Two letters

[Erika Leroux]

Miss Delaney,

I must apologise for such short notice, but I fear that Miss Daye’s performances are to be postponed for the foreseeable future, until you are directly notified by me. She has taken it upon herself to visit Lady Fortiscue’s abode, while wilfully ignoring her obligations to perform, should she be delayed. I will personally see to it that you are paid recompense for such neglect on her part. One cannot have a capricious lead – one’s reputation will fall into disrepute.

More importantly, I should advise you that an armed and initially veiled Doctor Taylor took it upon himself to attempt to enter our rooms. Only when I called him out, did he deign to have any attempt at polite conversation, both criticising my behaviour towards my ward, and demanding that he court her. Naturally I showed caution at the latter, knowing little of him. I had asked that he exhibit at least a little patience. However it would seem that he has been asked to escort Miss Daye to Lady Fortiscue’s abode without a chaperone, which I fear is most unseemly behaviour.

I am deeply sorry to trouble you so, but as one of our first friends in this fine city, and, indeed, our kind hostess and benefactor, I felt it only right that I inform you of this unfortunate development.

Your servant and honoured guest,
Ms. E. Leroux


Another, left elsewhere, far away, for a different pair of eyes...

Plans have changed and I fear the theatre is no longer a safe. place where we might converse in private. If it is yours to grant such a thing grant, then I do desperately seek comfort with my family. Yrs, EL