Spoiler alert! The hit TV show Downton Abbey is known for mixing their fictional story line with a bit of historical occurrences. The fourth season finale is no different. The Abbey’s characters this time, run into the highest echelons of English society: the royal family.

The story revolves around the Prince of Wales (who eventually became, albeit briefly, King Edward VIII) and his lover Mrs. Freda Dudley Ward. The intrigue kicks-off when a letter between the two got stolen and, as we know, leaked royal family secrets sell – no matter what the era.

These letters between the Prince and Freda are the historical truths, the show has borrowed from reality. In 1918, the Prince began sending love letters to Freda proclaiming his love and affection. Here is an excerpt from one he wrote in 1919:

Darling darling beloved little Fredie. This is only just a teeny weeny little scrawl to catch the last post sweetheart and to tell you how fearfully madly I’m loving you this afternoon angel and looking forward to 4:30 tomorrow. Although I only said all this about 12 hrs ago I can’t help saying it all again this afternoon only I mean it even more sweetheart!!”

Their correspondence rose to fame in 2003 when 300 of those letters were auctioned off for about  $150,000.

[ Source : TIME ]