Dear heart,

I am quite well considering your father abandoned me at the Corsica house. Rushed off within the day with a brief mention of the vineyards back in France; I suppose the heat at home must be dreadful to pull him from our annual trip to the Mediterranean, especially since he hired staff especially for the maintenance of his precious grapes. So I have been left to my own devices, and you know how limited the company is here -- I'll start asking the groundskeeper around for tea soon! I had been planning my own escape, one that would put your father's to shame, but I wasn't quite sure where I wanted to go, and so this is much better: Paris or London? You choose, dearest; you know I shall happily accompany you anywhere.

We shall remain utterly silent on that part of the plan and focus instead on that which involves you. I know you will assure me of your continued good health, and I shall certainly see you for myself in due time, but a mother worries. I hope that you are at least getting enough sleep and eating correctly? You will succeed as you always have, dearest, but you must not wear yourself down so in the process!

Why should you ask about that dreadful woman? If there have been hour-glasses in her life, it is of no concern of mine!

Holding you forever in my heart,

Your

(Reply to this)(Thread)

Dearest Mama,

How unchivalrous of him, to put grapes before you! We shall have to arrange our break post-haste. And I think perhaps London - a few new boutiques have opened since your last visit and are well worth a look (according to reputation, at least). If it gets to the point of inviting the groundskeeper for high tea, do tell me and I will floo in to sweep you away immediately.

I am very well Mama. You will be pleased to note that I spend at least seven hours in bed every night, on average, and my diet is really very good. You know I wouldn't put you to undue worry by making myself ill. And anyway, I shall put all business off when we make our trip to London, and monopolise your time shamelessly so there will be no time for work or strain from anything other than excess shopping and pleasure.

Only because you are always exceptionally well informed about such things Mama. I hear tell from the young Miss Delaney that you have a gift, even. There may be some truth in it!

Your son,

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

Dearest,

When the grapes are as firm and succulent as they have been in the past, I'm afraid I take second place in your father's considerations. I find it to be quite a pity, then, that I've lost my taste for them entirely -- something about his insistence to sample every crop every year has rather drained my liking of them. And London is wonderful, Evan! I shall be glad to see it and these new boutiques; perhaps we shall even be able to find time to visit the Wilkes. My cousin, I'm sure you'll agree, is far more suitable company than the groundskeeper.

I expect nothing less, my love, just as you should expect nothing less but for me to visit your accommodations. If there is anything that needs fixing, I shall arrange everything; it's still warm out, I know, but it's never too soon to ensure that the heating charms are properly in place for the winter.

A gift! Such praise from your young Miss Delaney! Has she been round for tea before?

Your

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

Dearest Mama,

Too much of something, even wine, can indeed be sickening. I'm not sure the harvest is predicted to be particularly good though this year. We will just have to wait and see.
And we can certainly find time to visit your relations Mama; we might dine out with them perhaps, as well as simply visiting. Would you like me to arrange that?

Mama, much as I appreciate your heating charms I admit I have never had a cold evening in my apartments, even in the dead of winter. You may of course make such checks if you wish to, but it is rather unnecessary. I have found some very effective people heating alternatives, although I greatly appreciate your concern for my welfare and hope you yourself are taking precautions against this heatwave currently sweeping Europe.

Hardly my Miss Delaney Mama, simply a young woman who thinks she recognises wonders when she hears of them. I believe you have had tea with her cousin more than once - perhaps she gained her great insight from her.

Your son,

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

Dearest,

You are quite right, of course, although I suspect we cannot rely too much on your father's judgment. Sampling as he has done over the years may have dulled his senses a little, made him less discerning of quality. And I certainly would, but only if it does not cause you too much trouble. I can always send an owl myself.

Are you quite sure? Winters there are horrid and I would be much more at ease if you allowed me to reassure myself that you will not take ill come the colder months. Although I am rather intrigued by your alternatives, dearest! I have come across some of my own over the years And I am quite well; have taken all the necessary precautions to prevent myself from swooning in the garden, never you worry.

Ah, I remember now! Yes, that poor, poor girl -- we should invite them both to tea, together, to see if there is anything we can do to be of assistance. If they hold my gifts in such high esteem, it would be the polite thing to do.

Your

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

Dearest Mama,

You write to them and let them know you will be in town, and I will find somewhere delightful for dinner and make the necessary arrangements for that.
Will you be staying in the town house, or would you like a hotel suite at the Royale? It might make for a nice get-away.

I am ever so sure Mama, but I would not have you ill at ease over my welfare. Of course we can make a trip to my apartments so that you may ascertain the charms are still fully functional.
And just take care to stay hydrated, I believe that is the most important thing this season.

Yes indeed, it would be the polite thing to do. And I dare say might be rather diverting for you.

Your son

(Reply to this)(Parent)