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Chapter Text

2 Nov., 1815

My dear Charlie,

I was ever so distressed when you decided you would not be coming to London for the season. I understand that you are very busy with your studies, but I feel that you would do well to socialize further with your peers. After all, a woman can hardly advance in life on her own, and there are so many comely young men in town. And yes, I know you have sworn off of them all, but surely one of them would be suitable for you? I do wish you had given Gavin more than a moment's thought at least!

My grandson and I arrived well in London this morning. My son, as you know, had already come down. There's ever so much he needs to do before returning to Parliament, especially since he has designs for the office of Prime Minister! I am certain that he will achieve his goals. Fergus has few friends, but the ones he has are quite powerful. I am greatly looking forward to seeing his career progress, and I hope Gavin will follow his example. Gavin is a good boy, but he's never been ambitious; perhaps the season will change his attitude.

We have settled into the London house quite comfortably. It is smaller than home, of course, but Ruby has done her best to make it habitable. At any rate, the parlor is an acceptable space to receive visitors. Why, even if Gavin has no political designs, he can still meet suitable young ladies! Unless, of course, your heart grows fonder with his absence.

I had hardly had time to settle before we received our first callers, in fact. Young Samuel Winchester came by, wishing to make Fergus's acquaintance. Mr. Samuel is a newly-hired lawyer; no money or family name, but quite a lot of promise. He had heard of Fergus's success and wished to learn from him. Naturally, we have invited him to dinner, along with his brother, Dean. I am eager to meet them both; Mr. Samuel is a very handsome young man, the sort I would love to introduce you to in due course. I also saw a spark in him that I would very much like to fan into a flame, provided it does not interfere with his ambitions too much.

Do remember to study your herbs while I am gone. Just because you have chosen a more scientific course does not mean I want all of my tutelage to be forgotten. I have high hopes for you, my girl, both for your power and for your future. Keep me appraised of all that happens on the estate this season; I entrust you to manage it all in my stead, and not to get into too much trouble in the duration.

All my love,

Rowena

5 Nov., 1815

My dearest Rowena,

I am pleased to hear that you and Gavin arrived safely in London, and that the house is in order. I would be even more pleased should your attempts at matchmaking cease, though I am, however, aware it is how you show your affection and concern for me. Gavin is lovely, but alas. He is a man, and men are a bore, no matter how comely.

You will have to keep me appraised of Lord Crowley's successes this session, and do remind him of the bill he and I discussed about women's property rights. Perhaps he and his friends can make some real change. I am curious about the callers you mention, however. Winchester isn't exactly a common name. Are they at all related to the gun maker of the same name? Nephews, perhaps? Interesting that Samuel is a lawyer. I wonder if he's any good at his job? And what does his brother do? You simply must tell me.

Please don't fret about my remembering my herbs. I have already made significant use of the knowledge in the few days you have been gone making up a few remedies for the neighbors. The Mills boy has the croup, poor thing, and a nasty rash to boot, from tramping through a patch of poison ivy. His mother was very grateful for the calamine salve, and for the bottle of whiskey I took over to help the poor dear. The doctor was, as usual, entirely useless.

Please write back soon.

Affectionately,

Charlie

10 Nov., 1815

My dearest Charlie,

I am aware that men are a bore; I have often said so myself. However, men are useful, for they are the ones who carry money and power, and while you and I are cleverer than all of them, we must rely on them to be able to use our gifts in any meaningful sense. Even if you do not wish to marry, I do long to see you make some useful connections while you can still make use of them. But perhaps, if men are not your fancy, you could see if there are any young ladies from good families about? Cultivating a close friendship with one of them would be almost as good. I will inquire during the season and direct likely candidates your way.

I reminded Fergus of the bill, and he has promised it will be on the docket this year, though he is not optimistic about its chances. As you’ll recall, Mr. Shurley retired from his seat in the House of Commons, and the man who was elected to replace him is a complete unknown. Fergus did not like the man, but he could usually persuade him to be in his corner. And of course, Lord Morningstar will be making every attempt to block the bill, and his voice tends to carry.

I do not know if young Winchester is related to any gun makers; I have no interest in such matters and the information was not volunteered. From what I have gathered, Samuel is a very promising young barrister, but he is very green. The rumors about town are that the boy came from an orphanage in London before he found patronage, but I have not been able to ascertain the truth of the matter. His brother seems to have no regular occupation, but he does seem to know quite a lot of people about town. The ladies are all very enamored of him, in spite of his lack of money and title. I have seen him on several occasions, every time with a different lady on his arm. Perhaps I should invite him to visit the estate; even if men are a bore, you might get some amusement from him.

I am pleased to hear you are making use of your skills. Do send Mrs. Mills my sympathy for her son’s troubles; I know that being a widow with a young son is a difficult thing. If she has need of any further assistance, the hall and stores are always open to her and Owen. I have been thinking of the boy’s education, but I will see to it after the season. Heavens know I should get to it before the doctor tries to apprentice him.

All my love,

Rowena

15 Nov., 1815

My dear Rowena,

What need have I for connections when I have you, my friend? Jokes aside, I realize there is an advantage to marriage and good connections. However, I have yet to find a single man tolerable enough to put up with in such ways. Perhaps there will be fine young ladies you send my way who have brothers? I could, perhaps, be convinced to find such an arrangement tolerable, if parties were agreeable. For now, I have struck up correspondence with a young lady two towns over.

I had forgotten that Mr. Shurley retired from his seat. That will certainly make countering Lord Morningstar more difficult for all involved. Perhaps, though, we should invite Mr. Shurley's sister to visit and see if she has any advice on the matter. We all know she was far more involved in her brother's politics than other sisters might have been.

Should you invite the Winchester brothers to visit, I am sure they will be entertaining if Dean is as rakish as you imply. A rake with no regular occupation should make for some interesting stories. What do you know of Samuel's patron? Perhaps finding out more about the man propelling him forward will reveal something about where he came from? I daresay that if they really were in an orphanage, they will be in sore want of people to call their own. It is a lonely existence, that.

I have been to check on Mrs. Mills and Owen again. He is not much improved, but neither is he worsening. I worry that the cold of winter setting in will cause his lungs great distress, and have retrieved some oil of peppermint to attempt opening the airways. Pray that by next letter, he is improving. If not, I may have him brought to the hall in hopes of avoiding the drafts of their cottage. I highly recommend moving forward with his education posthaste. The doctor spoke yesterday of a desire to apprentice the boy so as to relieve his mother of a mouth to feed and worry over.

Please remember to wear your gloves, and to use the enclosed balm for your cheeks. I do worry about the harsh air of London damaging your skin.

My love as always,

Charlie.

19 Nov., 1815

My dearest Charlie,

I have been glad to be your patron for these last few years, as you know; you are certainly the best of all my students, and I will endeavor to do everything to move you up in the world. However, my influence only reaches so far, and I grow old, though I have slowed the process. I fear for the day that I am no longer able to be there for you, and I wish for you to never be lonely, and for your success to continue. I will look around at the ladies in London, but you must tell me of your new friend! Is she well-connected, or merely talented? Does she please you, does she have brothers? I am eager to learn more!

As to Owen, please tell me more of his croup. I might have some ideas for a treatment, and I can send along whatever herbs you are lacking. As for now, please move him and Mrs. Mills to the hall at once, and begin the basics with him once he is able to focus. If the doctor wishes to give him his knowledge, he may do so, but it will hardly help him if he is too ill to do anything useful.

We did have occasion to attend the Morningstar ball this last Saturday. Lord Morningstar invited every member of Parliament and their families, along with several other distinguished persons. I wore my blue silk with the pearls, and was pleased with Ruby’s suggestions for hair styles. She is very talented at putting me to my best advantage, even as my age begins to catch up to my countenance.

Imagine my surprise on our arrival to see the Winchester brothers there! I knew that Mr. Samuel had connections, but I did not think they reached so high! The matter was quickly resolved when I went to greet Lady Morningstar. (She still insists on wearing red, even though it has never flattered her complexion, poor thing.) She was not best pleased to see me, as usual, but she did not put me off; indeed, she seemed desperate for someone to take her side.

“Is it not odd,” she said to me, “that my husband is pushing for our Meg to marry so far below her station?”

I of course asked what she meant by such a statement. Lady Margaret is a lovely girl; with her choice of suitors, I could not imagine her not finding someone worthy during the season. 

“Lucifer has long been Mr. Winchester’s patron,” she explained. “He said the boy showed promise in the orphanage, and he has sunk quite a lot of money into his education. I let it go until now; we have no sons, and I thought that Lucifer was merely looking to fill that gap. But he has been encouraging Meg to cultivate a friendship with him, and has hinted that he would like to see them engaged by the end of the season! If I didn’t know better, I would say he was grooming the boy to be his heir!”

Naturally, I was surprised by this revelation, which is why I have hurried to write to you. I cannot imagine why Lord Morningstar would sink valuable resources into anyone, let alone a nameless, penniless orphan. Mr. Samuel has promise, but so far he has shown no sign of training in our arts, and if Lord Morningstar intended to see to that training himself, he would have done so long before now.

Of course, I also made sure to steal a dance with Mr. Samuel. Lady Margaret was engaged elsewhere for the first set, so I snagged him for myself. Even if I did not wish to learn about his patronage, he is a handsome young man, the type I would have been engaged to for at least a few weeks when I was your age. Alas that I am not, for he is most amusing.

“I understand that you are under the patronage of Lord Morningstar,” I said as he took me into the Allemande.

“He has been very kind to me, Lady Crowley,” Mr. Samuel said, keeping his voice vague.

“It is a marvelous opportunity,” I told him. “Lord Morningstar is highly-ranked, and very involved in politics. You have a bright future under his tutelage.” I made sure to look around to ensure our discretion. “And I understand there are hopes for you and Lady Margaret?”

“Lord Morningstar seems to think so,” Mr. Samuel said. “But my brother is opposed.”

“To the lady, or her family?”

“Both, I think...he’s never liked any of them, but he puts up with it because he wants me to succeed.” Here, he paused, as though realizing he seemed ungrateful. “Dean has looked after me my whole life. He wants what’s best for me, and he doesn’t understand that being connected to Lord Morningstar will get me far in life. It’s certainly raised our position a great deal, but Dean doesn’t trust him, and he thinks Lady Margaret is a poor choice of wife for me.”

“Lady Margaret may be a bit of a handful,” I said. “She’s always been spirited...perhaps her father merely wishes for her to settle down.”

“I am keeping an open mind,” he said. “I won’t say that I won’t court her, only that I wish to know her better before making any rash decisions...I owe Lord Morningstar a great deal, but I must think of my own future happiness.”

We finished our set in silence and I made sure to escort him to Lady Margaret’s side before excusing myself to keep an eye on things from a distance. In truth, neither of them seems inclined to accept the match. They shared a set of dances, not speaking, and then Lady Margaret excused herself to speak to the other young ladies, while Mr. Samuel was drawn into the back to play cards with his brother and some of the other gentlemen. If Lord Morningstar wishes them engaged, he will have to work much harder to bring them together!

(Lady Margaret was stunning, by the by; she wore gold silk and was the envy of everyone except myself, and only because I have lived too long to worry about such petty matters.)

I did have occasion to meet Mr. Shurley’s replacement. His name is James Novak, and he arrived with his wife, Amelia; his daughter, Claire; and his younger brother, Castiel, in tow. Mrs. Novak is very sweet and lovely, if rather silly and overly proud of her husband for being made an MP. Miss Novak has more of a spark, and I made a point of inviting her to tea—she was recently presented, in spite of being only fifteen years old, and has just the right amount of potential to be interesting to me. Mr. Castiel is a writer, and he quickly disappeared into the back. He seems to dislike society in general and ladies in particular.

(Naturally, every young lady in attendance was immediately intrigued. I will say that the Novak brothers are very fair of face, and Mr. Castiel has an air of mystery about him that I would have latched onto twenty years ago. I know better now; a man who does not even bother to get on the host’s daughter’s dance card is not worth wasting one’s youth on, but I will delight in watching the young ones try to win his favor.)

Mr. Novak, though, is very charming and friendly, and he seems to be in favor of the women’s property rights bill. Fergus is pleased to still have an ally in his corner, and between the two of them they may have a chance at pushing the reform through. At any rate, the pair of them spent most of the evening conversing with their peers, and seemed to come away pleased. I did inquire after the Shurleys, and Mr. Novak assured me that he has been in touch with them both, and that he is in correspondence with Miss Shurley, though her brother’s health prevented her from coming for the season

Gavin met several fine young ladies in the course of the evening; he even took a turn with Lady Margaret after Mr. Samuel had extracted himself from the dance floor. I discouraged the connection, though; I tolerate Lady Morningstar, but I should hate to have to be friendly to her for very long, no matter how winsome her daughter is. I am more hopeful that he will find a more suitable match, or if he cannot, that he will leave London still unattached.

I did have a few more turns about the dance floor, but none worth mentioning. However, I did drop a few choice words in the ears of Fergus’s more staunch political opponents, so perhaps the tide will be turning in Parliament after all. Do remind me to go over the finer points of such rhetoric with you on my return.

I did not have the opportunity to speak to Dean Winchester at the ball—he only took a few ladies to the dance floor before going to play cards, though he did take charge of Mr. Castiel very quickly. I will endeavor to see him, and to see if he would care to visit the estate. Perhaps I will bring him with me at the end of the season, provided he is not already engaged by then.

I will be sure to dress warmly. Thank you for the balm; it is well-made and has given me some of my former glow. Please make sure you have something of a social calendar in my absence; writing a friend is lovely, but it is not the same thing as speaking to actual people. Even if you merely have supper at the inn one night a week, you would find some amusement and distraction from your work.

All my love,

Rowena

22 Nov., 1815

Dearest Rowena,

The young lady in question has no brothers, but she is rather intelligent, and quite witty in her jokes. She has no connections, but is the sort of friend one needs most in the winter months, who will write letters to smile over. I think you will like her quite well when you return.

Owen's croup has begun to clear, thankfully. I suspect the drafts in the cottage were worsening it, and staying in the Hall has given his poor lungs a break. Coughing has decreased significantly, and he sleeps easier now. They will stay until I can ensure he is fully well, though, and keep an eye on him through to summer. Poor Mrs. Mills does not need such sorrow.

My, such news! Lord Morningstar is a powerful patron to have, and I daresay there must be something about Mr. Samuel beyond simply promise for him to sink such resources into him. He is well known as a careful man with his investments. I do wonder at his hopes for his daughter and Mr. Samuel to marry. She is positioned to marry up, or at least at her station. How very odd. And clearly not for love, which I would at least comprehend. If not for that, I would almost assume that Mr. Samuel was Lord Morningstar's bastard!

The Novaks seem an interesting addition to the ton. Mr. Castiel is a writer, you say? What sort of writing? Please send some with your next letter if possible. While you worry about my social calendar, I am worried for my sanity over the winter when I have already read most of the books in the hall library of interest, and several that were not. I hope Mr. Novak finds some success in Parliament. I do wish you had included more about his daughter.

I am sorry to hear that Miss Shurley was unable to join everyone in London, but am much pleased to hear that Mr. Novak is in communication with her brother. Perhaps she will be able to visit at the end of the season when you return home. I do look forward to learning such rhetoric though really, I am much less a fan of talking to people than you are. But still, I will endeavor to learn the finer points, as I am sure the skill is a useful one. 

Please do give me further updates about Mr. Dean Winchester. He seems rather interesting, especially when coupled with Mr. Castiel Novak. Give Gavin and Lord Crowley my greetings, and let Gavin know that I wish him luck in the marriage market. Keep an eye on those eager mamas.

My love,

Charlie.

28 Nov., 1815

My dearest Charlie,

You must tell me more of this friend! Your answers are tantalizing, but I believe I detect a certain sort of fondness when you write of her. You know that I do not care if you cultivate such a friendship, nor am I concerned about her lack of connection. After all, there are many ladies who eschew the advances of gentlemen in favor of traveling with their companions. If you wish to be such a lady, I cannot well stop you, but I would want to be assured of your happiness in such a life.

I am glad to hear that Owen’s health has improved in the Hall. Please speak to Mr. Singer and ask him to see about renovating all the cottages as soon as the weather improves. I would hate for more of the village’s children to fall ill due to my negligence. I had hoped that he would take some initiative, but I ought to have remembered that land managers rarely do. If he protests overmuch, tell him that Lord Crowley has asked that he see it done.

(I have informed Fergus of all of this; he said to take whatever action I feel necessary, as he is too busy fighting with Parliament to bother fighting with Mr. Singer as well.)

Your letter did stir my curiosity further, so I held my nose and invited Lady Bevell round for tea the day after I received it. She came with her companion, Miss Bela Talbot. I do not care for either lady, but they are both very good at finding out about everything and between the two of them, I felt certain I would obtain any information I needed. Neither of them has met the Winchester brothers, but they had heard about the matter; it is apparently the main topic of gossip in the dance halls. 

“Miss Bradbury’s speculation is commonly held,” Lady Bevell confided. “And I did investigate the matter. As far as I can tell, Lord Morningstar never met Mrs. Winchester, but he was acquainted with the boy’s father in matters of business. Mrs. Winchester died in a fire when Mr. Samuel was still a babe; Mr. Winchester never found any regular occupation, but he did work on the Morningstar estate for a few years. It seems that is where Lord Morningstar took an interest in Mr. Samuel, before his father’s unfortunate death.”

“And what did the father die of?” I inquired.

“The coroner reported he was riding a horse while drunk and went over a gorge,” Miss Talbot said. “The neighbors report that Mr. Winchester never went riding and did not own a horse...they suspect foul play, but no one could prove it.”

“So the boys were put in an orphanage.”

“Lord Morningstar had offered to take Mr. Samuel in,” Lady Bevelle said. “But he refused to leave his brother, and Lord Morningstar has no use for Mr. Dean. So he merely kept an eye on them, and when Mr. Samuel was old enough, Lord Morningstar offered to pay for his education...Eton, then Cambridge, and then he was set up with his own law office. As to why, I am still uncertain.”

I thanked them for the information and sent them along as quickly as I could, but not before Gavin returned home and Miss Talbot started making eyes at him. I could, unfortunately, raise no objections to the match, as Miss Talbot has no family for me to object to and a good inheritance of her own. It is only natural that she would want to marry into some form of nobility, and Gavin seems receptive to her advances; at any rate, he offered to escort the ladies home, and while Lady Bevell seemed displeased, she did allow it.

My next callers were just yesterday. Mrs. Novak and her daughter came round, no doubt encouraged by Mr. Novak’s connection to Fergus. I thankfully managed to get Gavin to distract the lady while I took charge of Miss Novak.

“Your first time in London, I assume,” I said.

“It is, Lady Crowley,” she said. 

“And how are you finding it?”

“Very loud.” She did not seem to have much training in the art of conversation. “And Mama keeps pushing me toward every single man we come across.”

I could not help but laugh. “That is rather the point of a season,” I said. “At least, it is for our sex...our fathers and husbands toil away with laws and bills and arguments, while we visit and dance and flirt and try to make advantageous connections. Embrace it, child, for when you grow old, you will regret not finding joy in your seasons.”

“I do not care for dancing,” Miss Novak replied. “And I find it difficult to cultivate any particular friendship with my mother always about.”

“That is a problem,” I agreed. “But you are young, and very comely; if it would satisfy her, I would be happy to show you about. She obviously cannot let you travel about unchaperoned, but I have been told I am less stuffy than most mothers tend to be. And I have particular bits of knowledge that you may find more intriguing than fashion and gossip.”

Miss Novak seemed pleased by the proposal, as did her mother. I proposed that Miss Novak might come to call in the mornings, and assured Mrs. Novak that her daughter would receive a lady’s practical education. I do not know if she will take to our arts as assuredly as you did, but I am hopeful that she will gain something from my tutelage.

Mr. Castiel writes poetry, the sort of drivel that Blake and his ilk favored. I do not particularly care for it, but I obtained one of his collections, which I have enclosed for your perusal. Perhaps you will find more value in it. 

I have written Miss Shurley, and asked if she would be able to visit in the warmer months. I am awaiting her answer, but I hope that she will; it must be dreadfully dull for her to miss all the social events in a year.

As to Mr. Winchester, I had occasion to call on him this week. I did not bother looking for much excuse, only went round to his quarters to speak to him. He did not seem overly pleased to see me, but he was at least too polite to turn me away.

“I understand that you merely accompany your brother here in London,” I said. (His manners did not extend to offering tea, but he seems to have no landlady, poor lamb.)

“You would be correct, Lady Crowley,” he said.

“But surely a man such as you must need an occupation,” I said.

“I have taken some jobs about town,” he said. “But I prefer to be available should my brother need me.”

“And should any of the ladies need you?” I asked, knowingly.

“I have met several who are amused by me,” he said. “But I do not think any of them turn their minds to permanent arrangements, nor do I wish for one.”

“You do seem to have made friends with Mr. Castiel Novak,” I said.

“He is out of his depths in society,” he said. “As am I. An alliance seemed like the most natural solution.”

“Perhaps you are simply unsuited for London,” I said. “If you would care to visit MacLeod Hall, my ward, Miss Charlotte Bradbury, would be glad to receive you. She cares for society as little as you do, and I believe the two of you could find plenty to discuss.”

“I will take the invitation under advisement, Lady Crowley,” he said.

That was all I got from him; he did not accept the invite, nor did he refuse. I will inform you at once if he makes any decisions to call on you.

Please let me know of anything that occurs in the village. London gossip is all well and good, but it does grow rather tiresome after a fashion; I would rather know of those people I know and care for, to help soothe my mind from the infighting of court.

All my love,

Rowena

Chapter Text

7 Dec., 1815

Darling Rowena,

I have set Mr. Singer to doing several repairs on the cottages in town, though many are being delayed by the snowfall we received last week. It was unusually heavy for the time of year. Mrs. Hanscum slipped on the church walkway in the slush, poor thing. She's been laid up with a twisted ankle since, and her husband, scoundrel that he is, has been flirting with several women in the village, not that they entertain his advances really. Mrs. Mills has been helping Mrs. Hanscum as best she can.

Please pardon my reticence regarding news of my new friendship. I do not wish to jinx it by becoming overly excited too quickly. But we are able to discuss a great many things, including literature and music. She is apparently a talented pianoforte player.

It sounds as though you have had a very busy few weeks of visits! I am particularly proud you were able to maintain pleasantries with Lady Bevell and Miss Talbot. I know they are not your favorites, but they do know many things others cannot. If I did not know better, I would think them spies for the French with how readily they obtain information on anything of import! It is no wonder they know the most about the Winchesters and their connection to Lord Morningstar. 

I am surprised to hear the suspicious circumstances of Mr. Winchester's death, though Lord Morningstar is certainly important enough to cover up any thing less than public murder of a fellow Peer of the Realm. It certainly seems to have affected Mr. Samuel and his brother. Does Mr. Winchester work? I do not recall if you mentioned previously or not. If he does not, how is he keeping afloat in London? He seems to constantly engender more questions than there are answers. Certainly, I hope he takes you up on your invitation to visit us here. Perhaps he has more insight on Lord Morningstar's interest in his brother.

What are you planning to show Miss Claire? She is truly at an impressionable age, and if her mother will be passing her into your care, you certainly must have impressed her. Take care to invite them all to visit as well. I am eager to show her some of the differences in our approaches to things. Mr. Castiel's poetry seems interesting in just the bits I have had time to glance over, but I can see what Mr. Winchester means about being out of his depth in society. Perhaps they are made for each other. 

Please take care, and write soon.

Love,

Charlie

12 Dec., 1815

My dearest Charlie,

I am pleased to know Mr. Singer is attending to his duties as best as he can. I will be eager to see his work upon my return. I have been speaking with Fergus, and he has hinted that Mr. Singer is nearing retirement and we should need to find a replacement within a few years. Please do let me know if you can think of any candidates; it would be best to begin training a new manager before the old one is gone rather than after.

I am less pleased to hear of Mrs. Hanscum’s misfortune. Do tell the parson he is welcome to borrow salt from the hall; I would hate for any more of the church-goers to be injured! As to Mr. Hanscum, I hope his wandering eye goes still. If it does not, I should hate to think of what a young lady of particular training could do to him. If not that young lady, perhaps Mrs. Mills, for I know she is a woman of strong character and stronger fists when she needs them.

I fail to see how giving details about your new friend will jinx anything; I am, after all, well-versed in luck and jinxes. I am glad to hear she is accomplished and her mind is sharp enough for your liking. I do hope you have occasion to meet with her at some point; if you do intend to call on her, please ensure that Mr. Singer is well-prepared to cover your absence.

It is amusing to think of Lady Bevell as a French spy; she is so obstinately English that I would be shocked to hear of her working for a foreign power. Miss Talbot, I would believe; she has a much more mercenary demeanor, and I have no doubt she would sell out anyone for the right price. It is for that reason that I am leery of Gavin’s interest in her. I fear that she is far too much like us, and that she would lead to our ruin if he continues to pursue her.

Miss Claire has been coming every morning, as invited. She has excelled in her studies thus far, though her social skills are lacking. She is temperamental, impetuous, and oftentimes ill-mannered. I would like to blame her mother for it, but I can find no fault with Mrs. Novak’s personality. Perhaps it is merely her youth and being brought to a strange location. I do pity her mother in trying to find her a husband. I have begun teaching her some basic rituals, some herb lore, and a few fighting skills that most think unsuitable for ladies, but that I have found very useful in my life. Thus far, fighting is her best subject, but I have hopes she will settle down with time.

A strange thing did happen yesterday; Miss Claire and I were out in town, as she has been invited to several balls but only has two gowns. Naturally, I wished to remedy the situation; her lack of manners makes finding suitors difficult enough without looking shabby as well.

“It really is unnecessary, Lady Crowley,” she protested as I took her to the tailor.

“I don’t think so,” I said. “I know that you are disinclined toward society, but you are a part of it now and must behave as such. Besides, it would be unbecoming for my associates to not be well-dressed when we are seen together.”

“Mama won’t like accepting charity,” she said.

“It’s not charity, it’s a gift,” I corrected. “Now come along...I think a light pink would suit you.”

She went through the dress-fitting with ill-disguised ill-humor, and was still in a mood when we left. But as we exited the shop, we happened to spy her uncle across the way, walking with Lady Margaret! Naturally, I was astounded to see them together; Mr. Castiel is, as previously mentioned, unsuited to society, and Lady Margaret is as society as one can be, but they were arm-in-arm and chatting like old friends.

Miss Claire seemed as surprised as I was, and she quickly ducked out of sight. I joined her.

“I didn’t realize your uncle was acquainted with Lady Margaret,” I said.

“He isn’t,” she told me. “At least, I didn’t think he was...I met her at the ball, but only for a moment, and he was sulking in the back.”

“I did notice,” I said. “Perhaps they had occasion to meet elsewhere? Does your uncle go out much?”

“No,” Miss Claire said. “He mostly stays in his room writing his poems...he does go to the club to play cards with Papa and the other gentlemen, but I don’t think Lady Margaret would ever be there.”

“Certainly not! She is a spirited lady, but she has some sense of propriety!”

Naturally, all of this was so shocking that I decided to get to the bottom of it at once. I returned Claire to her mother, who invited me to stay for tea.

“We did see Mr. Castiel in town today,” I said.

“Oh, yes,” Mrs. Novak said. “He said he wanted to do some walking...get some inspiration for his next collection.”

“Indeed,” I said. “And Margaret Masters is a fine muse.”

Mrs. Novak laughed brightly. “Oh, she is!” she said. “Lord Morningstar may be a difficult man, but his daughter is lovely...I’m surprised she’s not found a husband yet.”

“She has been very stubborn about the matter,” I said. “But how is it that she knows Mr. Castiel? No offense meant, Mrs. Novak, but they do not seem likely friends.”

“I didn’t think so either,” Mrs. Novak said. “But we had dinner with the Winchesters the other night, and she was invited as well. She and Castiel were seated next to each other and became acquainted over the course of the evening.” She laughed again; it is an irritating sound. “If I didn’t know there were hopes for her and Mr. Samuel, I would think he was trying to play matchmaker!”

I had to laugh as well. “I can see the appeal,” I said. “Young ladies often find poets far more attractive than lawyers. Indeed, from what I know of the lady, I think she would find Mr. Castiel more agreeable as a husband than Mr. Samuel.”

“She may find him more agreeable, but I very much doubt Castiel feels the same.” Mrs. Novak glanced around before adding in a low voice. “He is, you might say, a troubled soul?”

I nodded in understanding. “Perhaps it is for the best,” I said. “I doubt her parents would approve, even if she was inclined to him.”

I have not had occasion to meet with the Winchesters lately; I see them now and then at the balls, but Mr. Samuel has become very popular with the young ladies and Mr. Dean prefers to keep himself in the back rooms. I have not ascertained how Mr. Dean is keeping afloat in London; he picks up odd jobs here and there, but I do think he is mostly living off his brother’s good will. I did ask Fergus to reiterate the invitation to visit MacLeod Hall to him, and Fergus told me that he seems inclined to do so once the weather has improved. I consulted once again with Miss Talbot at the Adlers’ ball the other night, and she said that Mr. John Winchester did well in manual labor and farm work; perhaps we can find Mr. Dean an occupation far from town that would suit him better than society.

All my love,

Rowena

18 December, 1815

Dear Rowena,

I will keep an eye out for an appropriate replacement for Mr. Singer. Currently, I cannot think of anyone who would be appropriate. It is a tough position to fill on the estate, admittedly, but I will keep my eyes peeled. The parson has already been by to retrieve some salt, and some of the boys helped shovel the walkway clean. Hopefully, that will ensure no more accidents. Mr. Hanscum has already settled down, but I will continue to keep an eye on things. His poor wife deserves much better.

As for my new friend, I have simply learned from past experiences to be cautious when sharing details of new acquaintances, lest the acquaintance end things early on. Though the way our letters have turned recently, I feel confident in saying I will want to share more details soon.

Miss Talbot is as believable a French spy as any. And though she is unfailingly British, I do not think Lady Bevell would divest herself of Miss Talbot's friendship if she were to be revealed as a spy. Knowledge like the two of them have requires company. That being said, I doubt either is actually a spy. But Miss Talbot would destroy Gavin, sweet and aimless as he can be. She is ambitious. He would fall victim to her social climbing quickly, and even faster if she thought it would serve her to sell him out in some way, much as you acknowledged.

I cannot say I am unfamiliar with how Miss Claire must feel. When my parents died, I was very angry at the world and every new place I was taken was seemingly worthy of my worst. It settled significantly when I found myself under your tutelage. So perhaps she will settle significantly with your attentions.

Are you sure you saw Mr. Castiel with Miss Masters? From your descriptions of him, and my own reading of his verses, he does not seem to be the type of man she would be at all interested in! Rather soft spoken for her tastes. Though if what his sister-in-law says is true, perhaps it is merely a pleasant friendship and she has taken some pity on the quiet soul. She is somewhat unpredictable in that way. Hopefully she is not planning one of her cruel jokes for him as she sometimes does. Those never end well for anyone but herself. Her mother would have done well to nip those early on in her life, but alas.

Perhaps Mr. Dean would do well as our replacement for Mr. Singer?

Please tell me how you like the attached package of treatment for your hair. I am hoping it will absorb better than the previous recipe.

My love, 

Charlie

26 Dec., 1815

My dearest Charlie,

Merry Christmas to you, and to our village! I trust that you will deliver the packages I have sent as directed, and that the bonuses have been given out to the estate workers. I apologize that they did not make it before the day itself, but I have been quite preoccupied with parties and dinners and such. Do tell me of the festivities at home; they can be amusing when viewed from a distance.

The more I hear of your new friend, the more intrigued I become. Is she someone I have met, or will I have to await the pleasure on my return?

The Morningstars held a Christmas Eve ball, as usual, and we were among those invited to dine beforehand. I was astounded by the invitation, as Lady Morningstar usually prefers to limit her table to her closest friends, but of course we had no choice but to accept. The Winchesters were there as well, along with the Adlers, Lady Bevell and Miss Talbot. I was most annoyed at the seating arrangement, which left Miss Talbot able to whisper into Gavin’s ear all night, but I was most amused when Mr. Samuel was seated next to Lady Margaret, putting him in a much higher position than a nobody lawyer should ever have.

(Thank you for the hair tonic, by the by; it worked wonders and I feel that, in spite of being the eldest at the table, I was still the envy of the room. Lady Adler even condescended to ask what I had done, but I refused to give her the secret; it is petty, but she did jilt Fergus and that is an offense I will never forgive.)

Naturally, in vengeance for my irritation, I decided to stir the pot a little.

“I understand you have been cultivating a friendship with Castiel Novak?” I asked Lady Margaret over the salad.

She gave me a very sharp smile, barely matched by her parents’ glowering. “I find him captivating,” she said. “He is a sensitive soul, and while he is a man of few words, they are all well-chosen. His wife will be a very lucky woman.”

Mr. Winchester choked on his wine. Everyone pretended not to notice.

“Indeed she will,” I continued. “He seems to have an odd sort of attraction about him, doesn’t he?”

“I’m afraid I couldn’t say,” Lady Margaret said. “I merely find him an agreeable companion...but surely you know him better than I do, since you have been tutoring his niece?”

“I’m afraid not,” I said. “I’ve barely spoken three words to him since arriving in London...he keeps to himself and has declined every invitation I’ve sent.”

“He’ll be here tonight,” Mr. Samuel said helpfully. “Perhaps you’ll have an opportunity then.”

“Perhaps,” I said. “And how do you fare, Mr. Samuel? Is London agreeing with you?”

“Very well,” he said. “My practice is thriving.”

“We’re all very pleased,” Lord Morningstar added. “I must say, Lady Crowley, I wish I had learned from you sooner...charity cases can be very rewarding.”

Mr. Samuel looked down, and Mr. Dean glared up the table. I ignored them; a good dinner should never be ruined by fisticuffs.

“I can’t think what you mean,” I said instead.

“Your interest in Miss Bradbury comes to mind,” Lord Morningstar answered. “And in Miss Novak...you have been very solicitous with them both.”

“Charlie is a dear girl and a talented pupil,” I said. “And I was always very fond of her mother...as to Miss Novak, she has quite a lot of talent. It would be a waste not to help stoke the spark to a flame...but you know that, don’t you?” I did allow myself to glance at Mr. Samuel. “You wouldn’t waste a talent like that.”

“No, indeed,” Lord Morningstar said. “Such talent must always be encouraged...encouraged and harvested.”

“Mother,” Fergus muttered warningly. I decided to heed his warning and remain silent; after all, Lord Morningstar is not so foolish as to show his hand at dinner.

I naturally made sure to get Mr. Samuel on the dance floor later. He did not seem thrilled at the prospect, though he did seem glad to be away from Lady Margaret.

“I see they still encourage a connection,” I observed.

“They waste their time,” he confided. “Meg...Lady Margaret...does not wish to marry, and she certainly does not wish to marry me. I cannot think why her father continues to pester us so.”

“No man wants to see his daughter remain unmarried,” I said. “Especially when his estate is entailed...unless Lord Morningstar finds a hitherto undiscovered bastard son, she will be left destitute while the estate falls into the hands of some distant cousin.”

“I cannot think why I am a better suitor than anyone else,” Mr. Samuel said. “Surely there’s someone titled and rich for her...your grandson…”

“My grandson will not be marrying any lady of the Morningstar house,” I said, rather crossly. “The poor boy would be eaten alive by such a woman.”

“Ah, yes,” Mr. Samuel said drily. “And Miss Talbot is a much less dangerous prospect.”

I sighed at that. “I cannot stop them from flirting...and I will have to trust Fergus to forbid the match.”

We were silent for the rest of our dance, and I went straight from the arms of one brother to the other. Mr. Dean did not seem happy to be dancing with me, but it seems he felt it would be rude not to.

“My ward expresses a great interest in meeting you,” I said.

“Indeed,” he muttered. “And does she want to marry the rake?”

“Hardly,” I said. “But she does lack for good company. We also may have a business proposition for you.”

That did get his attention. “I’m afraid I’m not much one for business,” he said, somewhat cautiously. “Unless it involves hunting or repairing.”

“A bit of both, actually. Our land manager is growing old, and Fergus feels that he will be retiring in the near future. We are in the market for a replacement, and I understand your father held a position on the Morningstar estate?”

“He did,” Mr. Dean confirmed. “Though I fail to see what that has to do with me.”

“Surely you learned something in that time,” I said.

“A bit.”

“A bit is enough for now...the Crowley estate is much smaller than the Morningstar’s, and we have kept it in as good a condition as one possibly can. I hope you might at least visit, and see if the climate suits you. We may call it an interview...if the land, people and Charlie are agreeable to you, and you to them, it may be beneficial to us all...unless you have some pressing business in London?”

Mr. Dean sighed and looked to his brother. “I do not wish to leave him.”

“I will keep an eye on him,” I promised. “As will Fergus...we will ensure that no harm comes to him.”

He deliberated for a moment before nodding. “I will visit after the New Year,” he said. “And see if we are all agreeable. If not, I will no doubt return to London to continue being the terror of mothers throughout.”

I could not help but laugh at that. “I trust you not to be indecent in the north,” I said.

“I will endeavor to behave myself,” he promised.

So you may expect Mr. Winchester sometime next month, or perhaps the month after; I will alert you of his arrival if I can. I do believe the two of you will get along famously, but if you do not, do not hesitate to let me know.

I once again did not get to speak to Mr. Castiel; Mrs. Novak put up an interminable wall of chatter when I approached their party, and Mr. Castiel vanished into the back room before I could extract myself from the conversation. Mr. Novak did apologize for his wife’s unending speech, and I instead spent a productive evening going over the new taxation laws with him; he and Fergus have been very hard at work to make sure they do not unduly impact tenant farmers.

Christmas Day was quiet; we attended the Mass, as expected, and Ruby ensured we had a good dinner before we sent her off for Boxing Day. Parliament will reassemble on the morrow, so it’s back to teaching and dress-shopping for me. I must be growing old; I remember when the season was thrilling rather than a chore.

But I grow melancholy. Perhaps I merely miss warm weather.

All my love,

Rowena

28 December, 1815

Dear Rowena,

Merry Christmas! The packages and bonuses have been handed out, as directed. The entire estate has been in a delighted tizzy, as the pond down by the church froze over. The children have been figure skating in between bouts of snowball fighting and snowman building. And on Christmas day, itself, the church service was lovely, and many of the villagers came caroling in the evening which was lovely. I have sent along the gifts which were delivered for you and Lord Crowley from those in town who chose to give individual gifts to you both. I gave the staff in the Hall the evening off as well as Boxing Day. 

I am surprised you were invited to dine with the Morningstars, but it does sound as though it was, perhaps, an entertaining evening. (And I am so glad you liked the hair tonic, I had hoped that it would earn you some envy, particularly from Lady Adler.) What an interesting seating arrangement however. They really are angling for Mr. Samuel to marry Lady Margaret, clearly. 

But such good news to come from a rather messy sounding social event. I am very excited for Mr. Dean to visit and I am hopeful that he will be a good fit to take on Mr. Singer's role on the estate. His query about looking to marry the rake made me laugh. I am most definitely not looking for such a marriage, but his friendship might be very welcome. He will understand that, I hope, if he meets my new companion. You have not met her before, but she will hopefully be able to visit for the next spring or summer after you have returned home and you can meet then.

A shame about not being able to speak to Mr. Castiel. Please continue to try, for me. And please, try not to be too melancholy. There is much to be bright for.

My love, and well wishes,

Charlie.

Chapter Text

2nd Jan., 1816

My dearest Charlie,

What a lovely image you have given me this morning! I do hope the children are all happy and healthy for the winter, and that they continue to enjoy the winter weather. I do so miss the snow since I spend so many winters in town.

Thank you for the gifts. Fergus is grateful to you for thinking of him, and he sends his well-wishes to the village. (All right, he doesn’t, but I took the liberty of saying so, and I hope you will give them anyway.) Gavin is, of course, delighted to know how well everyone is, and wants you to know he misses all of you greatly.

But I have some very exciting news for you! Mr. Winchester intends to depart for Scotland in two weeks to meet you; you should see him by February. And he will not be arriving alone.

You see, Claire was collected yesterday not by her mother as usual, but by her uncle. Mr. Castiel begged an audience, and my curiosity and your interest naturally inclined me to grant it. I invited him in for tea while Claire retrieved her belongings.

“You must forgive me, Lady Crowley,” he said. “I have been rather standoffish these past months.”

“I take no offense,” I assured him. “Your discomfort with ladies in general has been well-circulated by now, and I assume that even an elderly crone like myself must be…intimidating.”

He smiled softly at my comment. “Not so old,” he murmured. “And I must admit, it was not fear of you but dislike of your son that put me off meeting you sooner.”

That surprised me. “I was given to understand that Fergus and your brother are allies in Parliament?”

“Parliamentary allies, yes,” Mr. Castiel said. “But politics makes strange bedfellows, as the saying goes…as I have no interest in matters of state, I have little interest in making friends with those who do not align with my own moral compass.”

I nodded to that. “I quite understand,” I said. “Fergus is ambitious, conniving, devious, ruthless…and he is not given to be kind to those he holds no affection for. I can see where a man of your sensibilities would be disinclined to seek any intimacy with him.”

“Thank you for your understanding,” Mr. Castiel said. “And I do apologize for allowing my personal feelings over a few card games dissuade me from properly making your acquaintance…Claire speaks very highly of you, which is why I felt I could finally seek an audience.”

“I’m glad to hear it,” I said. “But you did not step outside of your comfort merely to apologize for shyness.”

He sighed. “I did not,” he admitted. “I find that London does not agree with me half so well as it does with my brother…he brought me along in the hopes of pawning me off on some hapless maid, but I am disinclined to marry.”

“So I’ve heard,” I said. “Though Margaret Masters…”

“Lady Margaret is a lovely girl,” Mr. Castiel agreed. “But her parents dislike me, and I would hate to cause discord between them. I will not be pursuing any further friendship with her.”

“It is a shame,” I said. “We had all hoped she would settle down one day.”

“I feel that she has no shortage of suitors. Taking my name out of the running shouldn’t harm her chances of making a strong alliance.”

“No, I suppose not.”

“I have, however, cultivated quite a strong friendship with Mr. Dean Winchester,” he continued. “He has been very kind to me, and helped me navigate this strange and exciting place. I am given to understand that he will be visiting your estate in the near future?”

“The invitation was accepted, yes,” I said.

“Then, if it is not impertinent to ask, I would ask leave to accompany him…only if it’s not inconvenient to your people, of course, but I feel that I would be left rather adrift without my friend in London.”

I was rather surprised by the request, you understand; it was rather impertinent to ask for an invitation rather than wait for one to be extended. However, on reflection, I very much doubt Mr. Castiel understands what good manners are, and I did agree with his assessment that he is ill-suited to town and society.

“If he wishes you to accompany him, I have no objection,” I said. “Indeed, I think my ward would be happy to accept you…she was very taken by your work.”

“Thank you, Lady Crowley,” Mr. Castiel said. “I believe my work will find better success in your fair country than here in the smog and dust.”

“I hope so,” I said. “I will inform Charlie of your intent to visit post-haste. And I do hope that Scotland suits you better.”

Mr. Castiel agreed and took his leave. 

So you may expect both Mr. Winchester and Mr. Castiel in a few weeks’ time. Do let me know when they arrive and how they fare.

In other news, I fear that Fergus has been unsuccessful in dissuading Gavin from proposing to Miss Talbot. At any rate, Gavin has been going through the jewelry looking for suitable engagement trinkets, which tells me all I need to know of the matter. I shall be calling on Lady Bevell so that we might conspire to end this union before it gets too out of hand; even if Miss Talbot rejects or jilts Gavin, I fear the damage will be great enough to make any other marriage prospects sour.

Perhaps we can introduce Gavin to your friend and save everyone a lot of heartache.

All my love,

Rowena.

5 Jan 1816

Darling Rowena,

Everyone was thankful to hear that Gavin misses us, and while they all know Lord Crowley's well wishes are from your mouth, rather than his, they were well received all the same.

I am eagerly anticipating the arrival of Mr. Dean and Mr. Castiel, and will of course alert you of their arrival as soon as possible. Mr. Singer is pleased to hear that Mr. Dean will arrive so soon, as he had guessed it might be closer to summer before his arrival. I am very surprised to hear that Mr. Castiel is joining Mr. Dean on his visit, and will have to make sure to have appropriate preparations made for both of them to be comfortable. Luckily, this warning comes with plenty of time, and I am grateful. I do wonder, however, how you wish me to handle their accommodations? Mr. Castiel's comments do, perhaps, lead one to believe there is a...particularly close friendship between himself and Mr. Dean, of the sort that might appreciate adjoining rooms? If you were to understand my meaning.

How is Miss Claire? You mentioned her in your last letter only as a reason for Mr. Castiel to come and see you, and request permission to accompany Mr. Dean. I certainly hope she is living up to your hopes about her potential? Is there any chance she might come to visit you here next summer? I would love to meet her, and perhaps impart some of my own knowledge with her.

The news that Gavin appears to be getting ready to propose to Miss Talbot is quite worrisome, and disappointing. I had hoped he had more sense than to tangle with someone like her, and tie himself to her for life. While I won't be so dramatic as to make claims I think she might try to murder him in his sleep, I do worry that she will be his ruin, financially, socially, or both. She is too much for herself to ever be a good wife to someone as naive and well-meaning as Gavin.

Please make sure to take care of yourself as the winter sets in even further.

All my love,

Charlie

10 Jan, 1816

My dearest Charlie,

I admit, Mr. Dean’s intention to travel at this time of year struck me as odd. However, upon speaking to his brother, Mr. Samuel assured me that Mr. Dean likes traveling in the cold, and is looking for any excuse to avoid a fuss on his birthdate at the end of the month. I promised he would face no such bother in Scotland.

As to Mr. Castiel accompanying him, I choose to take his explanation as presented. However, I did discreetly inquire, and was told adjoining rooms would be very welcome if it can be arranged. I believe the peacock and emerald rooms would be most suitable for them; the door is quiet to open, and the furnishings are most comfortable. After all, we would like them both to be impressed.

Claire makes good progress in her studies; in fact, her progress has been so remarkable that Lord Morningstar himself commented on it at the next ball.

“I see that your pet project grows apace,” he said when he took me onto the floor. (I wanted to refuse, but he was my host and I had a mostly empty dance card.)

“Miss Novak is an apt student,” I said. “Her potential is greater than I ever hoped to find in another student.”

“Indeed, I have never seen her equal,” Lord Morningstar said. “Even you weren’t half so formidable at her age.”

“Nor were you, as I recall,” I said. “Though your dear wife was almost at the same level.”

He laughed, and I felt danger at once. “Lilith is quite remarkable,” he said. “I took her as my bride for a reason…it’s only a shame Meg decided not to study our arts. I think she could have been quite powerful had she chosen to pursue the course.”

“I have no doubt about it,” I said. “But the gift also skips certain generations…I know Gavin has shown no aptitude for the art. And Fergus was always more interested in politics.”

“Lord Crowley plays politics as well as any other little country baron,” Lord Morningstar said. 

I bristled internally, but did not let my feelings show. “And what is that to mean, Lord Morningstar?”

“Only that he has been very entertaining in Parliament this week,” he said. “He and Mr. Novak make quite the pair…but I’m sure you know that, your families being so close.”

“I hear little about it,” I said. “Miss Novak does not care for politics, and her mother is too empty-headed for them.”

“And Mr. Castiel? Is it true that he intends to visit your estate soon?”

“He is accompanying a friend,” I said. “Politics have nothing to do with it…I’d have thought you’d be relieved to be rid of an unwanted suitor.”

“You are quite correct, Lady Crowley. I find Mr. Castiel to be quite irksome.”

“Then I am happy to do you a favor,” I said.

Fortunately, the set ended and I was able to excuse myself. I could not think of dancing anymore, so I slipped out through the servants’ quarters, hoping to regather my thoughts.

Unfortunately, the housekeeper, Mrs. Kline, noticed me immediately, and while she did not exactly chivvy me out—the woman knows her place—she did strongly hint that I should not linger below for too long. I would not mention this, except I noticed she had a small boy with her, and the power I felt off that child—! If Lord Morningstar is not training the boy already, he is a great fool. I was curious, but held my tongue for the moment.

At least Gavin’s foolish courtship may have some use. I will be asking Miss Talbot quite a few questions the next time she comes to call, and hope that between her and Lady Bevell I can find the source of this power. Thus far, Fergus has managed to stall a proposal, but I fear that his stubbornness is no match for a young man in love.

I will, of course, be inviting Claire to visit the estate at the end of the season, provided she is not engaged by then. I do worry for her; thus far, she has had precious few suitors and I fear her mother is beginning to fret. I have endeavored to introduce her to eligible gentlemen, being better-connected than her parents, but she has not taken a shine to any of them, nor them to her. I hope that taking her north might improve her disposition, or at least introduce her to candidates who are more to her liking.

When her uncle reaches you—and they plan to leave next week, provided the weather stays fair—let him know of my intentions, and see if he will begin vetting suitors ahead of time.

All my love,

Rowena

15 Jan, 1816

Dear Rowena,

I will keep a weather eye out for Mr. Dean and Mr. Castiel. I think the emerald and peacock rooms are solid choices for their accommodations, and I will make sure they are appropriately prepared for their arrival. The door between them is indeed quiet to open, but I will endeavor to make sure it remains so.

I am happy to hear that Miss Claire's studies are progressing well. Your letters certainly make me hopeful for her future. However, I do understand your worry for her future. She is far less lucky than I in that I have your support for my desire to remain unmarried, as well as an income, and she is in far less secure a situation. Finding a suitor for her will be rather important, even if it is only a superficial match to make her parents happy and secure her future. Though, perhaps, she is so inclined as I am and will find a lovely friend.

Lord Morningstar's comments about her are certainly interesting, and make me wonder as to the interests and skills of Lady Margaret. When last we spoke, I believed it was her intention to study under her mother's tutelage. The boy with Mrs. Kline is an interesting addition, though. It seems Lord Morningstar is surrounding himself with interesting and powerful young people. How old was the boy, if you could tell? Certainly, he must be a recent addition to the household, as I do not remember her having a child as of the end of last season when we attended the Morningstar's last ball. Of course, that means little when she would most certainly have worked to keep him out of the way of the guests.

Gavin is still set on marrying Miss Talbot? A shame, truly. She will be his downfall, I am certain of it. Do let me know what she and Lady Bevell say about Lord Morningstar, though. If anyone can tell us anything, it is almost certainly them.

Mrs. Hanscum has asked me to send along this jar of her winter apple butter, as she knows it is your favorite. May it add a bit of warmth to your breakfast toast.

Love,

Charlie.

20 Jan., 1816

My dear Charlie,

Mr. Dean and Mr. Castiel set off this morning from London; you may expect them by next week, provided no misfortune befalls them. I can’t imagine it would, though; they are strong gentlemen, well prepared for the journey, and with plenty of coin should they find themselves in difficulty. Do let me know of their safe arrival.

I spoke to Mrs. Novak regarding her daughter’s prospects the next time we happened to meet. Mrs. Novak despairs of her daughter ever securing a good husband, and told me so in great detail.

“She is still very young,” Mrs. Novak confided as we settled in for tea. Miss Claire excused herself from the meeting, citing fatigue after her lessons. “Just fifteen, and it is her first season. I only wish we could have gotten her more of an education before bringing her here, but…well, my husband is no grand lord, just a barrister who happened to know the right people.”

“It is at least enough that Claire may enter society and perhaps improve her station,” I said. “And she has taken to some of my teachings well. Perhaps, if she is disinclined to a suitor, you might find some lady in need of a companion.”

Mrs. Novak leaned forward conspiratorially. “I am given to understand that Lady Bevell may be in need of such a person in the near future?”

“It is possible,” I said. “But I do not recommend it…Lady Bevell is a good ally to have, but she is not someone to whom I would entrust my daughter. However, I do know of some ladies in the north…perhaps Claire would come with me at the end of the season to try her luck up there?”

“It is early to think of it,” Mrs. Novak said. “But if she has no husband by then, it may be in her best interest. I will speak to my husband about it, and we will let you know by spring. Of course, if Castiel stays on your estate until then, James might be more persuadable.”

Nothing else of interest was said at that tea, as Mrs. Novak instead took to asking me about my dresses and hair stylings. I know such conversation bores you half to death.

Lady Bevell and Miss Talbot called upon me the next morning. Claire and I received them, and Claire did wonderfully at serving morning tea.

“You inquired about Mrs. Kline’s boy,” Lady Bevell said.

“I did.”

“I didn’t find much,” Lady Bevell said. “Only that he is five years old and was only recently taken to the Morningstar house…he had been previously entrusted to Mrs. Kline’s parents so he wouldn’t be underfoot. But apparently, Lord Morningstar has as much interest in him as he had in Mr. Winchester. Perhaps a little more.”

“He is an interesting child,” I said. “I trust that you will be keeping an eye on his prospects?”

“If I do not, Lady Morningstar certainly will,” Lady Bevell said. “She is unlikely to be any happier about this boy than the last one.”

I thanked her for her council before we were interrupted by Gavin arriving home, and we spent the rest of the morning speaking only of incidentals while he and Miss Talbot continued to make eyes at each other. Claire was, to put it mildly, disgusted by the display and did not do well at hiding it.

I did speak to Lady Margaret at dinner last night. She says that she is continuing in her mother’s tutelage, but that she is unlikely to pursue her studies once she has married. It is a shame, as her talents are great, but I understand her viewpoint. After all, Lady Margaret already has everything a girl could want—money, connections, beauty. The only way she could rise further would be to marry a prince, and she hardly needs to use any tricks to achieve that goal.

As to Gavin’s ill-advised courtship, Fergus finally put his foot down last night. He has stated that under no circumstances will he permit the match, and should Gavin continue to pursue it in spite of that, he will be disinherited. I told Fergus that was rather harsh, especially as he has no other heir, but Fergus said he would leave the estate to you instead, and hope you find a tolerable husband.

Perhaps you should pray that Gavin continues courting Miss Talbot after all.

Please send my thanks to Mrs. Hanscum. The apple butter is as delicious as ever; in fact, Claire tasted one bite and begged to know the secret in it. I told her I do not know, but perhaps if she does accompany me home this summer, she will have the opportunity to find out.

All my love,

Rowena

23 Jan., 1816

Dear Rowena,

Everything is ready for our guests' arrival, and I will send off a letter as soon as they arrive. The village is abuzz with excitement for their arrival, a much needed bright spot in the rather bleak winter. Mrs. Hanscum and Mrs. Mills have organized a large welcome dinner in the village, along with the welcome I've prepared at the Hall. I did warn them to keep it more relaxed, as I figured Mr. Castiel would be more comfortable with less attention, and Mr. Dean with a less structured atmosphere than the ton provides. It will be a wonderful evening, I hope.

I certainly wish Miss Claire all of the luck in the world for finding a good suitor. Though if she does not, I will enlist her uncle to help me begin screening ladies in need of companions for suitable matches. Lady Bevell would certainly be an interesting match, but unless Miss Claire has a mouth to match Miss Talbot's and a will just as strong, I dare say I agree that I would never entrust her to the lady's care. It is not an easy position to hold, being her companion. In rare moments of genuine connection with Miss Talbot, I have learned that Lady Bevell is rather exacting, and can be more than slightly cruel when she believes someone to be holding out on her. Miss Claire deserves far better.

Lady Bevell had no information on the father of Mrs. Kline's little boy? I was certain that she was unmarried. How interesting that Lord and Lady Morningstar are willing to employ her when it appears she has had a child out of wedlock. Though, considering how good at her job she is, I suppose they would be willing to overlook a few social niceties. The boy's potential power must also be a factor. I've never known Mrs. Kline to be particularly powerful, or at all inclined towards our arts, but then, I am not particularly close to her....

I will pray Gavin comes to his senses and ceases to court Miss Talbot. His father threatening to disown him proves I am correct in my feeling it will lead to nothing but trouble if it continues.

Mrs. Hanscum will be pleased to hear the apple butter was so well loved, and I am certain she will be overjoyed to teach Miss Claire her secrets should she come to visit. 

Oh! Please keep an eye out in the shops for a nice muslin I can dye to match my green dress. The hem caught on the gate as I was coming back from checking on the livestock and ripped beyond any hope of repair. I will need more fabric to repair it, but the only muslin we have to hand is too loose a weave. I pray you will have better options in London.

All my love,

Charlie

27 Jan., 1816

My dear Charlie,

Do let me know of your guests’ arrival; I know that Mr. and Mrs. Novak are very anxious to know Mr. Castiel has arrived safe in good hands. For all that the man is grown, they fuss over him as though he were a child. I suppose an unmarried younger brother often feels like a child, but they treat him with more solicitude than they show to Claire at times. I believe a quiet, low-key welcome dinner will be more appropriate for the gentlemen, though I know that Mrs. Mills and Mrs. Hanscum must be all a-flutter; after all, we get precious few visitors, especially in winter. And of course, young men are always a source of excitement when there are still single young ladies about.

I do not fear for Claire’s strength of character should Lady Bevell deign to employ her. The girl may be petulant, but she is spirited, and her voice carries strongly. Were she born a boy, she would surely follow her father into politics, that’s how strong her mind and words are. Alas that she was born of the fairer sex, always to be shunted aside! But as she is a girl, I will ensure she is as good a lady as possible.

You are correct in thinking Lady Bevell is hardly a fair employer, though. I do believe Miss Talbot is the only person who could tolerate such a woman for very long, and even she seems determined to leave her employ. Though I do not know if desire to get away from Lady Bevell factors into her motivations, or if it is anywhere near as strong as her desire for a titled, foolish husband. Of course, if that was all she wanted, I could steer her toward more suitable candidates than Gavin. But of course, I would not recommend Claire to the position; I would sooner hire her to be my own personal companion, though I’ve never needed one.

It did strike me as strange that a boy in the house of Lord Morningstar should be so unknown, and even stranger that he should take a child born out of wedlock in at all. Still, those of us with money have our eccentricities, and if Lord Morningstar wants to invest in land-workers’ orphans and housekeepers’ bastards, who am I to interfere? I inquired with Lady Morningstar, discreetly of course, but she only sniffed and said her husband would soon run them out of house and home if he keeps being so charitable.

That struck me as odd, as Lord Morningstar has never given any charity in his life. I know there must be something more to the child, and to Mr. Samuel, but beyond their potential–so far untapped–I can think of nothing. Or at least, nothing that wouldn’t rock London with so great a scandal that Lord Morningstar would risk it.

As to Gavin, he seems to have been persuaded by Fergus’s ultimatum. At any rate, he did not dance or indeed speak to Miss Talbot at all at the last ball. He took a turn with Lady Margaret, and I gave him enough pointed looks to persuade him to dance a set with Claire. She is young, and perhaps a bit unpleasant, but I hope I might steer her and Gavin to at least get to know each other a little. I know Mrs. Novak would be pleased as punch for her daughter to at least court a young man with a title.

I have enclosed a few swaths of muslin for you to examine against your dress; I did not want to buy an entire bolt only to learn it is the wrong weave. I have also enclosed some dye samples. Be sure to tell me which set match the best so I may make a final purchase for you, and make sure Mrs. Singer has enough thread to do the mending. I know you have precious few dances up north, but I would hate for you to look shabby at any of them.

Speaking of, also enclosed are some hairpins I found at market. I believe they will suit you; I hope they arrive before you are next invited anywhere important.

All my love,

Rowena

Chapter Text

2 Feb, 1816

Dear Rowena,

Our guests have safely arrived, and just in time! They arrived on the 30th, only for us to be hit by quite the winter squall. Wind and rain kept us rather homebound for the duration, and, much to Mr. Castiel's relief, caused the village ladies' plan for a welcoming dinner to be canceled. Rather instead, the hall has now been graced with a few baked goods, including a few of Mrs. Mills' pies, both savory and sweet, and Mrs. Hanscum's delightful shortbread. Where she sourced enough butter for the size of the batch she made, I will never know. They are both very excited to get to know our guests, and perhaps play matchmaker, despite my gentle discouragement. I suspect it is a thing they will need to learn in their own time.

I am glad to hear that Claire has a fighting spirit. I believe that will serve womankind as a whole very well, to have outspoken young ladies to speak for us. In contrast, I fear that such women as Lady Bevell and Miss Talbot will set us back immeasurably if they are too brazen in their endeavors. If Miss Talbot is looking for an end to her employment, I do wish her all the luck in the world though. Perhaps she and Lord Roberts would be a good match? He has always been rather more invested in his miniatures and models than being a family man. Whatever the case, I am pleased that Gavin has ceased his pursuits. I wish him only the best.

This mystery with Mr. Samuel and the Kline boy is almost enough to make me regret not coming with you for the season, as I am desperate to do some digging around. Though I suspect it is better for my health to be here, where I cannot get myself into such trouble. Why Lord Morningstar is courting such scandal is surely something we would be well served knowing. Please keep me abreast of the developments as they happen.

Please find enclosed the appropriate muslin swatch and dye sample. They are quite the perfect match! Luckily, it is my second best dress, so as long as the fabric arrives before spring, I should be fine for any events that might occur. The hairpins are lovely, and earned me quite the compliments this morning after church.

Love, 

Charlie

8 Feb., 1816

My dearest Charlie,

You will forgive the delay in this letter. Much has happened since our last correspondence, and I have been run ragged keeping abreast of all the goings-on in town.

I am glad that our guests have arrived and are settling in well. I informed Mr. Samuel of their safety, and he intimated to me that Mrs. Mills’s pies will be well-loved by his brother. As to Mrs. Hanscum’s butter, I do believe you’ll find I left her a few tips and tricks before leaving, which you would know if you would keep up on your domestic studies.

Lady Bevell is not so detrimental to our causes as you may believe. She is a cow, to be sure, but she has been very supportive of Fergus’s efforts in Parliament with your property bill. I know that she wishes she could enter the fray herself, but alas, Parliament will not allow her to take her late husband’s seat. Miss Talbot, on the other hand, is only after wealth and comfort, and I did make a point of introducing her to Lord Roberts at the last ball just to be sure.

I did tell you to come along for the season, as there is much more excitement in town than in Scotland at this time of year. Still, I suppose it does ease my mind to know you are safe at home, and now with two fine, strong, and disinterested young men to help guard you.

I dither, for there is no way to deliver news such as this gently.

You will recall Mr. Michael Davies, who obtained a seat last year and was so kind as to attend on you at your presentation? He has been a great ally to Fergus and Mr. Novak this season. However, three days ago, he was discovered murdered in his own home! The police could make heads nor tails of it, other than he was dead of a slit throat and missing heart. Naturally, this has shaken both Parliament in general and Fergus quite personally; you know his allies are few and untrustworthy, but Mr. Davies was one he counted on quite a lot.

I of course did my best to learn more, but no one had any idea how this could have occurred. The house was locked, and while Mr. Davies had plenty of political enemies, he was a small enough presence that his death should not greatly affect any outcomes. Still, I made a point to go to the house and run some tests, and I do know that there was something in line with our arts occurring there. (I took Claire along, and she was of great assistance, but I beg you not to mention it to her uncle; her mother would have conniptions to know her daughter was anywhere near a murder scene.)

I naturally called on Lady Bevell for speculation, but she is as much in the dark as the rest of us. It was the only topic of conversation at the Morningstar’s the next evening, but no one had any ideas at all. I was so distracted, I did not have time to try and weedle more information from anyone, and instead focused my efforts on distractions. (Gavin did take Claire to the floor for a set, and I believe Mrs. Novak and I will soon become co-conspirators in that matter.)

I have enclosed your cloth and dye, and a few new books to add to your library.

All my love,

Rowena

11th February, 1816

Dearest Rowena,

What news! Mr. Davies was truly a congenial soul, and to hear of his death, especially in such a brutal manner, is quite grievous. If I did not know better, I might think that someone was looking to remove Lord Crowley’s political allies and weaken his position. Of course, that is rather a silly assumption to make. Surely, if that was the case, someone would have word of it that would end up in Lady Bevell’s mouth!

You say there is no evidence? Beyond strange, and, truly, rather a miraculous occurrence. Which tests in particular did you conduct when you were able to visit? Did they give any indication of what was done there? Or was it merely indicative of our arts in general? I would be very interested to know of all of your test results and conclusions.

Of course, I will speak nothing of Miss Claire being with you to her uncle. I fear it would rather distress the man to find out that his niece was involved with our arts in such a way. He is curious about my practice, but he does not entirely approve. Still, he is friendly, and happy to be away from the stress of the city and the ton.

Both he and Mr. Winchester are rather enjoying Mrs. Mills’ pies. I hope the following anecdote might make you smile in the wake of Mr. Davies’ shocking passing—Mrs. Mills, at Mr. Winchester’s request, made a set of rather delicious looking hand-raised pork and apple pies. They had scarcely come out of the oven when Mr. Winchester set upon his, repeatedly burning his mouth in the process! Mr. Castiel attempted to remind him the pie should cool, so that it might set for easier eating, but the smell was simply too alluring for Mr. Winchester!

Mr. Castiel was somewhat amused at the idea of Miss Claire and Gavin being at all attached, though it would certainly make his sisterl-in-law quite pleased. He shared with me that he feels his niece is rather like myself, and not much inclined to positively receive the polite attentions of gentlemen callers. Someone like Gavin, who is willing to allow her her space, might indeed be an ideal match.

The books you’ve included look rather interesting, and I am looking forward to devouring them during the winter weather between bouts of sewing. And speaking of such handiwork, I have included your repaired muff for the cold. Mr. Singer uncovered a beautiful rabbit pelt he had and it was a wonderful replacement for the torn fox fur.

Please stay safe. 

All my love,

Charlie

16 Feb., 1816

My dearest Charlie,

If someone was merely trying to undermine Fergus in Parliament, there are stronger allies than Mr. Davies they could have started with. Of course, any of those allies would attract far more attention and uproar than a junior MP from nowhere. I did drop a strong hint to Lady Bevell, but she had no more insight into the matter than before.

“Lord Crowley has many enemies,” she said when I made mention of it. “But nothing he has on the docket would stir this kind of response. Of course, he is too well-protected to be a target himself, but I can think of a dozen other people who would be more advantageous if a political motivation was all there was to it.”

Miss Talbot said nothing. I think she is still feeling rather insulted that Fergus put an end to her designs for Gavin.

Still, I could not let the matter rest, so as soon as the police finished tromping about, I went back to the house alone. Getting in was simple; Mr. Davies had clearly warded it, but whatever work he did was broken by the intruder. I searched the whole place, top to bottom, and used one of my stronger scryers. I picked up an energy, but it had been scrambled to be unrecognizable. The spell work was advanced, even for me, and detangling it before I was caught proved impossible. Whatever it is, it is powerful magic, which tells me that Lady Bevell is correct; no one would go to such efforts merely to stop a bill.

Still undeterred, I ran every test I could think of, and test-ran my new revealer. What I found would interest the police, but I have no interest in revealing how I found it. I believe that Mr. Davies was killed elsewhere and transported back to the house–for what purpose, I cannot say. The spell work in the house was impenetrable, but it didn’t seem to originate there. Rather, it was an imprint of magic done on the body before it was brought back, so powerful that even with the corpse removed, it lingers.

The next day, I took Claire and we attempted to trace the source of the magic. Starting at the house, I showed her how to feel it, and once she knew what she was looking for, she seemed to have a knack for it. We followed the trail as long as we could, but it stopped cold in the middle of the main street, where we found too many trails of magic to continue. There are plenty of practitioners in London, after all, and all of them are always up to no good. We spent the better part of the afternoon attempting to detangle the trails while pretending to window-shop, but it was no use and we had to abandon that line of inquiry.

With no leads there, I’ve had to let the matter drop for now, but I will be keeping a sharper eye. I’ve put protection bags on Fergus and Gavin, and taught Claire to make them for herself and her parents. She asked me to send one along to Mr. Castiel as well, which is enclosed. You may tell him it’s your own work.

Speaking of, I am glad to hear he is taking an interest in your art. You are welcome to tell him as much as he cares to know, so long as you keep it to the lighter side. I would hate for him to panic and accuse us of being, shall we say, less respectable practitioners. And if he doubts you, you can always direct him to Mrs. Mills or Mrs. Hanscum for reassurance.

I am glad to know Mr. Winchester is enjoying the local cuisine. I shared your anecdote with Mr. Samuel at the Adlers’, and we shared a laugh over it. He sends his well-wishes, along with a few odds and ends that his brother carelessly left behind.

I quite agree with Mr. Castiel that Claire seems to be as you are. I did not ask her, exactly, but she has made several comments that have led me down that path. I still pushed Gavin to be on her dance card at the Adlers’, and they seem to be, if not easily inclined to one another, at least tolerant of the matchmaking going on around them. Mrs. Novak positively beamed at me when Gavin asked for Claire’s company, and Mr. Novak indicated that he would approve the match if it is made.

I can only hope.

Thank you for the muff, and do compliment Mr. Singer on the fur. I hope that he and Mr. Winchester are getting along? I can’t imagine they wouldn’t, but I wish to be sure.

All my love,

Rowena

19 Feb., 1816

Dear Rowena,

Indeed, Lord Crowley’s political dealings would be better undermined elsewhere. The thought was more a passing anxiety than reality. Still, it would not be unwise to keep an eye on his other allies. And as unbearable as she is, I suspect Lady Bevell will be invaluable to that pursuit.

How did your new revealer work for you? I know you have been anxiously awaiting a chance to use it in the field. It certainly sounds as if it was helpful. The scrambled magical signature is even more suspect than the murder as a whole. There are plenty of practitioners who might be willing to do such a thing for the right price, but few of them would bother to cover their tracks so thoroughly.

That the body was moved surprises me little. But whoever returned Mr. Davies home certainly made sure to make it all the harder to find anything. Going down any of the major streets in the city is a clever trick. Even the best among us would be rather thwarted by the massive number of trails to follow, and the daytime populace makes it rather impossible to try any magical means of isolating the trail you would like! Perhaps a night time jaunt would help, though that is more than a little improper for a lady. I am glad to hear that Miss Claire has a knack for following a trail, however, and I have passed her very well made protection sachet on to her uncle. He has promised to keep it on himself, and I have made up ones for myself, and for Mr. Winchester out of an abundance of caution.

Mr. Castiel has continued to take an interest in our arts, primarily the ones used in the care and keeping of the village and its residents. 

He and Mr. Winchester were given a front row seat to my workings this week, in fact. One of the children was unlucky enough to catch the croup, and I took great pride in being able to provide both the babe and her parents much relief with one of our remedies. Your absence has, admittedly, shown me that there is much value in the more domestic and traditional workings than I had previously admitted, and I have taken it upon myself to review many of my previous lessons on such matters. Mr. Castiel finds it intriguing, and while he has no aptitude himself, he finds great inspiration for his writings in our discussions.

Mr. Winchester and Mr. Singer are getting along quite splendidly. Mr. Winchester has already shown himself to be quite handy, especially with cart and carriage repairs. This week, they have endeavored to make sure the village chicken coops are even more secure, and have made quick work of repairing the gate that ripped my dress. I daresay, Mr. Singer has taken a rather fatherly shine to Mr. Winchester, and Mr. Winchester a rather son-esque worship of Mr. Singer, though I feel sure they would both deny it if asked. This evening I will be keeping Mr. Castiel company while Mr. Singer and Mr. Winchester keep watch over the churchyard. Father Shurley reported some of the graves have been recently disturbed.

I have passed along Mr. Winchester’s items, and he sends his thanks in advance of his own letter. Mr. Singer is pleased that you like the rabbit fur, and I am pleased that you are happy with the muff overall. Please give Gavin my sentiments, and my greetings to Lord Crowley.

All my love, 

Charlie.

25 Feb., 1816

My dearest Charlie,

I have put my eyes on Fergus’s allies as best as I can, and so far none seem to be in any unusual danger. Or so I thought, before Lady Bevell brought more news.

It was not a member of Parliament this time, but her coachman, Mr. Ketch, who was found dead by the Thames last night. Lady Bevell is, as you can imagine, quite distraught that a member of her household would be murdered in such a way. She sent for me as soon as the police, so I was on hand to investigate more thoroughly.

The new revealer has proved effective and very discrete; I could once again tell he had not been killed in the place where he lay, and that, while I still couldn’t pinpoint the energy or the magic, it was from the same source that killed poor Mr. Davies. It was late enough that I could move about with a bit less caution, so I followed the trail as best as I could on the pretext of accompanying Lady Bevell home. She walked beside me the whole way, though her skill with our work is…limited. Still, it was good to have a companion, though I needed an assistant.

Unfortunately, the trail ended as it crossed the river. We were lucky to follow it that far; it is not a type of magic that crosses water well. We searched as much as we could, but couldn’t pick it up again, so I eventually had no choice but to escort Lady Bevell home for real.

I took Claire back out the next morning to where the trail ended. She had a little more luck; she found where it picked up on the crossing, and followed it back until she could find no more trace of it. I was still pleased with her work, as it did eventually seem to lead in the same general direction as the last trail. Claire also said that, the more she followed it, the more familiar it seemed, though she could not place it.

Naturally, we have been placing more emphasis on feeling, recognizing, and identifying energies this week. I hope in time, she might be able to pick up as much if not more than I do. It will be invaluable if she is to navigate our world, especially if she must do so in town.

I am glad to hear that you have at last seen the value in domestic magic. I admit, I was also disinterested when I was your age, but when you run an estate such as mine, you soon come to find it the most useful magic of all. I am glad that Mr. Castiel recognizes that right away, even if he has no ability to learn it. I do wonder how Claire came to be so talented, being from such an ordinary family. I will have to investigate further, though as you might imagine, Lady Bevell may be unavailable to aid me for some time.

Speaking of the croup, how many children have had it this year? You’ve told me of two so far, but if there are more, we might need to take stronger action to prevent it.

I am glad to know Mr. Winchester and Mr. Singer have become so close and that Mr. Winchester has proven himself useful. Of course, he is our guest at the moment and is under no obligation to help, but it is much appreciated that he does, and it shows promise for the future should he choose to accept our offer of employment. I know that Mr. Singer would like to retire someday; his poor wife has been nagging him about it for years.

Do tell me more about the bodies missing in the churchyard. That is alarming news, and I hate to think what could be causing it. A common graverobber, yes, but perhaps something more sinister is at work. I am glad you have taken initiative in protecting yourself and Mr. Winchester; I feel that much is happening that I cannot quite reach.

Fergus and Gavin send their love, as do I.

Rowena

Chapter Text

1 Mar., 1816

Rowena,

There is much excitement and anxiety in the village this week. While watching the graves, Mr. Singer and Mr. Winchester believe that they saw a ghoul digging into one of the recently disturbed graves! If not for our brushes with the fey, I would be disinclined to believe them, and think that perhaps they had merely fallen asleep while out in the cold. But indeed, they believe they saw one, and I would rather not take chances! We have looked for every book in the library which may help us to get rid of the vile creature, and I have set a curfew for all in the village in the meantime. If you can offer any advice, I would gladly hear it!

I do wonder if the timing of this creature’s appearance has any connection at all to the excitement you have experienced in town this season. It certainly seems as though people are messing with things they ought not to. It does not sit well with me, Rowena, not at all.

The news of Lady Bevell losing her coachman is very odd, though. What purpose does it serve to kill Mr. Ketch? While certainly a very valued employee, he was not of any particularly high rank, and Lady Bevell will hire a new coachman or promote one of her existing staff such as a footman. I suppose she was quite rattled, though, and will likely be extra cautious about seeking new gossip and information. Still, there are easier ways to scare the woman than murdering her coachman! And to drop his body by the Thames sounds much more like a desire to hide intent than I would like to hear.

Claire’s growth in her studies is always a joy to hear, though I regret she is learning in such circumstances as these. You must both be very careful. This does not appear to be a person we wish to cross!

I am doing my best to keep the village running smoothly in these trying times, so that it will not be in shambles upon your return. Only three children have had the croup this year, luckily, though we have had one case of the whooping cough. The babe survived, but is very weak, and has required much care. Mr. Singer has mentioned his impending retirement to Mr. Winchester, and the younger seems inclined to take the job when offered. I simply pray that this mess with the graveyard will not run him off.

Stay safe, and give my love to the others,

Charlie

6 Mar., 1816

My dear Charlie,

A ghoul?! Of all the things, I had hoped it was nothing like that! I have consulted the books I have in London, and have found some herbal mixtures that ought to repel the creature; the recipes are enclosed, along with some samples Claire and I made up for you. Fergus also sends his permission to use the muskets, swords, or “whatever else is needed to get rid of the slimy bastards.”

You will forgive his language, he has been rather busy and irritable as of late.

As to any connection with what is happening in town, it is worth exploring, though I would wonder that the same forces should travel so far north. If someone is doing foul business with magic, I would think it would be fairly localized, unless that someone is targeting us especially. I can think of several who would, but none who are so powerful as to commit mysterious murders about town and then summon monsters in Scotland. It is all very strange.

I did call on Lady Bevell again and question her about Mr. Ketch. She is very agitated, but was able to tell me that, as her coachman, Mr. Ketch was privy to certain private conversations and information. Given that, I wondered if it may be espionage from foreign powers, but dismissed the thought; after all, if I were to seek information, I would find someone much more important and informed from the start and not show my hand so early by targeting such a minor member of the house. 

Naturally, Lady Bevell begged me for protection for the rest of her household, so Claire and I spent several hours warding the house and coach, and we distributed protection charms to every member of her staff. I do hope it has set her mind at ease a little.

I have also done my best to ensure that Claire will be safe; I supervised her warding her own house while her parents were both out, and she did well at the task. I have also taken steps to disguise her casting marks and aura; I hope it is not too late, since she has mostly been casting beside me and my aura is still stronger than hers. 

With all of that done and no further excitement to distract me, I turned my attention back to the Morningstars. I knew there had to be some connection to young Master Kline, and I wondered if there was a connection to Mr. Samuel as well. Naturally, I made a point of getting him on the dance floor the next time I was out.

He knew nothing of the boy, and merely shrugged when I mentioned they share a benefactor. “Lord Morningstar has been generous to me,” he said. “Perhaps he’s merely found a charitable spirit in his twilight years.”

“A charitable spirit would be better spent on his daughter,” I said drily. “She is, after all, the one who will suffer most if he extends his palm too often.”

“I feel that Lady Margaret will be well-looked after, whatever her father does,” he said. “Though if you want to ensure it, I understand your grandson is back on the market.”

I do not know which idea disquiets me more, Miss Talbot or Lady Margaret. As soon as I left Samuel, I made a point of pushing Gavin back toward Claire in the hope of ensuring neither.

I don’t believe they’re taking the hints.

As to the whooping cough, I have a few ideas, though you might have to let the doctor take over if none of them work. I am glad that Mr. Winchester is inclined to accept our offer of employment; if the graveyard has not turned him back thus far, I doubt it will in future. And if he seems to be growing weary of taking such a position, ask Mrs. Singer to make one of her gooseberry pies as persuasion.

All my love,

Rowena

9 Mar., 1816

Dear Rowena,

Alas, our suspicions were proven last night. While we unfortunately have a grave robber to apprehend, their night time endeavors have attracted a ghoul to our village. I am hopeful that the recipes you have included will be helpful. Mr. Singer and Mr. Winchester are of the opinion that fire ought to rid us of this beast, but I will be arming some other men to join them. Please thank Lord Crowley for his blessing to do so.

I am wondering if, perhaps, there has been a rise in usage of the darker side of our arts and if that is connected to both the excitement in London and the appearance of strange creatures here. Wide spread of activity would perhaps account for it all, though I will admit to being unable to think of a cause for such a rise at this particular moment. 

Lady Bevell will surely rest easier knowing that her home and coach are well protected in the face of such dark practice. Espionage is indeed a rather strong contender. Perhaps another member of her staff is a spy and killed Mr. Ketch to prevent his revealing them! And now his death has opened a second spot on her staff to install yet another spy who might hear even more. She must be very careful in her hiring of a replacement when she finally has the strength to do so.

The Kline boy continues to spark my interest. His presence alone in the Morningstar household is slightly suspicious and truly makes me wonder if he is Lord Morningstar’s own. Surely, there must be some indication of his parentage somewhere! It surprises me not, however, to learn that Mr. Samuel does not know anything more. I would be truly aghast if he was to know much of anything when Lord Morningstar does appear to be keeping them rather carefully apart. But why? Have you been able to get close to the Kline boy again to get a sense of him? 

Admittedly, I wish I was there to assist you with all things, and to help persuade Gavin and Miss Claire that perhaps their ends are well suited to each other. I would much prefer Miss Claire to anyone else Gavin has courted, and that is without having met her in person!

Mrs. Singer is thinking ahead of you on the pie front, and it seems Mr. Winchester is rather disinclined to leave, at least at this time and date. We shall see how that feeling persists. The whooping cough has luckily not continued to spread thanks to our successful efforts to isolate the affected family until the sickness was past. However, the doctor and I are keeping a wary eye out for signs of further illness in the village. It was a quiet winter, and we are wary of what that might mean for spring. 

My love and well wishes for your continued safety,

Charlie

14 Mar., 1816

My dearest Charlie,

I am glad that you have the situation in the graveyard well in-hand, though I cannot think why anyone would want to rob any of the graves there. Our lands are small, and our people are not wealthy, though we have endeavored to care for them all. I mislike it; if you are correct and there is a rise in dark power, we must all use caution. I may have dabbled in that world on occasion, but what is happening now is far beyond my experience.

I took the liberty of lending Lady Bevell my own driver for the time being; I am perfectly content to walk most places, and on the occasions I must be somewhere my stamina cannot reach, I am capable of driving myself. It has caused a few raised eyebrows, but I have done my best to cultivate an air of eccentricity so that no one questions me too much. You may be right, my girl, there could well be a spy in her ranks, and it would do well for me to keep a closer eye on her.

I dither again.

There have been three more deaths in the last week; whoever is doing this is done hesitating, no doubt given confidence by being uncaught in the last two incidents. The victims were Lord Roberts; Mr. Collins; and a Mr. Blake, whom I did not know personally. All men, all with connections to Parliament though not all of them members, but that is all they had in common. They were of different stations, different parties, and different alliances. It soothes me a little to know that it’s not just Fergus’s friends who have been targeted, but I am still disquieted.

Claire and I ran our investigations at each scene as soon as we could; it was still all the same, and the energy still led in the same general direction, but was lost amid the hustle and bustle of town. It is vexing to know something so strong is happening and not be able to trace it! Or at least, I thought so until I was back at the Morningstars for another of their interminable balls.

(Some people questioned the wisdom of hosting a ball at a time like this, but Lady Morningstar defended herself by saying we all must keep our spirits up. I don’t think anyone’s spirits were raised at being there.)

Anyway, once there, I endeavored to slip down to the servants’ quarters again. It was simple enough, with the right spell and Claire causing a bit of a distraction by pretending to twist her ankle on the floor. (Her mother had a bit of a fit over it, but I think Claire was grateful to be allowed to sit out the rest of the night.) I followed the hall a little ways until I felt that child’s power again, but there I had to pause. Now that I was looking for it, that power was very similar to the traces I found at the scenes.

I was naturally alarmed by this, but calmed myself. There is no way a child of five could have committed such atrocities, which got me to thinking. I do believe you are correct in saying that young Master Kline is Lord Morningstar’s own. Lord Morningstar is, of course, quite good at concealing his aura day-to-day so I’ve not gotten a good read on it, but it would be impossible to mask entirely when doing a large and difficult spell. Children often have similar auras to their parents, after all, and Mrs. Kline does not seem the type to dabble.

Of course, I can hardly accuse a man such as him of murder without more solid evidence, and he is far too clever to leave any. I must tread carefully; if he suspects that I suspect, my own household will be in grave danger.

I do wish you were here; another pair of hands and a clever mind like yours would do us some good. Claire is nearly as clever as you are, but she is untrained and reckless. I have had to conceal my suspicions from her, so that she will not cause a scene by throwing the accusation around. I do wish she had inherited her uncle’s calm demeanor! (Speaking of, how does Mr. Castiel fare? You did not mention him in your last letter and Claire is very anxious about him.)

Do what you can about any illness you see; I worry that it may go beyond whooping cough if the evil we are encountering persists much longer.

All my love,

Rowena

18 Mar., 1816

Dearest Rowena,

Lending Lady Bevell your own driver is a kindly move, and hopefully keeps her safe. If there is a spy in her ranks, hopefully they come to light soon. The rise in deaths is worrisome. The ton must be practically buzzing, and the city as a whole on edge. Be safe won’t you? Lord Crowley’s allies or not, the deaths speak ill for many, I fear. 

The vexation seems to be the very goal of the killer’s behavior when it comes to their covering up. They could likely just as easily have placed the blame on other individuals if they so desired. How is Claire doing in the midst of all this madness? I have gathered from previous letters that she is far from a flighty young woman who would be extremely unsettled, but so much death takes a toll on anyone. Please make sure she is taking time to herself, and not worrying after every thing too much. I have included some home made bath salts for the both of you, to aid in relaxing.

That relaxation will be extremely important in light of the current suspicions. I’m glad you had Claire to make a distraction for you (I suspect she’s rather better at it than I am), and I do hope you weren’t at all noticed! I am rather frustrated that I am here and not there. I would like to speak to Mrs. Kline, and meet the boy. She is older than I, but we’ve had friendly exchanges in the past and I would hope she might be willing to divulge secrets to me if I endeared myself to her.

Claire needn’t worry about her uncle. Mr. Castiel is rather content here, and has in fact been quite helpful. While. Mr. Winchester and Mr. Singer have focused on eliminating the threat of the ghoul, Mr. Castiel has been able to help me with scholarly research about ghouls and other creatures we might watch for. He has quite a talent for languages, and is quite helpful in calming down the more easily rattled among the villagers.

I will keep you updated on any illnesses that develop. So far, the whooping cough has been the worst, though we have seen one cold, and a case of pharyngitis.

The ghoul remains on the loose. 

All my love and well wishes,

Charlie

22 March, 1816

My dear Charlie,

I am vexed that this ghoul remains on the loose; I imagine it is taking much of your time, and I only hope that Mr. Winchester and Mr. Singer can hunt it down soon.

However, I fear I must pull you away from your research and dispatch you at once to Gretna Green. I would go myself, but you are much closer. You see, the thing has happened and I fear we have become the spectacle of the entire ton! Fergus is beside himself, to the point where he actually shouted in a meeting yesterday! You know he is normally so refined and careful with his manner, but his temper has finally got the best of him, his last nerve is shot, and it was only by reminding him of our larger problems that I was able to keep him in London at all.

I have gotten ahead of myself.

Yesterday, I woke to find that Gavin was nowhere in evidence. This is not unusual, it is normal for him to rise early and spend the day conversing with the other gentlemen, so I thought nothing of it.

But then, Lady Bevell arrived all in a fuss. It seems that Gavin and Miss Talbot have eloped! They stole Lady Bevell’s finest horse and left in the night like…well, like common horse thieves! As though running off together against his father’s explicit instructions was not bad enough, now I have everyone thinking my grandson is much more of a scoundrel!

I beg you to try and intercept them before any greater scandal befalls us! Take Mr. Castiel if you must, but please try to bring them back, or if they have already fallen to ruin, please ensure that their marriage is proper! If I must accept Miss Talbot into my family, I fear that is the price to pay for avoiding social ruin. And of course, you my girl are about to move up in the world.

Claire is doing as well as can be expected; I believe her mother is more disturbed by this whole business than she is. Claire, however, has quite a vigorous constitution for a girl her age. In fact, I think part of her finds all of this rather exciting, or at least, more exciting than the business of embroidery and finding husbands.

Thank you for the bath salts, as you can imagine they are more needed now than ever!

All my love,

Rowena

Chapter Text

3 April, 1816

Dearest Rowena,

It is my sincere disappointment to inform you of the marriage of Gavin Macleod and Miss Bela Talbot.

I made it to Gretna Green shortly after Gavin and the new Mrs. Macleod. It took me some time to locate them once I arrived, and by the time I did, many people had seen them together, coming and going from shared lodgings.

Gavin truly vexes me. He had intended originally to obtain separate rooms, to maintain his new wife’s reputation. However, upon their arrival to the inn, Mrs. Macleod informed him that their arrival together, on a single horse, with no chaperone, had rendered that notion almost entirely pointless, and rather a waste of funds. Following her logic and finding it rather sound, Gavin booked a single room. He followed this rather wonderful decision with inquiries about finding the local priest to perform a marriage. They were not yet married when I arrived, but that was, thankfully, quickly remedied. I took the liberty of sending the blissful newlyweds on a honeymoon to the continent while we wait for the storm of scandal surrounding their elopement to die down. Hopefully, they enjoy the French coast.

Is the gossip in town simply horrible? I can only imagine, after hearing the gossip in previous seasons about those that have run off to the Green. This attention is far from what we needed at this time. The level of scrutiny will only inhibit your investigations into the happenings in town even further, and compromise Lord Crowley’s political dealings at a delicate time.

I am glad to hear that Claire is doing well, and not feeling rather overwhelmed by the amount of death happening around her. I am not, however, surprised to hear that her mother is more disturbed. Included are some more bath salts, including some for Mrs. Novak. Also included are some of the skin cream you prefer, some of your favorite herbals to add to your tea, and a large skein of your favorite yarn.

Please take care of yourself.

My love,

Charlie

8 April, 1816

My dear Charlie,

I am glad you saw the whole matter with Gavin settled, and I do hope he and his new wife will be very happy together. Heaven knows they will see no charity from Fergus in the near future; he made quite a lot of noise and summoned Mr. Samuel Winchester at once to write up a new will. It leaves you as the sole heir to MacLeod Hall, along with the money, lands, and other such things. 

And if Gavin wishes to dispute it, he should know that your property bill has passed Parliament, giving us ladies the right to inherit our forefathers’ titles and estates. I’m sure you are pleased with your success in Parliament, even if you are less than thrilled with your future title. I do have some ideas in mind for how your future might yet be unencumbered by a husband, but I will save them for when I next see you. (I am currently planning to return to MacLeod Hall sometime in June and will inform you of any delay.) I do hope that Fergus might soften over time, especially if he sees Gavin happy, but I will not push for now. All I could persuade him to do was set aside a very small allowance for any grandchildren that might result from the union.

So far, we have managed to keep the gossip fairly quiet. The only people who know the full story are Lady Bevell, whom we persuaded to remain discreet on the matter by reimbursing her twice the worth of the stolen horse, and Mr. Samuel, who will follow the discretion of his profession to any end. News of the elopement has reached our usual circles, but luckily too much else is happening for it to be more than a curiosity.

And I am, of course, no stranger to scandal. After all, the last Baron Crowley did not run away with a washing-girl without gossip! I learned then, and I will tell you now—the best way to belay gossip is to hold your head up high like the Queen, look all that detract you in the face and say “It is true, and I will not be ashamed.” It served me well in my own marriage, and it has served me well now.

I am, as you might imagine, quite distracted at the moment. I even skipped the last ball, and you know I never miss a chance to needle Lady Adler or investigate the magical misdeeds around me. However, while I believe in holding my head up high, the expectation of our sex is that we be taken grievously faint by such wretched news as this, and so I have spent the last week in relative seclusion. The only caller I have received is Claire, and only because one cannot let personal grievances get in the way of their profession.

Another body was found yesterday; I let Claire run the investigation on her own, and she reported the same signs previously seen. She wisely did not follow further than before alone.

Thank you for the gifts; Mrs. Novak is enamored with the bath salts. I don’t believe she’s ever had anything so fine. I will inform you of any future developments.

All my love,

Rowena

15 April, 1816

Darling Rowena,

I know you are no stranger to scandal. I had rather hoped, however, that this would not be yet another one to befall you. But it has, and the family must bear it with as much grace and good nature as can be mustered. I am glad that most of the gossip is rather quiet. Lord Crowley surely paid a very handsome sum to Lady Bevell, considering it was her best horse, and likely another handsome sum to Mr. Samuel for his services.

As you predicted, I am very pleased with the success of the property bill, though this is hardly how I expected to be affected by the law. Becoming the sole heir to the estate is rather burdensome, and leaves me in a spot I would rather not have landed in. I am interested to hear about your ideas about a husband. In the meanwhile, we will begin preparations for your return. Currently, I have the staff assisting me in a well received spring cleaning of the Hall and public spaces in the village.

The ghoul has been dealt with in my absence, though the town remains on edge. Mr. Singer and Mr. Winchester recommended such acts as straightening the hedges and making sure the lanes are well maintained to be acts that will help us deal with any future invaders of similar sorts, while also making the town safer for the villagers in general. The ideas were well received. Hopefully, Lord Crowley will be pleased upon returning home.

I rather hope this news cheers you and warms your soul. Surely, you have been rather upset to go so far as to let Claire run an investigation on her own. You made sure I had far more experience before allowing me to do similar explorations on my own. I am, however, pleased to know that her investigation went well, and that she was sensible about it. She could have gotten into rather a lot of trouble had she been more foolish.

I am glad to hear that Mrs. Novak was enamored with the bath salts. I rather thought she might appreciate them.

Do keep me aware of what happens.

Love,

Charlie

20 April, 1816

My dearest Charlie,

I am glad the ghoul has been dealt with and that the village is being put under maintenance efforts. Fergus came out of his black temper for a moment to say that he’s happy to hear it, and that Mr. Singer and Mr. Winchester are welcome to take whatever actions they deem necessary to keep everything running smoothly. He also wanted to ensure that the planting has started on-schedule and that all the crops are as planned last year; I’ve enclosed a more detailed letter to Mr. Singer from him. I know such matters bore you, but I do recommend that you take more part in the general preparations in the coming years, so that you are well-ready to step into your new role in the future.

Thankfully, the gossip has died down since no salacious rumors reached the press, so we have returned to life as usual. That is, we have returned to life in London with a mad murdering mage mucking about. Another body dropped, no one we know but it was still enough to alarm the general populace. Claire and I ran our investigations, and the energies this time seemed to have been intentionally dispersed, so there were many, many trails to follow. I fear that whoever is behind this has realized they are being tracked.

I am vexed beyond belief; I fear that if this continues much longer, there won’t be much of London left!

Do let me know when Gavin intends to return to England. I have several words to say to him and I would prefer to do it in person.

Love,

Rowena

25 April, 1816

Dear Rowena,

The planting is well under way, as planned. Mr. Singer sends his thoughts, enclosed, on the proceedings, and we are both quite pleased with how the fields are looking. I have endeavored to make myself more aware of the whole process, and Mr. Singer has kindly taken me under his wing in that regard. He and Mr. Winchester are both eager to finish getting seeds in the ground. The ghoul rattled us all, and they are wary of so many being out from the wee hours of the morning to the late hours of the evening.

While I am glad to hear of the lack of rumors, the intentional disbursement of the energies is a worrying revelation. Someone smart has gotten rather smarter it would seem. I would recommend that we all take great care, and that you and Claire ward yourselves well. No doubt the culprit will attempt to backtrack to you.

Gavin and his new bride intend to return no later than 1 May. Gavin rather wishes to take up further study from Lord Crowley regarding politics now. I had not the heart to remind him of his father’s sentiments about his chosen bride. Perhaps his honeymoon will allow him time to come down from the clouds and remember the details. Otherwise, I should hate to imagine his face upon Lord Crowley telling him. 

Mind your safety in these trying times.

Love,

Charlie

30 April, 1816

My dearest Charlie,

I have no way to begin this letter besides to deliver the most awful news, both to you and your guests.

James Novak was killed last night on his way home from his club.

Naturally, we are all very shocked here. Mrs. Novak came straight to me, wailing and weeping. I have taken her and Claire into my own house for their safety, and I did not allow Claire to accompany me when I went to investigate. She wanted to; in fact, she kicked up quite a fuss when I told her to stay with her mother, but I can’t risk her. I have no doubt in my mind that Mr. Novak’s death is a message for us to discontinue our pursuit.

Claire is grieving, but her grief comes out in anger and a strong desire for revenge. I am hoping to keep her safely out of danger, but I can make no promise.

Please give my condolences to Mr. Castiel; I imagine he will be returning post-haste, no matter how strongly I advise against it.. Once he does, I expect he will be offered his brother’s seat in Parliament. Fergus is most distraught at this turn of events, but he will be happy to assist Mr. Castiel in any way he can.

This is not over. If this madman thinks he can dissuade me from pursuing him, he was quite mistaken; on the contrary, I will be doubling my efforts, and no threats nor losses will stop me.

Inform Gavin of what has transpired at once upon his return and implore him to remain at MacLeod Hall; I cannot bear the thought of my grandson being in danger, but danger is what faces us all in town. Whatever questions he has about politics can wait.

All my love,

Rowena

Chapter Text

4 May, 1816

Darling Rowena,

What awful news. Mr. Castiel is distraught, and has implored me to arrange a journey to town for him posthaste. I, of course, have obliged. Enclosed is his letter to his sister-in-law and niece informing them of his imminent return. Mr. Winchester is, of course, not at all keen on allowing Mr. Castiel to return, especially alone, but he does not wish to draw attention to their grief.

Claire has every right to be angry. Grief is never sensical. However, I do pray that she listens to your good reason. I have included a calming balm for both herself and for her mother. May it ease them into restful sleep that they may escape the pain for a short time when needed.

Gavin has been informed. He and Mrs. MacLeod have agreed to stay here in Scotland. Pray for my sanity.

Stay safe,

Charlie

4 May 1816

Amelia —

I am returning to London from MacLeod Hall at once to handle James’ duties and begin to examine the state of his affairs. Please remain with Lord Crowley and his mother until I am returned. I fear for your and Claire’s safety in the wake of my brother’s murder. I will offer them my gratitude for ensuring it until then.

Trust no one else.

Castiel

10 May, 1816

My dearest Charlie,

Mr. Castiel has arrived safely back in London and is seeing to his family. He is, I fear, out of his depths in Parliament, but he will only have to manage perhaps a dozen sessions before the season ends and a more suitable candidate can be selected. 

I have increased the warding on the house and the Novaks’ persons, and persuaded them to remain here until the killings or the season have ended. Mr. Castiel was reluctant at first–you know that he and Fergus are not friends–but given the general disarray of London and Mrs. Novak’s frailty, it was determined best not to move them from this place of safety. I ensure that none of them go out alone; Fergus drives both himself and Mr. Castiel into Parliament and if they go out, they stay in each other’s company. It is an uneasy alliance, though quite amusing to witness, or it would be under other circumstances.

Mrs. Novak has hardly left her bed since arriving here, poor lamb. Ruby is attending on her when I cannot. I do not go out often these days, and I only take Claire with me when I desperately need another pair of hands–and even then, I call on Lady Bevell for them when I think I might get away with it. 

You are right that Claire’s anger is not unusual. She has declined the calming balm so far, though I have left it in her room. Instead, she has thrown herself into her studies, no doubt hoping to find her father’s killer and bring him to justice. I fear that I am rather short-handed and she will do something reckless the moment she is left unsupervised. Unfortunately, there is no one in town I can trust to look after her when I cannot.

I hope that you are not too miffed at babysitting Gavin and Mrs. MacLeod. But since you have her at your disposal, see if she might have any further information that I may have missed. I am desperate to end this unfortunate business as quickly as possible–I shudder to think what might happen if we leave town before it is resolved!

All my love,

Rowena

16 May, 1816

Darling Rowena,

I am pleased to hear that the Novak family remains safe with you and Lord Crowley. The news of any further misfortune befalling them might, perhaps, be one of the worst tragedies I could hear of. Please make sure that Mr. Castiel takes time for himself when he can — the very idea of Parliament caused him quite a fit before he left us, and Mr. Winchester is eager that he should return and do so in good health.

It is late in the season, but I could come to town and assist if you had need? I know it is unheard of, but sometimes needs must, and I am capable of traveling safely on my own. The hustle and bustle of these times worries me for Claire. Your previous descriptors do leave quite the impression that she might do something brash.

Mrs. MacLeod has no further information than one thought. “Tell her to look at the younger Mr. Winchester again. Whether he is responsible is hard to say, but he is most definitely involved in some way. Lord Morningstar is rather protective of him and made more than mild threats when I so much as accepted a dance from Samuel at the last ball.” Needless to say, that sounds ominous, though Dean assures me Samuel is no dark magic practitioner.

Be safe. I pray for only good news in your next letter. Gavin sends his love, and wishes for me to tell you that he and Mrs. MacLeod would like to stay in the village if allowed. They are currently looking at the Fitzgerald home, as Garth and his wife will be moving closer to her family. Her father is in failing health and wishes to split the family property amongst his children.  

With love,

Charlie

20 May, 1816

My dearest Charlie,

While I could use a less green assistant, I would prefer you remain in Scotland. Do not misunderstand me, dear, but my nerves are already frayed enough looking after the Novaks; I would simply lose my mind if you were in danger. Besides which, while Mr. Singer and Mr. Winchester are no doubt capable of keeping everything on the estate running, I would prefer they have someone to help them should another ghoul or some other ghastly creature appear. There is so much dark magic swirling about, and I will not leave my hall undefended.

I thank Mrs. MacLeod for her insight, though the results are rather as you predicted. Claire had, through her own skill, picked up that Mr. Samuel’s energies are…perhaps not the ones we were following, but rather close. Naturally, being so young, she has mistaken them as more similar than they are. We had quite the row about it yesterday.

“It’s obvious, isn’t it?” she demanded over breakfast. (Fergus and her uncle had already departed). “There was nothing like this happening before the Winchesters came to London!”

“As I recall, your family also came to London this year,” I observed. “Or will you be throwing accusations about Mr. Castiel next?”

“You said Castiel has no ability, and I believe that,” she snapped. “But Samuel Winchester does! And his brother’s gone north, and what happened? A ghoul! I don’t think there needs to be any more evidence than that!”

“I don’t believe Mr. Winchester has any real ability,” I said. “And Mr. Samuel has plenty, but he doesn’t know how to use it…at least, not so well that I couldn’t decipher it!”

She let the matter lie then, but when I returned home from last night’s dinner, I found she had gone, no doubt to confront the gentleman in question. I dispatched Fergus at once to fetch her—even at my age, it would be very unseemly to visit a single gentleman at such an hour—but Fergus told me there was no sign of her or Mr. Samuel when he arrived.

I believe as you do, that Mr. Samuel is not responsible, but the situation is dire. Mr. Castiel is out of his head this morning searching for Claire, and her mother seems to have rallied with the fervor of finding her. I pray that she is all right; as soon as this letter is posted, I will be going out as well. I have some ideas, and I know this must end here.

If Gavin wants the Fitzgerald house when they depart, he may have it, so long as he keeps up the property. It will save us the trouble of finding new tenants. Do give my best to Mrs. Fitzgerald, and send along anything you think might help her family.

All my love,

Rowena

25 May, 1816

Rowena,

I am hopeful you can locate Claire and Mister Samuel very soon. Them both being missing is worrisome and bodes very ill. Perhaps it is time to try something more serious. I am sending along instructions for a very powerful locator spell I found amongst your books in looking for a recipe to send with the Fitzgeralds. It will require a beacon, of sorts, but there are guidelines for what to use provided. Hopefully, this spell will help you quite a bit.

Stay safe, as you are all looking for the missing amongst you. Whoever is behind the disappearances is very likely willing to do anything to get to their ultimate goal. I cannot at all believe that said person could be Samuel Winchester. Even this latest development, shocking though it seems, does not convince me.

Gavin and Mrs. MacLeod thank you for the permission to move into the Fitzgerald property. I am sending along some recipes for soothing meals, and for some various medical treatments. They also received a large parcel of various balms and remedies I had already prepared.

My love, 

Charlie.

Chapter Text

5 June, 1816

My dearest Charlie,

I apologize for the delay in answering your last letter, but quite a lot has happened these past days. Forgive me if this response is rather scattered as well; so much went on and I want to ensure the record is complete, but it is…

It’s best just to lay out the events, I think.

First, I must thank you for the locating spell. I had quite forgotten it, but it was precisely what was needed. The moment I had the ingredients, I went to Mrs. Novak and told her everything that Claire and I had been doing these past months.

She was, shockingly, not as overly dismayed at Claire learning magic as I expected. Indeed, she seemed almost pleased by it, saying that, since Claire has shown absolutely no inclination to marry, she might as well have some useful skills.

With Mrs. Novak rallied and determined to find Claire, I ensured that Fergus and Mr. Castiel were out and not returning for quite some time before we headed for Mr. Samuel’s apartment. (You know it is always best to do things when no gentlemen will be interfering. They always get so overprotective and take over command even when they have no idea what’s going on. I have not made a concerted effort to prevent Fergus from knowing the facts, but I have not invited him to help.)

Anyway. We went to Mr. Samuel’s apartment and found it deserted as described. I started running my tests at once. Mrs. Novak at least has some ability—clearly, Claire got it from her—and even with no training, she made a capable assistant. Then again, I have never seen anyone learn so quickly as a mother. I know that, while I was quite capable before I had Fergus, fear for his safety accelerated my progress more than anything ever had.

The tests indicated the same powersource as before, scrambled and not at all easy to follow. Mrs. Novak, in spite of her frailty, refused to give in to despair and asked me if there was anything we could use as a beacon for your locating spell. I considered the matter, knowing we would need something similar to the source, and realized we had an answer—Jack Kline, the housekeeper’s boy from the Morningstar estate.

He is, I admit, an imperfect replica, but I figured I could tweak the spell enough to allow that. Mrs. Novak and I hurried to the Morningstar house at once. To my surprise, when I rang the bell and demanded entrance, Lady Margaret was the one to greet me. She reported her father was out and had been for several days; she did not know when he would return.

I demanded to see Mrs. Kline at once. Lady Margaret was surprised, but she granted the request and called the woman to the parlor.

Mrs. Kline was, I think, even more surprised at my request than Lady Margaret. She curtsied rather clumsily, and blushed as she did. “You wanted to see me, Lady Crowley?”

“I do,” I said. “I fear I must borrow your little boy.”

“Whatever for?”

“I’m afraid it is not a matter I can openly discuss,” I said. “But I believe I am correct in assuming his parentage, and because of that, he must come with us.”

Mrs. Kline promptly burst into tears, and Lady Margaret rushed to console her. “It’s true,” Mrs. Kline admitted. “Lord Morningstar and I…it wasn’t meant to go this far.”

“I have no intention of breaking the scandal,” I assured her. “But Lord Morningstar has been gone for days, as have two other people of interest. I believe that young Jack is the key to finding them.”

“Do as she says,” Lady Margaret said.

“Can you promise he will be safe?” Mrs. Kline asked.

I hesitated at that; it was a very dangerous thing we were proposing, and Jack is a very young boy. 

“I can,” Mrs. Novak said. “One mother alone to another.”

Mrs. Kline nodded and fetched the boy. I asked Lady Margaret if I might set up my spell someplace, and she took us to her own workroom. It is smaller than I’d normally like, but Lady Margaret is not a serious practitioner and I thought it best not to invade her mother’s space.

The spell was difficult, especially since I had to modify it to use Jack as a beacon. Lady Margaret made a capable assistant—I almost wanted to use her as our beacon, but Lady Morningstar’s influence is too strong over her, whereas Jack’s power is entirely raw and unformed, making it closer to the father.

It took some doing, but we managed it. By the time we were done, Jack was in a trance, fear etched on his tiny face, but he was shining faintly, as the spell described.

“Do you know where to go, child?” I asked.

“Uhhuh.” He looked at me with wide blue eyes, but they were blank. “It feels scary…I don’t like it.”

“We promise you will not be harmed,” Mrs. Novak said. “Can you lead us there?”

He took Mrs. Novak by the hand and led her out to the street, not even pausing as his mother called for him to put on his coat and hat. I took the items from her and hurried after them, managing to catch the child long enough to dress him properly, though he still walked in a daze. He never wavered in his turns, never so much as hesitated with each crossing. Fortunately, it was late enough that there weren’t too many onlookers about to witness the strange little parade we made, and the moon was full, allowing us to see the way easily. With each step, Jack seemed to glow a little brighter, the spell showing us the way to the source of all this energy.

Finally, we reached a little side street in the rougher part of London. Jack stopped beside an old church, derelict and long-abandoned, and refused to go any further. The poor boy was trembling like a leaf, both from cold and fear, and I knew we would not persuade him to enter that church. Indeed, Mrs. Novak faltered as well, for the amount of evil coming from that place was beyond any I had ever witnessed before. The air around the building was thick with it, and I knew it would only get worse inside.

Still, we had not gone to all this trouble to dither on a doorstep. I steeled my nerves, hitched up my skirts, and stepped into the church, uncaring if Mrs. Novak was following. I was confident she would join me as soon as she had found a safe place for the boy.

The church was not dark; the light of a bonfire shown bright in the rectory. Strange, dark, evil things danced around it—demons and ghouls and other such awful creatures. They twisted and leaped and turned, all in celebration, but I could feel power building as they did. They chanted in the most horrible tongue, one that has not been heard in centuries. The very sound froze the breath in my lungs and made every hair on my skin stand on end. I knew, deep in my soul, that I should not be there, that no mortal—even one like me—should witness these things.

But there was an altar above the fire, with two figures tied to it. I knew them from their sizes at once—Claire and Mr. Samuel. Neither moved, but I could feel the pulse of Claire’s power, even under all the wickedness in that room. She, at least, was still alive, and that was enough to spur me forward.

I shouted a general disruption spell, and it seemed to work. At any rate, the various ghouls shrieked and scattered as their rhythm broke. I hurried passed the beasts in their confusion to the altar, intent on reviving the victims, but before I could reach it, I was violently flung against a broken pew by the force of magic.

Lord Morningstar came down from behind the altar, where he had no doubt been causing all the wickedness. “Good evening, Lady Crowley,” he said. “So good of you to join us.”

“Stop this evil at once!” I shouted back. “It will not stand!”

“It is already standing,” he said.

I hurled one of my better hexes at him. Unfortunately, I was ill-prepared for a fight and he dispelled it easily enough. I was able to keep my wits about me as we began to duel in earnest, spells flying across the church at each other.

(This reminds me, we will have to work on your dueling skills. I know you have been improving, but Fergus still beat you the last time we tried, and he isn’t even a serious practitioner. While I hope there aren’t too many evil wizards about, I can hardly leave you undefended, especially since you will be the lady of MacLeod Hall one day. I have already begun instructing Claire more thoroughly, so you would do well to learn together.)

I knew as we started that I wouldn’t win the fight; I am not modest about my skill, of course, because I have earned it and worked for it all my life. I have no doubt that against any other practitioner in London—yes, even Lady Morningstar—I could have won, easily.

But Lord Morningstar is powerful, so much so that anyone would have difficulties. And the spell he was casting, whatever it was, had reinvigorated him to the point where no one save the Devil himself could have won. Still, I knew I must keep fighting, because Claire depended on it, as did Mr. Samuel.

I had just been thrown to the floor, beaten and bloody, when there was a new surge of power. I raised my head from the floor to see Claire and Mr. Samuel, both up off the altar. Both were furious, and while Claire has skill, Samuel…I swear, I have rarely felt anything like that power.

(Inform Mr. Winchester that I will be taking his brother into tutelage, by the by; I cannot let that power go unrefined for the safety of both Samuel and others.)

It seems that Mrs. Novak, although untrained and not nearly as strong as her daughter, summoned some strength of will to jolt the pair awake. Doing so taxed her greatly, and she fell beside the altar. Claire was too intent on Lord Morningstar to tend to her, but without his focus on me, I could move to her side and ascertain that she would live.

With that assurance, I got to my feet and put up a binding spell. Claire caught wind of what I was doing and redirected to power to it, adding it to mine. It took Samuel some doing to direct his magic as anything but pure energy, but I was able to draw it into the spell. Between the three of us, it was enough to keep Lord Morningstar still and unable to harm us.

“What is the meaning of all this?” I demanded.

He was reluctant to answer, but I had enough, and used the extra power to compel him to speak.

“It has been happening for years, Lady Crowley,” he said. “Right under your nose…the Dark One gives gifts…life…but He demands sacrifices in turn.”

“So you’ve been sacrificing people to extend your life?”

“It was easy…a few derelicts here and there…some less useful people from the estate.” He smirked at us. “But even with his gifts, this body grows old…it will soon die. I needed a new one. And for that spell, bigger sacrifices were needed…ones that people would miss.”

“What does that have to do with me?” Samuel demanded.

“I had hoped that my son would be the one for it,” Lord Morningstar said. “But the boy is…odd. His power is too like mine…his will would exert itself and cast me out. But you, Samuel…you have power, enough to contain me. And you’re young and strong…I would have made good use of your body for many years.”

“What about my father?” Claire asked.

“He was a necessary sacrifice…not enough of one, but I knew his death would bring you right into my path. And you, my dear, have enough power that any further sacrifice would be unnecessary. I had hoped to snag Gavin MacLeod…but Miss Talbot got in the way. You are fortunate he eloped, Lady Crowley.”

“And the ghoul in Scotland?” I asked.

“An unfortunate side-effect…this spell raised monsters all over England, if you had cared to investigate. But you always have been short-sighted, Lady Crowley…why, you still think you can kill me!”

“No,” I said. “I cannot…but she can.” I dropped my spell and redirected the power to Claire. All of it, hers, mine, Samuelʼs, Mrs. Novakʼs…every bit of power that I could draw, I pulled in and sent to her.

Claire understood, though, and she drew it in. It is not an elegant process, and she is untrained, but she did it, her own love and grief and anger giving her the strength. She glowed blue, then red, then burst into white light, so bright I had to shield my eyes. And then it all burst, directed at Lord Morningstar, though it knocked all of us to the ground.

When I was able to see again, there was very little left of Lord Morningstar or his demonic consorts. All were burned out and thoroughly destroyed. The exertion was too much for Claire, who fainted immediately after.

Samuel recovered his wits first. He picked Claire up and carried her out, no doubt to catch a carriage and bear her home. I rose next, and helped Mrs. Novak outside. We picked up young Jack on the way–he had been hidden behind a pew, and the poor boy was so terrified, I fear that he will not speak of this for many, many years.

We returned Jack to his mother, with the promise we will call on her later. I conveyed the news of Lord Morningstar’s demise to Lady Margaret, and promised to discuss it all further at a more decorous hour.

Once that was done, I took Samuel, Claire and Mrs. Novak back to the house. Claire slept for several days, but she began to stir yesterday and I believe she will make a full recovery. Mrs. Novak is in shock, but she has kept her wits by tending on her daughter. Mr. Samuel is much the same; he spends much of his time staring out a window as though trying to understand what has taken place. He did inquire if he could join his brother in the north, and I have gladly invited him to do so.

I believe that is everything of import for now; I will convey more details when I see you next. Given the circumstances, my return home will be delayed, but I should be home by the end of the month.

All my love,

Rowena

10 June, 1816

Darling Rowena, 

I am so pleased to hear you are safe! It has been quite a time awaiting news from you, and I have been all pins and needles watching for your letter. Mr. Winchester as well has been anxious to learn of his brother’s safety. We are both relieved to hear that everyone is safe and well. Mr. Winchester is, perhaps, less than pleased at the thought of his brother learning “witchcraft”, but he is ready to admit that Mr. Samuel’s raw power is best not left un-contained, as the events you describe are rather an escalation of what he knew his brother to be capable of. We are all pleased to welcome him to Scotland with you upon your return.

The news that all are safe is a relief, though I am entirely shocked such a powerful practitioner as Lord Morningstar was killed by the power of only three practitioners, even three as powerful as yourselves. I am also shocked he would go to such lengths to maintain his youth and eternal life. That many of us choose to prolong our lives in various ways is no secret, but the lengths he appears to have gone to are rather beyond the pale. Such deals as he made are damaging to us all! And to need to sacrifice innocents…. Truly, I am incensed. What, perchance, did he believe would come of this? Did he anticipate managing to take the throne? What nerve. Good riddance to the man.

You did not mention how the ton has reacted to his death, if at all? Of course, he was so central a figure that I cannot imagine no response at all! If nothing else, surely Lady Margaret and Lady Morningstar are dutifully mourning, I suppose. I shall have to send them my condolences, and pay my respects upon my next visit into town. They are not my favorite company, but they deserved better than the husband and father they had, respectively. And poor Jack truly deserves better than to have been a prospective sacrifice for the monster. Is Lady Morningstar anticipating helping to train him in our ways? Or will he be in need of tutelage? The power you mentioned feeling from the boy cannot go untrained! It would be far too dangerous for him, and for all the rest of society, much as Mr. Samuel’s is, and I would hate for him to accidentally cause himself or his mother any injury.

Please make sure that you are all resting. Such an exertion will take time to recover from, and I know that young people such as myself and Claire are far too likely to try getting back to work far too soon afterwards. I look forward to seeing you all upon your return home, and quite look forward to more dueling practice. 

Mr. Winchester asks that I request news of Mr. Castiel in my letter, as he is quite worried about his dear friend. Parliament is truly no place for him, and Mr. Winchester would see him return to us as soon as possible, preferably alongside his sister-in-law and niece. We both believe that Scotland is perhaps the best place for the Novak family to grieve their loss. I think as well that perhaps we might offer Mrs. Novak some mild training in our arts, if she is of a mind. Knowledge of the healing herbs and salves might give her recourse to provide a living for herself should her late husband’s estate run out, and she strikes me as the sort who likes to be busy. Of course there will be no push if she is not interested. But I thought perhaps you might gently broach the idea with her. 

I am truly grateful that you are safe, and that the immediate threat appears to be ended. I shall sleep easily tonight for the first time in months having read your letter. I do wonder if other unpleasant creatures have been summoned by Lord Morningstar’s…arrangement. But that is something we will simply need to keep an eye on.

Please keep me abreast of your plans to return home. 

Lovingly,

Charlie.

14 June, 1816

My dearest Charlie,

Mr. Samuel has indeed accepted my invitation to come back to MacLeod Hall and begin training; we intend to leave in two weeks’ time. It is, perhaps, later than we normally should have done, but as you say, we are all so exhausted that we could not think of travel until then. He has no doubt sent his own correspondence to his brother regarding the situation; I only hope Mr. Winchester becomes more reconciled to our lifestyle in the intervening time.

The town has been all in an uproar, as you can imagine. Once the police found Lord Morningstar dead in an abandoned church covered in obvious magic symbols, they drew the conclusion that he had been the sacrifice instead of the practitioner. I did nothing to dissuade them from that notion, as I had no intention of further embarrassing his widow and daughter. However, I did explain what happened to Lady Margaret when I returned Jack. She was most distraught, but we agreed that the facts of the case must be kept a secret among our little circle; the Morningstars, the Klines, the Winchesters, and our family and a few close associates are the only ones who know the full truth, and I urge you to keep your tongue on the matter.

I admit, I was curious that three of us, one untrained and one just begun, could do anything to Lord Morningstar. Once I had recovered my strength and wits, I returned to the Morningstar house and sought an audience with the widow. She was, perhaps, less than pleased to see me, but she did allow me entrance to her parlor.

(Black is a good color on her, but the veil she chose is hideous. I am uncertain if it was on purpose.)

“Lucifer’s power had been waning of late,” Lady Morningstar confirmed. “I think, perhaps, he had been growing desperate, hence his foolishness to leave bodies people would notice. I have been looking into the spells he was using, and while each ritual would boost his power, the time in which he would have the strength would lessen with each. Not that I condone his practices! If one must practice such dark magic, one ought to be careful about it!”

I inquired as to his purposes, but Lady Morningstar claimed he had not confided in her over them. It was very frustrating. But if Lady Morningstar has any designs to continue her late husband’s work, I have no doubt she’ll be far more discreet in doing so. I’ve alerted Lady Bevell to the problem, and she has promised to remain in town to keep watch over the Morningstar estate.

As to Jack, there was some conversation about his future. As Lord Morningstar’s son, illegitimate as he is, he should be taken into Lady Morningstar’s tutelage and made the heir. However, we could think of no way for that to happen without bringing further scrutiny upon the house. After some discussion, it was agreed that Mrs. Kline would leave the household with a generous pension and take Jack to be tutored elsewhere. I suggested Miss Amara Shurley as a good teacher for him, and Lady Morningstar agreed, so that is where they will go. I would have volunteered to teach him myself, but I already have Claire and Mr. Samuel to contend with, which is quite enough effort.

Thanks to your land bill, it was determined that Lady Margaret could inherit the land and titles of her late father, since there is no male heir to be found. She is very pleased by this newfound responsibility, and I have no doubt she will be a major asset to us in Parliament next year. Perhaps the two of you should endeavor to be better friends; you will, after all, one day be two ladies in the House of Lords, and it would do you well to be allies both in and out of sessions.

Mr. Castiel is well, though very shaken. He agrees that Parliament is no place for him. He will be coming to Scotland with us, along with his niece and sister-in-law; he has expressed that he very much wants to be at Mr. Winchester’s side for the foreseeable future. I do not know how long they will stay; perhaps it would be prudent to arrange permanent quarters for them. Of course, until an election can be held and decided, he will be continuing in his late brother’s duties, and perhaps he’ll acquire a taste for politics. 

I do have a thought that, as he is returning to Scotland as a potentially important man, and you are in Scotland as a potentially important woman, and as neither of you is inclined to marriage, you might make a useful arrangement? I know your future is secure thanks to Gavin’s foolishness, but it would ease my mind quite a lot if you were not drawing askance looks from old biddies or too much interest from overeager gentlemen.

I spoke to Mrs. Novak about learning some basic skills, and she expressed interest, though now that all the shock has worn down, she is more concerned than ever for Claire’s future. I think she is hoping that Claire will make an agreeable arrangement with some gentleman or another in the north; do warn any of the boys of what is to come.

As to any other creatures being summoned, I have alerted every practitioner I know to be on the look out, discreetly of course. While I believe that the immediate danger has passed, I worry that there is something much deeper happening.

Or perhaps I am simply too worried in my old age. If anything must be done, I will dispatch the Winchester brothers to do it, as I am far too old to be chasing down ghouls and ghosts!

All my love,

Rowena

18 June, 1816

Dear Rowena,

We have begun preparations for your return home for the summer, including the much needed annual spring cleaning and airing out of the house after the long winter months. Of course, this is happening between bouts of rain, but still, it is a pleasant diversion. Mr. Singer and Mr. Winchester have made themselves much busy tending to the livestock and fields, and repairing the various things that had to wait out the end of the winter before being repairable. 

The gossip from town has begun to make its way to me in the letters from other acquaintances, many of whom believe me to be entirely unaware of what has happened. The theories proposed by many of them as to what has happened are outlandish at best, and worthy of tawdry penny magazines at worst. It is rather entertaining to hear their theories, and while I have taken great pleasure in mentioning their various theories to each other, I have said nothing whatsoever of my knowledge of the actual facts of the matter. It has certainly shown me thus—the less anyone outside of our small circle knows, the better.

(I dare say the veil choice was purposeful. Lady Morningstar is quite vocal with her fashion choices, and has been for my entire memory of her.)

It surprises me to hear that Lord Morningstar’s power was waning, though it explains much about his carelessness and haste. Mr. Winchester is grateful that you interceded before he could lose his brother to the man, and says he hopes that if Lady Morningstar attempts anything similar to her husband, that he is there to stop her. His language was far more crude in stating so, but I did not feel the need to repeat exactly what he said to me when we were discussing the news upon arrival of your letter yesterday evening. He intends to reach out to Lady Bevell, despite his dislike of her, to keep up to date on Lady Morningstar’s behavior.

I am very pleased to hear that Jack and Mrs. Kline have been sent to Miss Shurley! She will be a good tutor for him, hopefully, and a kind soul to Mrs. Kline in the aftermath of what has happened to her regarding Lord Morningstar. 

Parliament is, perhaps, a more complicated matter than I had anticipated. While it will do me no harm to become closer to Lady Margaret, and solidify an ally ship with her for the future, I must admit I had not at all intended to land myself in the House of Lords. I quite sympathize with Mr. Castiel that it is an overwhelming thought. I pray that he is relieved by an emergency election soon, for both his and Mr. Winchester’s sake. There is a small plot, near the lower meadow, that Mr. Winchester quite likes for a small cottage for himself, and Mr. Castiel upon his return. I have given my approval, pending Lord Crowley’s ultimate say-so, but I do believe that he will see no issue with the matter. It is close to the Hall, and leaves Mr. Winchester free to go wherever he is needed on the estate. 

Your proposed idea of, perhaps, an arrangement between myself and Mr. Castiel is an interesting one, that will require some…discussion upon your arrival home with Mr. Castiel in company. Whatever the case, it will be among the matters requiring settling upon your arrival, along with the beginning of Mr. Samuel’s training, and the continuation of Claire’s. I would like to take on teaching Mrs. Novak myself, so that you may focus on the other two.

There have been no signs, currently, of any more dark creatures. But Mr. Winchester and Mr. Singer are well on alert. Something tells me we are right to be so wary.

If I do not hear from you again before you are on the road home, safe travels.

Love, 

Charlie