Catherine
I apologise for my behaviour today. Not for defending you, I would do that again without hesitation, but for the manner in which I did it. You were right. I should not have presumed to fight your battles or make declarations without your consent.
If you're willing, I would very much like to call on you tomorrow. Not as the Duke of Ravensfield, but as the man who has thought of nothing but you for three months. The man who knows he has no right to ask for your time or attention but is asking anyway.
I understand if you refuse. I've given you little reason to trust me. But if you'll grant me the chance, I'd like to try to earn that trust. To court you as you deserve to be courted—openly, honestly, without secrets or shadows.
I remain, as always,
Your James.
P.S. - Pemberton has a strong hand. I probably deserved it.