Posted on: 2011-08-06

TO: emma@woodhouse.com
FROM: foreverharry@easylink.com
SUBJ: Thank you.
DATE: Thursday 7/29 11:08 PM

Dearest Emma,

Thank you for your messages. As always, I am touched by your concern.

I moved back home to Heath. I must say that I loved staying in New York for the duration of my internship at your father's firm. I did enjoy myself immensely despite how things ended between us.

When Ms. Bates and I last spoke, she informed me that you and Greg are now a couple. I could not be happier for you. Rest assured, I never felt much for Greg. I just had a slight crush on him. Who wouldn't? He is the personification of Prince Charming. I could scarcely believe that men like him existed in this very real world of ours. As I am apt to do, foolish girl that I am, I imagined that his consideration of me meant something else entirely. I should have known he had eyes only for you, his perfect little Emma. You deserve each other.

Indeed, I forgot that Prince Charming always falls in love with the beautiful Princess. She has skin white as snow, lips red as blood, and hair black as ebony. Godmothers unite forces to ensure her welfare. And she always receives her "happily ever after."

For four months, you brought me into your world. And I forgot that I was Hairy Harry from Heath, MA. I forgot that I never knew my father. I forgot that I worked for a living. I forgot that I was undesirable. For the first time, I was in all the right places with all the right friends. I wore beautiful clothes. I enjoyed the most amazing food and wine. I flirted with the most handsome men.

Only now do I realize how unsuited I was to your lifestyle. I must have appeared gauche. I was uncomfortable in those clothes that cost more than I made in a week. I was desperate for every amuse-bouche for I thought it would all disappear. How Elton laughed at me! How Churchill patronized me! And how I let them!

It wasn't your fault, Emma. You tried to make this ugly duckling into a swan. But I have learned that you cannot "elevate" a person who has no respect for herself. I accepted your patronage blindly, and I forgot my own dignity in the process. I wanted so much to matter to others that I never considered whether I mattered to myself.

Surprisingly, you believed in me, Emma. I thank you for your kindness and your friendship. I am sorry I became defensive when we fought. I thought you were saying I was undeserving of Greg's love. Now, I realize I was the one who thought that the entire time.

I don't want you to respond to this, dearest. I will find you when I have found myself. In the meantime, treat Greg well.

Sincerely,

Harriet Smith
Heath, MA