#[ consider this a very shy vote for Tynthesfield ]

[soleil-timide]

A letter not sent

My dearest cousin,

So much has happened since I returned home, it is impossible to decide where to start, so I shall start with what is most important. Already, I miss you terribly! How are you doing, and how is the family? I hope my sister is still in good humor, though I don’t doubt that being on the continent improves her mood greatly.

Valentin is still in the parish as is Osiris, the sweet black cat I told you about. Alastair has returned home with his dog, Pookie, and it is quite interesting sharing a home with them. I am very glad for their company. Tynthesfield is far too empty for my taste. Seeing my eldest brother with a little creature to be a companion makes me long for one of my own. A sweet cat to sit in my lap in the evenings, or kind dog who wishes to be near me at all times both sound so appealing. Perhaps one day I will acquire a four-legged friend, but in the meantime at least I have those two dear souls. Even if Valentin isn’t terribly fond of Osiris.

Speaking of Valentin, he was so kind to meet me at the train station! It was wonderful to see him again. My return was well-timed, as Alastair had been home for a week or two already. Imagine my surprise to learn he was home as well! I’m quite glad for it, though I do wish I’d returned a little sooner. Dear Mrs. Hudson has been all alone, caring for mother and Alastair. You mustn’t tell your Mama, nor my sister, but already I’ve learned so much when it comes to caring for a home. Mrs. Hudson doesn’t approve but fortunately, logic prevails.There is simply too much to be done for one pair of hands to manage it all.

My education is developing quickly. I can now properly select an onion. Mr. Qureshi taught me very well. First, one must use their nose. If the scent is pleasing, then you must examine onion itself. You see, the skin should be crisp, and the vegetable firm. And there should be no sprouts on it at all. Did you know that onions could sprout at all? Thank goodness he told me about all of this, otherwise surely Mrs. Hudson would have been displeased.

And while I’m writing about displeasure, many in St. Maur are most displeased right now. There’s a storm due to hit the town the day of the charity bazaar. Once more I must thank you for your kindness. Those ribbons were so very lovely, and I know you sent them with me in luck. Now they shall bring luck to another lady, and food to the hungry. St. Mercia’s Herald is cruel as ever, but fortunately they didn’t disparage me as they did some others. You recall the Lady Dinah St. Maur, yes? Well, Fitz Cavanaugh wrote that she’d donated things either too well loved, or not loved at all. Truly, it was shocking to read! It was just a shocking to learn of the impending storm. I must confess, dear cousin, I am very concerned about the upcoming storm. Alastair will surely lose his patience with me if I am too afraid of the thunder and lighting. But back to the bazaar, it’s terrible news, especially as the Duke of Felton is going to attend with all of his fashionable friends. It would raise funds for those in need, a wonderful endeavor. The whispers I’ve been privy to have suggested three places as alternatives:

St, Mary’s, which I think would be quite lovely. What better place to raise funds for a charitable endeavor than in the house of the Lord?

Fairfield House, home of the Foresters. Mrs. Forester is a pillar of the community, and is helping to put the bazaar on.

Tynthesfield Manor is the third place that’s been suggested, and I feel horrid for it but I don’t know if it would be a good idea. Mrs. Hudson is an excellent teacher, but the thought of preparing our home to be suitable for guests is quite daunting. I think we could do it, but it would be quite the challenge. Of course, that’s not the only challenge at hand. Our family is in a delicate position all things considered, and even if we are able to prepare adequately, would anyone even come?

There is the benefit of space in the ballroom, but with things the way they are, I don’t know that anyone would come. I still can’t go to market with Mrs. Hudson without people staring and whispering as we pass by. It will change one day. Alastair is determined to make it so, and between him and Valentin, surely they’ll be able to salvage things for our family. I can only hope to be of some use to them in the meantime. With some luck, they will find value to me as I am. Wish us luck cousin, for I fear I’ll need it.

Sending you all my love,

Florence.

Upon review, the youngest Talbot decided that perhaps the letter was too detailed to send to her cousin.