Outrage

Dear Nadine,

                Please excuse my lapse in proper decorum to but, Clement did what? That spineless son of a sea sponge!  I cannot believe you did not tell me about this sooner. I would have ensured that he would never be seen in polite society again. Oh, I am so annoyed; it’s far too late to retract the invitation to the garden party for the Duchess of Gimnel. I was so excited for it. It has been years since she last visited our country. She will be disappointed, though, she always did like you best (and I believe her offer to marry you off to her eldest son is still open). Oh, well, I shall merely explain to her that you have been sent away to avoid the annoying attentions of some unfortunate suitor. She will understand, I am sure.

                On a much more pleasant note, I am pleased to hear that you are sketching the country side. I cannot wait until you return so I may see them. I have just begun teaching Cerise to paint. Although I am sure I am nowhere near as good of an instructor as you, I shall give it a valiant effort. It is so exciting, it gives us an excuse to vanish into the gardens for hours on end. We go out every day, even when it rains and, you must promise not to tell a soul, we dance and go puddle jumping. It makes me feels like a child again, but it is such fun!

                As before, father sends his love and his wishes to know where you are. I however, only send my love. I hope you have a marvelous time and stay away from Clement for as long as possible. I for one vow to never invite him to another party unless absolutely necessary (like father noticing that I am purposefully excluding that family, you know how he is…). Oh, and please do write and tell me where I might send my next letter.

                With my love,

                                                Adela

P.S. Cerise requests me to inform you that it is of greatest importance that you travel to Dorure as soon as possible. She absolutely needs those gloves. For what, I have not the slightest idea, but if it is not too much trouble then could you just get her a pair of gloves.  Any kind will do (she cannot tell the difference between wool and silk anyway).

Enjoying the Scenery

My dear Adela,

I truly am sorry to have caused you such an inconvenience at the ball, but you know how much I detest the Baron and his family. This is an excursion that I've been planning for a while, but after what his son said to me at the last ball, I knew I had to avoid that family at all costs. I was not planning on departing until late September before his foolhardy comment. Claiming that I am the illegitimate daughter of a stable hand that our parents took in out of pity, really? I do not understand how I am at fault in this situation. I held my tongue at the time and resolved to avoid him from then on. Meanwhile, his behavior was despicable and rude. As for Honorine, perhaps she should try acting less like a child and more her age. I do not think that I have ever met such a childish and immature young lady in my life! Perhaps if she did so, I would be more inclined to be in her presence. However, I have been aware of the fact that I do not fit the mold of a delicate, tittering court lady for many years now. Say what you like, but I cannot find it in my heart to care what those people think. I know that you will argue the importance of the family name, but you and William are both quite upstanding subjects in the neighbors' eyes. And our mother has always said that you were the beauty of the family, anyway. Therefore, I find it difficult to really give a thought as to what those people think of me.

As for my location, I am quite safe for the moment. I regret that I cannot reveal to you my exact location lest someone is sent after me. I also must apologize for not warning you of my journey. Really, Adela, does it seem likely that I would be able to escape the estate if I gave warning of my imminent departure? There is so much to see in this world, but only the men are allowed to see it. I want to explore and see what is beyond our province, Adela. I must say that the weather has been quite pleasant overall and traveling by foot gives one such a wonderful opportunity to take in the scenery. I have made a number of little sketches over the course of the last week. I believe you would be quite impressed that I have maintained such a ladylike pastime.

However, I must bring this letter to an end. The hour is late and I need to rest. You may direct your next letter to the town of Mountehall. I shall be making my way there promptly. Tell Father that I am in good health and spirits. Hopefully, I shall hear from you soon.

Yours truly,

Nadine

P.S. Send Cerise my love as well. Please tell her that I am not sure when I will be able to do so. This is a rather rough and unsettled part of the country. I would send money for her to purchase them herself, but I do not trust the post enough to do so.

And the Adventure begins...

Dear Troublesome sister,

                I hope this letter finds you well, or finds you at all really. I have no clue where you have gone. Honestly, Nadine, it would be helpful if you at least informed someone before you go hurtling off on some other trip. It would at least save Cerise and I a good deal of trouble. We were searching for you for four hours before we finally concluded that you must have runaway again. It’s absolutely disgraceful.  I know it may be too much to ask, but do try to act with the decorum of a nobleman’s daughter while away. It is quite distressing to have your escapades brought up while in the company of some of our less discreet neighbors.

                Speaking of our ever so kind and thoughtful neighbors, I shall recount the embarrassment that I had to endure because you chose to run off right before the Baron of Allanite’s ball. If it had been anyone else hosting the ball then any inquiries about your absence would have been subtle and filled with remarks of “oh how we do wish she was here” and “I do hope she recovers from her headache, has she tried herbal tea? I absolutely must send her some.” After that the matter would have been dropped without another thought. But no, you had to leave right before Honorine’s coming out ball. She followed me around the entire evening whining about how you think you’re too good for her party. The only time she stopped was when Sir Edgar asked her to dance and practically dragged her to the dance floor. Although I will admit, wasting half the evening with her was almost worth it to see her outrage over having to dance with a man of lower rank and fifteen years her senior. After that Sir Edgar and I had a lovely chat that kept her away for the next half hour. However, the damage was already done, you had become the talk of the party. Please be mindful of what you say when you return, everyone already thinks poorly of you.

                I am afraid my letter must come to a conclusion. Father wishes to know where you are and that you are safe. Please write back as soon as possible and tell me where I might write you next.

                Sincerely,

                                Lady Adela, daughter of Duke Loepold of Amarantine

P.S. As well as her love, Cerise requested me to send her demands that you send her a pair of Doruren silk gloves to match her blue gown as soon as possible