Armand’s First Letter. Amelia’s First Letter.

15 June 1023, The Elms, Wickshire, Cumbria

My dearest cousin Armand,

As you can see I am once again writing to you from the depths of Wickshire! It has been eight long years—a shocking thing—since I came here in disgrace following the duck pond incident. I was at the lowest of the lows, then, or I should never have written to you; and it would have been my loss. You have been a great comfort to me over these years, Armand!

I was sorely in need of it then; but what strange turns life can take. Had I not come here I should never have met Maximilian, should never have studied wizardry, and in all likelihood my brother Edward would still be a dry stick and a bore of the first water rather than meeting and marrying Jane Willoughby. Instead the house is alive with light and cheer, the laughter of children (four at last count), and the smile of my dear sister Jane.

I would like to tell you that Maximilian and I are here to continue our survey of ley lines; but it is not the case. Maximilian is attending to his duties in Toulouse while I am here with my own little Jane to introduce her to her namesake and to her cousins, and to get away from rigors of the Royal Court in Toulouse. I like Queen Beatrice very much, but however much it may gratify their various majesties, I do not think I am made for life at Court. Maximilian agrees, and so he sent me here for a spot of badly needed rest in the country.

Jane and I, with Margaux, came to Yorke on the Starling, a Tuppenny Packet operated by the Courier’s Guild—not nearly so comfortable as your Anne-Marie, but far more so than packets they used to sail. We spent several days with Mama and Papa, and visited your mother and step-papa; and then we traveled on to Wickshire in a floating coach provided by your step-papa and the Former’s Guild. I was glad to have it, having grown unaccustomed to feeling the bumps in the road after my last few months swanning about with Beatrice in her carriage; but it meant that all eyes were upon us, for your step-papa’s efforts are still aimed at the very well-to-do, and floating carriages are not yet a common sight in the country.

Since then I have been doing what one does in the country at this season. I have dined with old Squire Willoughby and his wife, and with other local notables. These include the Lamberts, who purchased the old Grimsby estate. I have played endless rounds of whist, commerce, and speculation. I have taken young Georgie for rides in the coach, and have won his heart as the “best auntie ever”. I have had many a comfortable coze with Jane and Edward. I have ridden to hounds with Edward, though very cautiously, and gone on several shoots; and though I do not carry a gun myself have still provided him with two grouse and three pigeons, already cooked through.

I am, in fact, about ready to scream—which would be ill-bred, and would reflect badly on Jane and Edward.

Tomorrow we shall leave for Achin Court in Nexinghamshire, to show off my little Jane to her other grandparents.

Your over-rested cousin,

Amelia

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Photo by Stephen Talas on Unsplash