The Lamb in Briars was a contrast in every way for the surroundings in which one might expect to see Ellen Hatch. Her black hair crowned her head in perfect curls and spilled over her back for six inches beyond her shoulders. Nigh-porcelain skin framed her sparkling blue eyes with only a touch of coral rouge to color her cheeks and lips. Her dress spoke of access to money through some means without being quite on par with what one would expect a noble to wear. A single brooch adorning her collar served as her only jewelry, a silver circle with mother of pearl inlaid in the shape of flower petals.<br/><br/>She was not quite nobility, but she certainly seemed to have resources above such a place as this... And yet she had been there several times now. And this last time lay heavily on her mind as she put quill to rich vellum which carried the scent of the moon flower.<br/><br/><em>Dearest Louis,<br/><br/>It is three days since we spoke and words remain hard to find. I will not risk injury to the babe, worry not for that... But in not doing so I may well lose the esteem of the gentleman whose graces keep me off the streets and allow me my visits with you. <br/><br/>Three months gone with child am I as of tomorrow if my attentions prove well-merited. I know you asked more than once of the timing in my last visit, but I was so shaken. Forgive me that, Louis. I do not know what carrying to term will mean for me, or the babe.<br/><br/>Who am I to put such weight upon a soul before it even enters this world in which we live? Who am I to be so irresponsible?<br/><br/>You have my heart, Louis, but they still have my keeping.<br/><br/>Write to me, if you wish, and on the fifth day of next week I will send a boy to collect your letter. Should you choose to write, promise me in your first letter that you will not try to uncover my identity if you have not already. Also promise you will not forget me.<br/><br/>With all my love,<br/>Ellen</em><br/><br/>On the face of the envelope she wrote his name before sealing the letter in purple wax. The symbol on the wax, a moon flower. The tears came after it had been sealed this time, and continued long into the night when the parchment had already begun its journey to the hands of Atticus Cross.