A Series of Letters

[Valentina Audley]

Dear Miss Daye,

Oh I have so much to tell you! You must forgive the hurriedness of this letter darling, I'm dashing it off in great speed, in between all the official missives My Lady has bid me write, for I have so much to tell you!

Firstly, I am sorry I cannot make the Aquae Sulis Elysium, but I have so much to do for My Lady! The court here is for all of a flutter, for as you have heard there is to be a ball in October. I have it on very good authority darling, that you are going to be approached to sing! I happen to know that the Prince herself has praised your voice. How dreadfully exciting for you darling! Of course, this is not the official invite. I'm afraid you must wait for that. But I thought you might like to know in advance.

Darling, that reminds me, could you do me a little favour? I'll enclose a note to your Maestra, would you mind awfully handing it over for me? I'm sorry to ask you to play postman, but I do so want her to get it with all possible speed.

In return for that little favour, would you like to know something interesting? I've been hearing some shocking rumours about you darling. However, a little bird, did chirrup to me that these are baseless accusations, borne out of jealousy from one who is, perhaps, not as talented as you? And who certainly dislikes competition. Were I you darling I should see who owed me a favour in Bristol and maybe come up with something equally fanciful?

I hope that your audition goes well darling! The right to bear arms is terribly exciting and I hope you do take advantage of it, for the honour alone. As for the line of your gown, I think you could probably pull off a rapier.

Right, darling I must fly! I've at least another five letters to pen for My Lady and then I am promised to Harry and Elisabeth for an evening of cards. Goodness me, but life is busy!

Fondest Regards,

Valentina Audley

P.S. I promise to give you my thoughts on the Married Woman's Property Act next time I write!

[Christine Daye]

Dear Miss Audley,

Well, that was an Elysium I hope never to have to experience again, and no mistake! But I must not get ahead of myself - I promised you a full accounting, and you shall have it - but I am still very cross, so you will have to forgive me for any inaccuracies!

It seems that my role as Defender, at least at the start of Elysium, as to sit quietly next to the chalice and provide incidental music while everyone entered. Of course, no one paid the slightest attention to me - one newcomer (more on him later) went so far as to flick the water from his hands, splashing me in the process! Thus passed the first half hour of my Elysium. Playing. Ignored.

There was the usual reports from the Clans to the Prince. Mr Cripplington-Smythe (I'm not sure I have got his name correctly) has been declared Anathema for not turning up for his punishment by the Prince. Miss Kira was warned twice, but because she is still unreleased, the censure fell upon Lady Leverson, for some reason that I'm not sure of.

Then there as a bit of time to mingle. But honestly, it was so tedious! The Primogen went to their meeting. A large number of others, including Mr Sisyphus and Miss Mortimer, sat down to play a frankly unappealing card game of poker, leaving but a scarce handful of us to converse. I did have quite a pleasant conversation with Elder Matthias, a Ventrue visitor from Oxford, but even then, I was a slave to my job as Defender. I did my best to smooth over any social ructions that happened, but this was badly hampered by the necessity of answering the stupid door every five minutes! Because, apparently, this was a job that could only have been done by a Kindred! I had no time to have any conversations at all! And all the while the Keeper was playing cards!!

There was no respite for me at all. The poker game finished, but then it was straight into the Symbel, and I spent even more time running around like a madwoman, making sure that everyone knew when their slot was, and that no one was caught unawares. I even had to announce the thing - making sure that everyone was good enough to stay quiet for the performances (a courtesy that no one had granted me that evening!)

But, the Symbel itself. Dr Taylor was first, and gave a pleasant recitation of a lyric called "Lorely". Then Mrs Jackdaw gave two songs. I know that I might be considered biased, but they did very well for themselves, considering their amateur status. As did Lady Mayweather, displaying a surprising, but pleasantly received rendition of "Greensleeves" on the clarinet. Mr Sisyphus has a powerful voice, and used it with vigour if not skill, singing something about Mithras, which I gather was not entirely complimentary.

And then there was Miss Kira. Well... what can I say? I must ask, Miss Audley, is there a discipline of your Clan that allows its possessors to enchant an audience? It is the only possible thing that I can think of! Kira gave two songs, both incredibly ambitious and operatic. I'll grant that she has some modicum of natural talent, but she was terribly flat on the high notes, and behind the beat at other points. Yet still she managed to awe the audience and was given a standing ovation! (Honestly, sometime I despair about the discernment of the members of our Court!)

Second to last was Miss Flaubert and Mr Lunaris, doing something involving chemistry and a balloon. And finally, we had Elder Matthias from Oxford, declaiming something very loudly about Carthage. I had no idea what he was going on about, but it must have been very scandalous, for the Prince cut him off in mid-oration!

It will come as no surprise to you to hear that Kira won, though, as she was unreleased at the time of the competition, her Victorious status was instead awarded to Lady Leverson. Kira has now been released, after a mere six months! It was an agreement between the Prince and Primogen Frederics - I got the impression that bets are being taken as to how long she will survive our Society. Of course she might not even fall to another of our kind... she was wearing a new gown that would have shocked you completely, as it needed to be hemmed up by at least a foot. And this incredibly large and gaudy necklace - it looked like a set of cow's horns! I have no idea why.

Other gossip - Mr Black danced a waltz with Lady Mayweather while Kira sang her second song. Mr Lunaris was supposed to be doing a ritual of some description about names - but that got postponed due to lack of time. Other things no doubt happened, but I was kept constantly busy answering the stupid doorbell! Oh, and we had a visitor from Southampton - the Sheriff no less! I was on my own, answering the door, and because Mr Sisyphus had not given any thought to briefing me properly on what I should do in that situation - well, I am very grateful that Mr Jackdaw knew the visitor and took charge!

Needless to say I have withdrawn myself from further consideration as Defender. And I will also be making it known that should my art be requested for Elysium, then I shall require plenty of notice, and acknowledgement, as well as some form of recompense. I fear I have been frightfully taken advantage of, but no more! At least I can be sure of proper treatment when I play for the Bristol Court - now there is a Court which truly values the art and artists!

Oh, you may not have heard - but there is to be a ball, hosted by the Toreador, at the August Elysium. Not masked, but it is quite inconvenient timing, given the ball in Bristol in October. I do hope that doesn't upset anyone.

I am sure that I have forgotten something, but I shall write again if I remember. Please do give my regards to your Lady, and Keeper, and of course, dear Harry. I do so look forward to seeing them all again!

I hope you are keeping well!

In haste, and with best wishes,
Christine Daye

[Valentina Audley]

Dear Miss Daye,

Darling that sounds appalling! You poor thing, to be treated so! I can quite see why your feelings are so hurt and I am surprised at Mr Sisyphus, for treating you so. Frankly, I am astonished that there are any who can not be held captivated by your playing! As for cards, I admit I find the practice tedious but I would prefer it if that remains a secret between us darling!

Still, I am sorry to hear you have had such a bad time of it. My Lady also sends her condolences to you. I hope you do not mind, but occasionally I tell her snippets from your letters. It cheers her greatly to hear of ordinary life when at this time she is so busy trying to co-ordinate the defences around the city. I am writing this whilst sat in her study as she plays on her harp so forgive me if I am disjointed in my thoughts, but the music does keep pulling me from this epistle.

As for Miss Kira's performance, perhaps it was her outfit that held people so captivated? Certainly it sounds as though she needs the services of a seamstress! And darling, perhaps she was formally released so that she might not be under Leverson's control?

Now darling, I must beg you for some more information. My Lady is positively dismayed to hear of a ball in Aquae Sulis so soon and before our own! Of course, (and darling this is strictly between us) we are concerned as to how to make our ball a triumph coming so soon after. Aquae Sulis is so lucky because they have you darling, alas we only have the vile Miss Box.

Anyhow, as I am sure you have far more experience than I in terms of how to pull of a successful evening of entertainment, do you have any suggestions for a beleagured aide and her Prince? My Lady will feel so if her ball is not considered a triumph and I am truly anxious to do all that I can so that I might spare her.

Of course, our Keeper is handling the official entertainment (did you get your request yet by the way darling? Do let me know if there is anyway I can help with that) and I am sure her work will be excellent. I'm mostly after knowledge of what form the entertainments at your ball will take so that we won't look like pale copies!

Now darling, I am curious to hear more about this waltz. I am not surprised to hear of Mr Black's capability to dance (I am sure that all young men of his social standing in the Kine world learn such things) but his choice of partner intrigues me. Didn't you say that Lady Mayweather was responsible for dreadful acts at the last council of Neonates?

Darling, I feel I must ask, why didn't Mr Sisyphus organise a ghoul to deal with answering the door? I'm sure I've seen a maid or two about the place. Was he expecting more trouble than usual? I think you are entirely right to remove yourself from consideration and no doubt your Maestra is equally unhappy on your behalf. Still, if you are not burdened by such duties then I shall allow myself to hope that you will announce a time you intend to visit us in Bristol again soon! Harry sends love by the way. I was with her the other night when we all attended a soiree dear Elisabeth held. Well, I say all of us. Apparently Miss Box was otherwise engaged, wasn't that a shame?

Right, darling I must end this missive here, My Lady has finished her practice and desires that I join her for a turn about the garden before she meets with the Primogen Council. Please do let me know if you have any thoughts on our little problem won't you?

Fondest Regards,

Valentina Audley

P.S. I am enclosing a piece of sheet music for you darling, from My Lady. She says it is a charming piece and hopes the playing of it will ease your mind from your recent experiences. I believe it is titled 'A Fairy Legend, Op. 182' by Charles Oberthür

[Christine Daye]

Dear Miss Audley,

Oh, thank you so much for your kind words, Miss Audley! You have always been a true friend to me, and I am so grateful!

Recent events have made it simply intolerable for me to stay in Bath - as it is, I find myself hiding away in the theatre, buried in my music. So, yes, I would be delighted to get away and visit Bristol once more. Perhaps it would be prudent (as well as helpful) to arrive early for the October ball? It will give me plenty of time to prepare, for I would hate to give anything other than my absolute best to the Court that has appreciated my art so completely!

I have not yet received a formal request to perform from the Keeper, though she has hinted strongly. If I might take you up on your kind offer... well, let's just say that the sooner I receive it, the better. It is so much easier to decline requests when one is already committed to another.

As for the ball in Bath in August... I have heard no more than that it is not to be masked. I have not been approached at all to provide music, or entertainment, or even guidance on such things. Which just goes to show in how little esteem my art is held in this city. It is tragic! But if they will not ask, then I will not offer. Besides, I am sure that I shall be far too busy, preparing for the October ball, for I am sure that I shall have been formally asked by then.

Oh, and if I hear of any entertainments being planned for Bath, I shall let you know immediately! I too would hate to have the Bristol ball overshone - though, to be brutally honest, I cannot see how such a thing could ever come to pass! Not given your magnificent Lady, and of course the efforts of your good self.

Please do pass on my most grateful thanks to your Lady for the sheet music! It is a beautiful piece! And, no, of course I do not mind you reading her pieces of my letters - if I can lighten her burdens, or entertain her, even for the slightest moment, then I am deeply honoured!

Oh, and yes, Lady Mayweather was indeed behind the little contretemps that I told you about. But Mr Black was not at that meeting. As for what he was thinking? The man is a complete mystery to me!

Please do pass on my regards to our mutual acquaintances, and of course, my thanks again to your Lady for her thoughtful gift! I hope your work is progressing well, and that your art is being properly appreciated!

With fond regards,
Your friend,
Christine

[Valentina Audley]

Dear Christine,

I hope I may take the liberty of addressing you so? If not you must scold me at once and I shall return to a more formal mode of address darling! Anyhow, I address you once again from Oxford as I am called here on business once more. It seems as though I shall be flitting all over the place for the next few months!

It would be delightful to have you visit us in Bristol again. Harry and Elisabeth have both asked me to add their hopes of a visit from you to mine! Perhaps if you came in September and stayed until the Ball is over? If you wish to then let me know and I shall see what may be done.

As for Aquae Sulis' ball, well darling, Reggie has promised me an invite so I hope to join there and view the festivities first hand! Won't that be fun? My lady assures me she can spare me then so barring unforseen developments I should be there! That said I would be most grateful for any advance information on entertainments should you come by it as it will give my Lady plenty of time to ensure our entertainments differ from those of Aquae Sulis!

And so, onto other matters I feel. (More gossipy matters darling, because you know I can never resist a little gossip!) I have spoken with Mr Black and he assures me he was merely extending the hand of friendship to Miss Mayweather. I believe he has some thought in mind of curbing her excesses of temper by proper social courtesies. It's a sweet thought but seems unlikely to produce much. Still, who knows?

I believe I promised you my thoughts on the Married Women's Property Act. Well darling, obviously I've not been married myself but surely any woman with a modicum of intelligence would procure a pre-nuptial agreement keeping control of her own property? I suppose there must be something in the idea of woman being legally equal, otherwise I cannot see why it would be gaining such popularity and yet surely it will just let women be complacent? A clever woman darling, should have no problem finding her way around the current so called restrictions. Of course, we are kindred and in our society such superficial inequalities do not exist and so, perhaps I am not qualified to judge? That said I do run my own business and have dealt with my fair share of so called kine 'gentlemen' who think I shall be any easy mark. They learned.

I have recently been at a soiree hosted by Elisabeth. Harry was there, as was Segarus. It was a charming evening and I feel Elisabeth could be rightly proud of her efforts. I am sorry to say that Miss Box was unable to make it. Such a pity, I'm sure. Still, we made do as best we could without her!

Well darling, I'm afraid I must leave you again as the first of my clients is due here shortly for a fitting. I shall not name them but suffice to say they are a most distinguished personage and it would seem my small business is once again on the up!

Fondest Wishes,

Valentina

[Christine Daye]

Dear Miss Audley,

I would be greatly honoured if you would call me by my given name! I hope I am not too forward, but I have come to feel that a friendship has grown between us. Of course, I would not dream to address you by your given name without proper permission!

Forgive the tardiness of this reply - but I have some good news! Maestra and I are to visit Oxford next month, and I do hope our paths shall cross there. I am very much looking forward to getting away - the situation for me in Bath is quite intolerable! I simply cannot bear it!

Oh - yes, I think coming to Bristol in September in preparation for the ball would be an excellent idea. I shall have to consult with Maestra, naturally, but I can't think of any reason why she would object.

As for the Bath ball, I still remain completely in the dark. Except for a short note from Mr Sisyphus - offering a trivial boon in exchange for fifteen minutes of my music. It was such a shame to disappoint him, but with the commission from your Lady, and Keeper, I simply could not spare the preparation time. With your Lady being such a musical inspiration to me, I would be completely distraught if I did not perform to the very best of my ability! Maestra is in complete agreement with me on this matter.

I do hope that Mr Black is careful with Miss Mayweather. She strikes me as the sort of woman who is not accustomed to the attentions of the opposite sex, and could misunderstand the courtesies. Still, I am sure that Mr Black knows what he is doing, and is capable of keeping her well in hand.

Thank you for your thoughts on the Married Woman's Property Act. You have such a gift at explaining things - they seem so very obvious once you have said them, but for the life of me, I would not have been able to think of such things myself, I fear. Still, alas, I fear that the trials and tribulations of arranging a pre-nuptial agreement are no longer a problem for me. I have no doubt that you will hear the gossip soon enough, so I shall give you the truth of it.

Suffice it to say that I have broken with Dr Taylor. I do not wish to speak of the details, or even ever think of him again! Know only that he broke my heart, and it is only through Maestra's love and the kindness of dear Mr and Mrs Jackdaw... well... I shall say no more, lest I be accused of melodrama.

So you see, getting out of Bath is high in my thoughts! I thank God for my music, for that is ever a solace.

I am so very glad that your art is being appreciated and that your business is on the up. I wish you all possible success in the future!

Hoping to see you in Oxford!

Your friend,
Christine

[Valentina Audley]

Dear Christine,

What a time of it you are having my poor darling!

So, let us address things in some semblance of order, to whit, firstly you must of course call me Valentina! I too value our friendship greatly. There, isn't that more comfortable? Now that we have settled things between us, I am so excited to hear you will be in Oxford! I shall be hear a while longer it seems (bridal trains just have this way of growing that is quite beyond me darling!) and so hopefully we can take a turn about one of the gardens whilst you are here. Obviously if Lady Leroux can accompany us that would also be delightful! You must pass on my best wishes to her darling. I hope she is not too grieved over the troubles you've been having recently (I am sure they worry her a great deal, given her care for you).

I am so sorry to hear that Mr Sisyphus is to do without your music for a time, Indeed, I feel positively guilty! Of course, selfishly I rejoice at the fact that you will be playing for us in October! I doubt my Lady will have time to take a turn on her harp, she has so many people to talk to at these things (as I'm sure you can imagine) and the pressures of state often mean she must sacrifice her music for the greater good of the court. I'm sure your music will make her so happy as she is so fond of the harp and of course you have a voice none can claim comparison to!

As for Mr Black, I too feel sure he's perfectly capable of keeping matters well in hand with regards to Miss Mayweather. Darling, his bride to be is a charming little thing - we got up an embroidery party, just the two of us a few nights past, her stitching is charming and she looks very well. Certainly in Kine society they will make an excellent match. I suspect her mother in law will continue to rule the household however!

Now then darling, to the real point of this letter - my sincerest condolences over the matter of you and the Doctor. Whatever passed between you to mar your contentment so? You may rest assured that I've not heard of the news from any other sources so at least for now we can assume no interfering busy bodies are gossiping about you. Was he dreadfully unkind to you darling? If so, just say the word and I'm sure we can find a way to make him suitably repentant. Men can be so very horrid, can't they darling? Still, know that you are not alone, you have friends and you can always visit Bristol if Aquae Sulis is too upsetting.

Poor darling, I hope my words bring you some measure of comfort and I do so look forward to seeing you here so that I may express my sorrow and affection in person.

Your friend,

Valentina

[Christine Daye]

Dear Valentina,

Thank you, thank you, a thousand times thank you! At least these sorry events have made me realise how many friends I have - and I am so honoured and touched.

I am very much looking forward to Oxford - a walk around the gardens would be delightful! I'm sure Maestra will come too, if she is not too busy. She works terribly hard, and could do with some relaxation. (And she does speak very highly of you.) I am hoping to go punting as well - it looks like so much fun!

Oh, do not feel guilty! Mr Sisyphus has brought this all down on his own head. I will not give my music to those who do not value it, and there's the end of it.

And now, to the crux of it. (Oh, my hands are shaking just at the prospect of writing this!) Because we are friends, and because I trust you to head off damaging chatter, I shall tell you what occurred to have me set Dr Taylor aside.

Oh, this is so difficult! I must keep some things private, forgive me. But it is for the sake of another, blameless in this.

Making a long story short, he was faithless to me. Worse! He attempted to force himself on another. (Oh, I am so ashamed to have loved someone capable of such a monstrous act!!) He did not succeed, due to the other's quick thinking. But still, it was a betrayal that I can never forgive.

I am sorry - but this is so upsetting that I must close now and sing.

I remain,
Your friend,
Christine

[Valentina Audley]

Dear Christine,

Darling! How absolutely appalling! What a dreadful cad he is to be sure! I shall make sure he is no longer received at either Thimble. Were we Kine I should advocate suing him for breach of promise, however, as Kindred we have other methods of making displeasure known. Darling, were I you, I should make a condition of allowing your music to be heard only by people willing to show their displeasure with one willing to be so utterly abhorrent. Public disgrace and censure does tend to work well I find. That said, I should only reveal that he was faithless in his attentions when he had given his word that he would be otherwise. I will explain why in person if you wish, but I promise you I give you such advice out of concern for you.

In the meantime, I shall await your arrival in Oxford with eagerness so that we may talk things over and I can comfort you in person. I apologise for the shortness of this letter, but it does not do to keep a Prince waiting and I simply must fly to keep my fitting appointment!

Yours in haste but with affection,

Valentina

[Christine Daye]

Dear Valentina,

((there is no content to the letter - it is simply a hand copied piece of sheet music, scored for voice and piano. Link to the sheet music: http://imslp.org/wiki/The_Harp_that_Onc ... (Anonymous) The lyric is below.))

The harp that once through Tara's halls
the soul of music shed
now hangs as mute on Tara's walls
as if the soul were fled
So sleeps the pride of former days
so glory's thrill is over
and hearts that once beat high for praise
now feels that pulse no more

No more to chiefs and ladies bright
the harp of Tara swells
the chord alone that breaks at night
its tale of ruin tells
Thus freedom now so seldom wakes
the only throb she gives
is when some heart indignant breaks
to show that still she lives