one of merest lackluster existence? Who would continue to live a life of such mediocrity if given a chance to do otherwise? Of such unnecessary and self-imposed solitude? I should gladly fill your emptiness to overflowing and expect neither gratitude nor reward other than the guarantee of your companionship as you deem able to grant it. Rather than a noose upon your neck and chains upon a heart yet inexperienced in the ways of love's most flaming passion, I should offer you the liberty to come, to go, as suits your youthful pleasure, my imposing no restraints whatsoever upon you.
As we are soon to make shore and leave behind the glowing memory of this luxurious sojourn upon the Glory of the White Star Line, let us now unite, plighting our troth for all the expectant world to see.
I shall devote my remaining years to our cherished union. Will you do likewise, my love?
Ever yours,
Marguerite
