My Darling Pascal,
I trust this missive finds you in good health. As you know, my affections for you are powerful beyond all measure, and I yearn for you to become my husband with all my being. Soon we shall stand together at the marital altar, but I hope you understand this must be a ceremony to make the duquessa herself green with envy! Do not think this an admonishment in any way, my dear, but we both know your modest soldier's wage will not allow us to put on the extravagant ball which we both deserve. But do not be sad! I have found a solution to our little problem!
You surely know about the shipwreck on the bottom of the Sansretour, but I doubt you know the full history of how it came to be there. Back in the time of Duke Raymund, one of the wealthiest men in the duchy, Gaël Sasque, decided to hold a ball in the middle of the river. And what a ball it was... Beautifully coiffed grandes dames, elegant gentlemen in white shirts and striking doublets... Gaël apparently took a crate of jewelry aboard and changed rings multiple times to impress all with his wealth. The event was in full swing when, suddenly, a violent storm rolled in. The wind snapped the masts and capsized the vessel. All the wealthy guests, draped in gold and jewels, sank to the bottom in a flash! This tragic story might yet have a happy ending, however, for I have obtained the key to Gaël Sasque's chest!
I imagine you know see why our future prosperity is within easy reach. After all, the drowned dead do not need diamonds, am I not right?
Loving You More Than Life Itself,
Bella de Gunness
