A bouquet made up of marigold (chagrin), flax flower (I am sensible of your kindness), snowdrops (hope), bramble (remorse), fern (sincerity) and arbor vitae (unchanging affection)
Dear Narcissa,
I am not at all sure of the words to best communicate my extreme regret at having offended you so and the misery I have suffered at the knowledge that you are upset at me. My words were clumsy, and the sentiment and consideration to your feelings and well-being that I meant to convey was lost somewhere between my mind and the page. Any explanations I can muster seem to be the desperate protestations of a child, though I feel I must attempt it, so I shall keep my words as simple as possible--
I have been feeling myself ill, and tired, from my own pregnancy. I have always known you as a strongly maternal woman and I was most concerned for your own health and happiness, and while I hoped that you would agree to be in my wedding party, I was aware that your child must be more important than that. My own mother is dead, and I am not at all close enough to Chloris to go to her to ask the affects of pregnancy at each stage, and so I attempted consideration for the possibility that you would be suffering more than I due to being more advanced. I am deeply, truly sorry if it appeared that I did not wish for you to be a part, as there could be nothing further from the truth. I would be deeply honoured to have you stand up with me.
It is not in my nature to forget a kindness when given, and you have given many. Whatever your feelings towards me due to my stumblings, I will always look up to you as the best of role models, someone I can only ever aspire to be like.
Though I hope this will soften your heart a little, I will not expect a reply if you do not wish to give it. Still I remain,