4 April 1785

Dearest Gabriel,

Storms at sea do not make for the most pleasant of travel experiences. Still, the food aboard was tolerable and the ship's crew were most conscientious about seeing to the needs and safety of passengers. My back is sore and I miss my husband mightily. At least I have a home to which I could return to tend to my niggling complaints. That makes me far better off than many of my travel companions headed on to Marseilles.

I hope this morning finds you well and happy in Salzburg and that the remainder of our journey will be easy. I look forward to hearing from you once you are settled in at the opera house. I will yearn for you until we are together once more.

Your adoring and obedient wife,

Hester