Page 5 of Lady Emily’s Matchmaking Mishap (Merry Spinsters, Charming Rogues #5)

Dear Fenn the Forest Fay,

You, too, have lost your mother? I did not know forest fays had mothers.

I am so very, very sorry that you lost her, too. I would give you a hug, if I could. Instead, I have included a pressed violet for you. (Violets are my favourite flower).

Very well. I shall think of another wish, then: I should very much like a ribbon. A coquelicot ribbon, to be precise. The length of a lady’s forearm.

Most sincerely yours,

Little Wren

P.S. I have made a stack of stones in front of the tree. Every time you see the stones stacked, you will know there is a letter from me waiting for you. If you add a black stone on top, then I know you have answered.

Dear Little Wren,

Ribbons don’t grow under brambles or bloom from trees. Who do you think I am? A haberdasher? I shall search the forest nonetheless—give me a fortnight.

Your servant,

Fenn the Forest Fay

P.S. What, pray tell, is ‘coquelicot’? And why are you called Little Wren? Are you that noisy urchin who runs ramshackle about the forest, barefoot, in that threadbare grey gown?

P.P.S. Thank you for the pressed violet. I shall use it as a bookmark.

P.P.P.S Very clever of you to think of stacking the stones.