A missive to Oxford

[Erika Leroux]

My Dear Miss Audley,

How I have missed your company here in Bath. So much has happened since your departure, though Miss Daye quite assures me that she has kept you informed of happenings in these delightful parts. I must also thank you for your thoughtfulness and kindness - it was an unexpected surprise which warmed my heart.

I must thank you for taking time out and writing to Miss Daye. She always receives your letters with great enthusiasm, and it is lovely to see her face light up in anticipation of reading them. I believe it does her considerable good. Ah, and herein lies the heart of the matter.

I am uncertain of what gossip might have befallen your ears, or if Miss Daye has written of it herself, but alas, fate has been harsh to her regarding affairs of the heart, and I find myself searching for all manner of little distractions, tasks and pleasures to keep her occupied. This is one of the reasons we are visiting Oxford, aside from the tedious matters of furthering connections, as well as reuniting with our dear Miss Audley! I cannot state how much I anticipate this visit, and I hope that it will bring Miss Daye at the very least a modicum of happiness - though our meeting once more surely will!

I do hope that the various introductions will be droller than I expect, for I must confess that I would dearly welcome a little pleasure myself. It seems that every which way I turn, there is another problem. Besides, I hope that Oxford will do well for my poor complexion, and that it will allow me to become quite a new woman on arrival there. I dearly hope so, for I can think of nothing more uplifting than to be able to wear one of your delightful creations and do it full justice! Who knows, it might even allow for me to return to the stage, perhaps alongside our dear Miss Daye. I have been practicing a little, in hope.

But enough of my troubles! Please do tell me how life in Oxford is treating you, and how your creations are coming along! It has been far, far too long since we have conversed, and I fear that arranging this jaunt is already taking too much time. I can wait little longer to hear from you.

Your obliged and affectionate friend,
Elder E. Leroux

[Valentina Audley]

Dear Elder Leroux,

What a treat it was to receive your letter! It has quite brightened my evening! It is so nice to hear both from you and that you are visiting Oxford soon! I expect to be here a while longer and of course my leisure time is at your disposal. Alas, it would be all my time but I must keep my little business running, as best I can.

Miss Daye did write briefly regarding the wretch of a Doctor (how cross I am with the cad!) Is there anything to be done about his most ungentlemanly conduct in throwing her aside? If you need my assistance at all, please do let me know. She did not vouchsafe the whys or how to's but her tone was exceedingly woebegone. Indeed, she said were it not for your love and the kindness of the Jackdaws she would be utterly bereft, poor darling. I have attempted to cheer her by talk of Bristol's upcoming festivities, which I hope has at least stirred her spirits a little.

I find I am missing Bristol and the company of My Lady a great deal and yet, life here in Oxford is full of interest! The Prince (a most charming gentleman) has been exceedingly gracious to my humble self and is most kind in allowing me to be here so frequently! Alas, I do not have that much time to devote to the court as I am so busy with my work. I do not know if Miss Daye has told you, but I am engaged to sew all the bridal parties outfits for an upcoming society wedding. To whit, one Mr Dorian Black to Miss Narcissa Black. The event promises to be an intriguing one, but the schedule for finishing such an order is tight and my nights are filled with ruffles, lace and brocade of late!

I am full of interest to hear you plan to return to stage, how glad Miss Daye must be to have you as a partner on the stage! Please don't think me a dreadful person for not knowing already, but may I enquire as to your talents? I would guess as a singer, but I do not wish to presume! At any rate Aquae Sulis will be glad of more talent and if you do not object, I should like to inform My Lady, who dearly loves to hear such news.

I'm afraid I must end this missive here as I simply must finish another 6 yards of ruffle before the sun rises. I am so looking forward to your arrival in Oxford, it will be simply delightful to see you!

Fondest regards,

Valentina Audley