A Series of Letters

[Valentina Audley]

Dear Miss Daye,

Darling, I hope this letter finds you well and enjoying your evenings! Bristol continues as wonderfully as ever and the New Silver Thimble is very nearly ready to open. Jacob continues to be a treasure and seems to be spinning in every direction at once as he scrambles to finish all the last minute tasks before we officially start the business here.

I did however, find time to ask him about the little matter we were discussing last Elysium and his thoughts were far too entertaining to keep to myself, so I shall share them with you! He says 'The doctor, then: In life he was indeed possessed of a firm jaw, a high forehead, and so on: the facial accoutrements that accompany a man of high intelligence and learning. They would speak to his good character. And he is firm of body, with a sturdy and manly leg...'

He was speaking on the art of physiognomy at the time and he assures me it is the coming thing for the modern business owner to have an understanding of. Dear Lamb, he is so keen to be a help to me! Rest assured though darling, I did not explain why I was asking the question and so he is ignorant of your interest.

Please give my regards to your Maestra next time you see her and I hope you keep well until we meet again!

Fondest Regards,

Valentina Audley

[Christine Daye]

Dear Miss Audley,

Thank you for your letter! I was all aflutter at receiving it - even more so upon learning it came from Bristol!

I am very glad that all is going smoothly for your move, though I have to confess a certain amount of sadness, for I really do feel that Bath is impoverished for your absence. Still, your new role will have you visiting again soon, and I shall take solace in that.

Mr Swainswick is very clever, it seems! I had never heard of this art of physiognomy before, and was forced to look it up in the library. But it does seem very interesting, and thank you so much for sharing his views with me. (I would ask you to thank him, but... well...) He does seem to have an excellent eye and judgment, but then I would expect no less from someone graced by your patronage!

I shall pass on your greetings to Maestra when I see her next, though I do not know when that shall be. Her new role is keeping her exceptionally busy, as you'd expect, and I am doing my absolute best to help her by not being a burden to her, while at the same time trying to do as she would wish me to in terms of practise, and new music and the like. It is... well... I miss her terribly... but I must be strong for her, and make her proud of me when she returns. (See? I still follow your excellent advice!)

Please do pass on my greetings to our mutual acquaintances in Bristol (if you should feel it appropriate, of course). I have written thank you letters to the important players - thanking them for their kindness in my recent visit. I hope that did not over-reach, for I would like to visit again some day. Oh, but especially give my regards to dear Harry, should you have chance to speak to her. I have such fond memories of walking with her and you in the garden, despite the unfortunate way she had to return to the house.

And naturally, my deepest regards to your Lady - I sent a small gift of some harp sheet music from Ireland to her along with my thank you note, and now I am desperately worried that I might have caused offense. But the music was by Turlough O'Carolan, Ireland's foremost harpist and composer. He was blind, you know, smallpox - but that did not stop him from composing the most heavenly music. They say that he fell asleep one night on a fairy fort, and the music of the Good Folk rang in his ears ever after. (I have some sympathy with him, if that is the truth, though I am nowhere near as good a harpist as he was!)

I hope that the opening of your new Silver Thimble goes absolutely perfectly, and that you continue in good health and happiness!

With very best wishes,
Christine Daye

[Valentina Audley]

Dear Miss Daye,

I shall certainly pass on your regards to those you know in Bristol. my Lady is, sadly for me, much occupied with important matters but I console myself that I am able to be of use here even when we do not have time to meet. I have seen some little of Harry lately and we are engaged to walk the gardens later this night so I shall pass on your regards once I have finished this letter to you!

Dear Jacob busies himself with anything he thinks might give us a 'competitive edge' as he calls it. It keeps him out of mischief and he continues to keep the list of 'everyday' clients high so I am inclined to indulge him! He is very popular among the ghouls of the court and occasionally catches other eyes, much to my amusement and his continued surprise.

Speaking of catching eyes darling, the thing I miss most about Aquae Sulis is the news of all of you. I am still so new to this court that I do not entirely know who is who yet and therefore I simply do not dare relax unless I am in the company of my Lady! So, you must forgive me the liberty of asking, but, how are things between you and the good Doctor? I trust his interest continues? If it will inspire you to greater confidence I offer the news that a few of the gentlemen here are extremely attentive to me and I do not believe it is entirely down to my Lady's kind patronage! I find this adds a certain excitement to life here and entertains my Lady when we do meet as she adores hearing my tales about such matters.

I hope that Lady Leroux is enjoying her new position and that she finds her schedule calming down enough to make time to see you soon darling. I'm sure she'll be pleased with you, she cares for you so! What music have you been practising? We are very lucky here, to have so many musicians, recitals are a regular feature of court life, though it does mean we have to suffer Miss Box on what feels like a far too frequent basis!

I must run darling, I hadn't noticed how late it was getting and I don't wish to be late. Write back soon, won't you?

Fondest Regards,

Valentina Audley

[Christine Daye]

Dear Miss Audley,

I hope you had a pleasant walk with Harry, and that you are settling in to life in Bristol. I remember first coming to Bath - oh, it was so difficult for me, even with Maestra by my side. It took many months for me to feel part of the Court, so I do sympathise, most sincerely!

Oh, dear Mr Swainswick! How sweet that he is surprised! Is he not aware that he cuts quite a fine figure? And of course his manner... well, he is such a gentleman! I hope you are keeping an eye on him - it would be terrible for him to have his heart broken.

And oh! You have admirers too? Well, I must confess that I am not surprised, and though I am quite afire with curiosity, I shall not ask you to name them (but if there are any tidbits you feel comfortable in dropping my way, I would not object in the slightest! And of course, I would be the soul of discretion!) Dr Taylor is well, and yes, his interest continues. Though it is difficult - he is busy with his work, as am I, and of course there are issues of chaperonage.

My dear Miss Audley - your advice has always been so wise... I wonder if I could presume once more? I have been told that some damaging and quite hurtful rumours have been spreading through the Court about Dr Taylor and I. My inclination is to refuse to engage with them - rise above them, so to speak - but still, it is wounding. Dr Taylor is a gentleman, kind and considerate, and these rumours... well... no one has been so crass as to repeat them to me.

Oh, do not mistake me! I am used to such things - when one is a musician, as I am, one learns to deal with such scurrilous things. Someone once suggested that I was no better than an actress! I showed them no mercy, let me assure you!

But on to more pleasant things... My music - I confess I am quite struggling! Not with a lack of material, but almost too much! Maestra kindly provided me with the score for Carmen, and I am quite torn as to which aria to learn first! Still, I must decide, and soon, for at the next Elysium there will be a recital from a selection of members of the Court. So far I understand that Miss Kira, Mrs Jackdaw, Mr Lunaris and Miss Flaubert will be performing - the latter two doing something involving Science? Oh, and of course myself - so I must decide my pieces soon, to be perfect for the performance.

Speaking of Miss Kira - do you know anything of her? I cannot shake the feeling that I know her from somewhere, somewhen... I am wracking my brains to think of it, but am drawing a complete blank. It is most infuriating.

I shall close now, and send my very best wishes, and a touch of envy that you are so lucky to have so many recitals in Bristol! Still, I hope that when you next visit Bath, we will measure up to their grace and elegance!

With warmest regards,
Christine Daye

[Valentina Audley]

Dear Miss Daye,

What a treat your letters are to receive! Harry and I had a simply delightful walk. The blossom has appeared on the trees so we strolled in the scent of spring. No unwelcome extras appeared this time so it was a pleasant evening.

As for Mr Swainswick, darling, have no fear for his heart! He's registered in the Court and I take good care of all those in my employ so he has no complaints. Well, except possibly that he'd like Miss Box to leave him alone, but we none of us can have everything can we?

As for unpleasant rumours, darling, you might not like what I have to say on the subject. However, no matter how you feel for him, you must make him see that if he cannot keep his hands to himself in public then he will bring public disapproval down on you as well as himself. Now darling, try not to be indignant, I have seen him! What happens between the two of you in private is no-one else's affair but if you wish such rumours scotched you must be the models of decorum in public.

There is no reason why you mightn't take his arm for a promenade about the room, but the habit of hand holding and drawing you close is somewhat scandalous in nature. It also shows a sad error of judgement on the part of the Doctor, for, if he cares for you so, why is he willing to subject you to such dreadful gossip by treating you so?

Moving on to more pleasant subjects (and darling, try not to be wroth with me, I write these things out of concern for you, not because I seek to upset you). I am sure whichever aria you choose will be simply exquisite and assuming I make it over to visit you all I look forward to hearing it!

As for Miss Kira, I do not know much about her, though I did here a rumour that her mortal family might be well established. Perhaps she has seen you perform before she became Kindred? I am afraid I have little interest in an unreleased childe, though I did note that her adopted Sire seems to have given her some tutoring,m which I feel is to the great credit of Miss Des Rosier.

I leave you now, with the sincerest hope that your practise is going well and your nights are filled with interest.

Fondest Regards,

Valentina Audley

[Christine Daye]

Dear Miss Audley,

I am glad to hear that you are enjoying the Bristol blossoms - here in Bath we too have been blessed with some lovely flowers, though the nights seem to have turned chill again for some reason. Society is very quiet - I think that everyone must be quite busy with their private affairs, which is fair enough. I find myself quite looking forward to Elysium, though I still am dithering about my pieces!

I must also thank you for your honesty! Oh, I will not deny that the whole sorry mess has caused me no end of upset - but I am glad to have it confirmed, and I can take steps to mitigate against the effects, all the while rising above it. I have spoken to Dr Taylor on the subject (and that was difficult, let me assure you!) and it was well received, so I have hopes that, well, models of decorum shall once more be seen in public.

Let me assure you, I have dealt with such, shall we say, over-enthusiastic admirers, in the past. But, much as I adore my fans, I never felt for them in the same way. And alas, our Society is not exactly blessed with appropriate role models for courting couples. Which is why I am so grateful to you for your advice. In most other things, it would be Maestra who I would turn to, but alas, in this... well, I am aware of her feelings. So thank you again, Miss Audley, for your wisdom! (And if you have any other thoughts on the subject, or of courting in our Society in general, I would be grateful to receive them!)

On another note - I do hope that you will be able to attend our next gathering! You will be sorely missed if you cannot!

And yes, Miss des Rosier is to be greatly admired for her zeal in education, and her kindness in taking Miss Kira on. Being a ward can be a difficult position to maintain in Bath, it seems, though I sincerely believe that Miss Kira, having the thirst for learning that she does, will quickly become a full member of Society (assuming that she does not disagree in public with her elders too many more times).

I must dash - I am being called for the orchestra rehearsal. I hope that your nights are too filled with interest, and that your new Silver Thimble is rapidly becoming a comfortable home!

With very best wishes,
Christine Daye

[Valentina Audley]

Dear Miss Daye,

I must start this letter with my heartfelt apologies for how long it has taken me to reply to you! Darling I've been shamefully wrapped up in the New Silver Thimble and it's going swimmingly! Mr Swainswick has, by luck or charm (I didn't inquire to closely darling), managed to persuade the Misses Channing to purchase the majority of their summer outfitting here and so, their friends follow their lead and thus, we are established in the minds of the kine as the place to go. My Lady is extremely generous in her patronage and her orders and so the Kindred order list is almost as long! My Lady is hinting that at some point there may be an extra special evening of dance and so everyone is scrambling to get their outfits in order!

I am so glad to hear that the good Doctor is heeding your words. That said, a word of caution for you darling. He has shown impulsive tendencies at Elysium, so you may have to be firm with him in the moment, lest his impulsiveness bring more scandal down upon your head!

As for courting, Darling, you say that our society has few good role models for courting couples and I wonder... have you considered all the implications of being Kindred? I put it to you that there are many in your court engaged in courting, however they move through the steps to a dance different to the mortal one. It is just possible that I have heard a few snippets of advice, from those older than I, that may be relevant in those situations and I'm sure I could be persuaded to pass them on, where you so inclined to hear them darling.

I am hopeful that I shall make it over to Aquae Sulis, indeed after your dear Prince extended me such a kindly invitation I am loathe to miss it and yet, I have my duties to My Lady and I must attend to those before aught else.

Darling it sounds as though you have gossip on Miss Kira! Don't tell me you've been with holding such things from me! Who has she been publically disagreeing with this time? I did hear something about a little contretemps at the last Elysium, but leniency is sometimes offered to those who are not released, given their unfortunate youth and lack of knowledge. I'm sure her Sire will remind her of the appropriate lessons to be learned from that though.

Alas, as fun as this has been to write, I must away back to my embroidery, otherwise Mr Black's beloved-to-be will be wroth with me 'pon her wedding morn! I hope the rehearsals continue well darling and that the weather is better for you than it is here.

Fondest Regards,

Valentina Audley

P.S. I almost forgot! Do not be surprised at the postmark on this letter, I am in Oxford currently, engaged on business! Any letters you wish to send will be forwarded to me so fear not on that account either!

[Christine Daye]

Dear Miss Audley,

Oh, you need never apologise for the tardiness of your letters - I completely understand the pressures you must be under. And I am so very pleased to hear about the success of New Silver Thimble! Long may it continue! And my congratulations to you and Mr Swainswick - it seems like he is an exceptionally good assistant - I hope one day to be able to find one as devoted as he to assist me in some of the more tedious aspects of my profession.

I myself and quite snowed under - the recital that I mentioned earlier? Which is to be held at the next Elysium? Well, it is now a Symbel contest, sponsored by Maestra herself, and everyone is in such a tizzy about it. I have been fending off requests to accompany others left, right and centre (and I am sure that I do not have to explain to you why I do not entertain such requests). Still, it does simplify the evening a bit for me, though I do not envy poor Maestra the difficult decision she will no doubt have to make as judge. Though I might be playing assistant stage manager and running around even more than usual that night, as I have promised to help with some of the arrangements of the evening. Who knows? I shall find out in due course.

Let me assure you that I am well aware of Dr Taylor's impetuous nature, and have warned him that I shall take him firmly in hand if he misbehaves at Elysium. (He took the warning very well, I am glad to say.) And as for courting - well, I simply must confess that the thought never crossed my mind, but now you have said it - of course, being Kindred must mean that the rules are different. Though I cannot for the life of me think of what the changes might be, so would be very grateful for any further words of advice that you deem suitable for me. I would, of course, be the soul of discretion.

Speaking of which - you being the soul of discretion, naturally, I fear that I misunderstood our earlier conversation, back in the Silver Thimble, on the subject of Mr Black's intended. I am now quite itching with curiosity about the details, but must remain ignorant for the time being, it seems - I shall not ask you to break your code! But - are you aware of what has happened with Mr Williamson and Miss Rebeka Corrigan? It is quite tragic, almost operatic in nature, and even now, it still makes me cry.

But on to other things! I have not deliberately been withholding gossip from you - not at all! I thought you were aware of the little altercation Miss Kira had with Architect Clyntahn and Mr Campion? She was attempting to tell them that their understanding of the... shall we say... situation... with Lady Mayweather (the details of which I shared with you last time we spoke in Elysium) was incorrect, which seems like a horribly foolhardy (and impolite!) thing to do to one's elders. I dove in, of course, to smooth things over, for honestly, all had been resolved by that point, and there was no point in raking over old coals. Still, I must have a word with Miss des Rosier at the next Elysium. One kind enough to take on an unreleased childe such as Miss Kira is definitely someone worth getting to know better, I feel!

I hope your embroidery is continuing well and Oxford is pleasant! I did perform at the Sheldonian theatre there, some many years ago now. The acoustic is quite beautiful, as are the grounds of several of the colleges. I do hope you get the chance to experience some of the delights of that city, in between your business engagements!

With warmest regards,
Christine Daye

[Valentina Audley]

Dear Miss Daye,

I am sorry to hear that you are snowed under, though I am sure Lady Leroux is glad of your assistance. I am sorry to say that it is very unlikely I shall make the Elysium now, as I have a few little matters here to attend to, to aid my lady. I am so sad to think of missing this symbel! I beg that you will write and tell me of the results when it is done, for I confess a quite a curiosity about it.

Whilst you are correct that Mr Swainswick is indeed a treasure of an assistant, I put it to you that if you wished, you too could have such a one. I suggest you look around you to see if there are any Kine in the theatre you think might suit you and if so work from there? You are looking mostly for manners, an agreeable countenance and ability in the work you require doing. Anything else can be arranged after you have acquired them, so to speak.

Speaking of taking Doctor Taylor firmly in hand darling, did you know that there are some gentlemen who thrive under the careful guidance and clear directions from a lady who knows her own mind and is capable of steering such a man? I assure you, the results of doing so can be quite beneficial to both parties. This I believe is true both in Kindred and Kine relationships.

However, we are talking more specifically the courting process of Kindred. The differences come, so I am told, from our ability to live longer and in our inability to procreate in the Kine method. (You must forgive my mentioning such indelicate subjects darling, only in order to discuss this they must be mentioned and I see no reason to cause confusion by being to vague in my referencing). All Kindred have, for parents, one Sire and one Sire alone. Even if you were to marry the good doctor, were you to have a child in our way, the child would be yours and yours alone. So, a formal agreement such as a marriage is not needed for the purposes of continuing the race. Furthermore, even the most long lived of Kine marriages last a mere ninety or so years and most last far less than that. As a Kindred, you may be committing to centuries! This is not to say that your feelings for him are not real, or that they are unimportant, but merely to point out we none of us know exactly what the future will bring us and how we might change in the years between now and then.

It is also worth noting that whilst romance and affection play a part in Kine marriages, when that is put aside they are a social contract to connect two groups of people and to continue the family line and name. Young ladies are hardly ever allowed to chose their own husband and so, romance is most assuredly not the main cause of marriage. As for connecting your families, again in our society such a thing is largely not a part of what we do. Our families, such as they are, are our clans and though in your case you and Doctor Taylor have such a tie, I cannot think of any clan whereby the marriage of one of it's members to one of another clan would cause any real change between them. So marriage serves no useful purpose there either. (Forgive me darling I am rambling somewhat and yet I must confess this subject does cause me a great deal of fascination! I'm indulging my musings by inflicting them upon you!)

This leads us to the conclusion then, that marriage is likely to be the exception and not the norm in our society. However, we must also pay attention to the fact that our society does not permit the public displays of intimacy such as might happen between a man and his wife, nor does it really care for overt showings of romantic feelings. Therefore, we can only conclude that relations of a romantic nature are carried out in private, with none the wiser except the two involved and any others they care to confide in. This has the benefit in that should the relationship end then there are no formal ties to be dissolved and furthermore for as long as the relationship continues, no enemy can use it against those involved. Dear me, what a tide of thoughts I have just heaped upon you darling! I do apologise, for my loquaciousness and at the same time I hope it helps demonstrate why you do not hear of many married Kindred.

Moving on to other things, I had heard that Mr Williamson and Miss Corrigan were no longer with us, though, not why. I am sorry for the loss of your friends, though I fear Mr Williamson serves as a sad example of the perils of thoughtlessness in our society. I am sorry for Miss Corrigan, though sadly unsurprised given her ancestry.

Oxford is beautiful. I have had several enchanting walks around the grounds here and the gardens are delightful in the spring! Alas I have no time to head to any of the theatres, indeed my walks are snatched in between fittings as the time I have for these is short and I must do what I can until so as to make the most of it.

I will end this letter here as I feel the reading of this will be almost as heavy going at the writing of it and you will be glad I have ended it darling. I hope that the preparations for the symbel go smoothly and that your own work does not get eclipsed in the doing so! I shall leave you with the hope that this letter has been of some use in detangling the ways in which our society differs and as ever I hope that my words have given no offence darling!

Fondest regards,

Valentina Audley

[Christine Daye]

Dear Miss Audley,

Oh! It is such a shame that you are not able to attend the next Elysium, but fear not! I shall endeavour to furnish you with a full recitation on the nature of the competition, and of course, let you know the winner! The list of entrants is still secret, so there is much speculation already. I wonder if there will be more betting on the Sybel or on the poker competition? We shall have to see!

Thank you for your advice on the subject of assistants - I feel that I shall take it, for with Maestra being so busy - well, anything I can do to take some of the load off her I will do and gladly!

I too have heard rumours of a ball (from our mutual acquaintances) to be held immanently in Bristol, so I do hope to be able to call on your there soon - it is frightfully exciting!

Oh, forgive me - I feel that this letter is already frightfully disjointed. I am all aflutter with excitement for the next Elysium! For, as you may have heard, Mr Sisyphus has done me the honour of inviting me to audition for the role of Defender! I was quite shocked, I can tell you! And I had to speak with Maestra about it - for I thought it so far above my capabilities. But both Maestra and Mr Sisyphus have reassured me that I will be of use to the Court in such a role - so I shall give it a try and do my best. (I am not entirely convinced that I will take up the right to bear arms, however - they will ruin the line of my gown, and I will not have that!)

Thank you for your full and frank explanation of the way things are for Kindred. Alas, as I thought I would die an old maid, I never paid much attention to such things in my younger days, so your explanations were very clear, and made a great deal of sense, not to mention giving me much to ponder! Though it seems that things are changing with regards to marriage nowadays - the Married Women's Property Act? It seems that it is a step forward for women. I know that I would absolutely hate to give up my music to pay proper attention to a husband. I would go quite mad! (Well, madder!)

But do not fret - I take all your words in the spirit of kindly enlightenment that they are given, and I thank you for them! I am very glad that we are correspondents, and hope that my epistles to you provide some measure of entertainment, at the very least!

I hope your work in Oxford continues well, and I am glad you have at least a little time to take in the gardens. The roses are particularly fine here in Bath at the moment - the scent is just divine!

With very best wishes,
Christine Daye