Hertfordshire, December 1470. My dearest Tom, it seems an age since you went to fight for noble Edward of York. Do you remember the Outlaw's Oak, where you gave me the silver rose? I wear it still, close to my heart. A dreadful thing has happened. My stepfather has betrothed me to an old Lancastrian knight. I would rather die than marry him! So I am going to run away, and find you wherever you may be. God keep you safe in his keeping, my dearest love, until we meet again. Alys.