Dear Amber,
I'm glad things have been going well since you've returned to Cantare Valley. I'm glad you went to visit the orphans for me. I do miss them. I miss going to the orphanage in general. Did I tell you the story about my attempt to visit a local orphanage several weeks ago? I don't remember. Long story short, it didn't go well. The couple who runs that prison kicked me out and dumped the treats I brought into the fire. One brave orphan girl managed to tell me how horrible the place is for her and her fellow orphans. If I could take each and every child out of that building, I would.
No, Cedric has not tried to kiss me again. He knows that I'm not yet comfortable taking that step. He remains a gentleman as always. But yes, I have told him why I ran away during the fly cake fiasco. It is a little strange being courted. For the longest time, I thought it wasn't an option for me but I'm learning differently. As stressed as Cedric often finds himself in his new role, he always makes time for me every day. Each day is a bit different. Some days, all he has time to do is compliment me on one thing or another, give me a flower that "matches my eyes", and kiss my hand. Other days, we'll walk the gardens or go riding. There's never any guarantee of how much we'll see each other each day but he never lets a day pass without reminding me how he feels about me.
In regards to Goodwyn, he hasn't been doing very well. It's like being stuck in bed and knowing he will never be able to get out again has caused his mind to dim. Winnifred and Cedric did consult another very skilled doctor and he, like the first doctor, doesn't feel confident in repairing the hip. Without the hip repair, Goodwyn's fate is sealed. He will not be rising from the bed again. But this doctor seemed to have some ideas and whatnot that have better helped keep Goodwyn comfortable. With the new prescriptions, he's not as painful and he's sleeping better at night. That has eased Cedric's and Winnifred's minds, but even they understand what the ultimate outcome will be.
What about you? Has any young man finally caught your attention? You mentioned that a new family moved to the neighboring village. Have you met them yet? Are they a decent family?
James' most recent letter indicated that he has been staying out of trouble. Is that true? It's not that I don't want to believe him, but he does have a bit of a history of getting into mayhem.
Oh, by the way, thanks for encouraging me to write to the whole family and not just you. I'm not sure why I didn't do it before. It certainly is nice hearing from everyone. I even wrote Aunt Tilly and she says she wants to come visit soon. It was a bummer that she and Uncle Bartleby couldn't come to the party but they were sick, afterall. I'm just glad that they are feeling better now. And I'm excited for her to come visit. It feels like forever since I've last seen her.
Yes, I'm still knitting a bunch of blankets. Truth be told, I'm not entirely sure why. I don't know what I'm going to do with them. Maybe I'll give them to the Hexley tenant families. A lot of the families have several young children. I want to make a difference in the lives of the young children. I was one of them, afterall. I remember the winter before Mom and I met Dad, it was brutally cold. Mom and I often were very cold despite our best attempts to stay warm and nighttime was always the worst. We would have every layer on and make our bed in front of the kitchen stove, the only source of heat that we had. Being freezing cold all the time is a terrible feeling.
I'm going to close for now. I want to try getting some more letters written before dinner. I look forward to hearing from you again.
Love Sofia
oOo
Dear Sofia,
No, you did not tell me that orphanage story. That's terrible! The couple who run that place should be ashamed of themselves.
We have met the new family. Dad had them over for dinner the night after I sent my last letter. They do seem nice. Get this, it's a noble family! But I've been very skeptical and holding them at arm's length. Appearances, as you well know, can be deceptive. Though James seems to have formed a fast friendship with their son (and only child at that).
Speaking of James, yes, his letter was accurate. He has been making considerable efforts to curb his mischief. James being James, he still has had a couple of larks. But it's been nothing like before. Whatever magic you and Lord Sebara worked during his trip back to Hexley Hall has seemed to have done the trick. He's been very well behaved.
I'm glad Lord Sebara continues to be every bit a gentleman. Dad and James would probably thoroughly thrash him if he mistreated you in the slightest. That's so sweet that he makes time for you every day. I can't imagine how busy he is caring for his parents, especially his father, and seeing to all the duties of Lord Hexley. The Hexley title is a very old and important one. Lord Sebara must be kept extremely busy.
It's unfortunate that Lord Hexley's more recent doctor evaluation was so disheartening. I can only imagine how much Lady Hexley and Lord Sebara would have appreciated any bit of hope.
I saw Hildegard and Cleo yesterday. They were asking about you. Do you remember the afternoons we all used to spend together, browsing the shops and enjoying food at the cafe or treats from the Holt Bakery? It's been so long since we all socialized together. I told them that you've continued to be Lady Hexley's special guest and you're courting now. They were amazed to say the least. But they are happy for you.
And no, no gentleman has caught my eye. Do you remember Lord Byron? He tried making a move on me since none of the local young ladies are very interested in him. As if him being heir to a baron would make me forget his behavior towards you at Dad's harvest party. You should have seen his face when I took a page out of your book and slapped him. And before he could get over his shock, Dad was there, ready to pummel him even further. Lord Byron ran so fast, it's amazing he didn't trip over himself. We heard from his father later on that day. Suffice it to say, the good baron was not amused at his son's behavior and has disowned him. Byron's brother now has the courtesy title. Did you know he had threatened to disown Byron after the harvest party incident if he didn't correct his despicable behavior? I guess some people don't learn. But now that that overstuffed peacock has been cut down, hopefully he'll be less of a nuisance. One can hope, anyways.
Oh, I went to the Holt bakery a few days ago. Mr. and Mrs. Holt adopted two more kids- a boy and girl. The new additions to the family are so happy to be a part of the place that provided the treats that you so often brought to the orphanage. They are learning very fast and proving to be very adept helpers in the bakery. And from what I hear, Mr. and Mrs. Holt are going to start taking their surplus baked goods on Saturdays to the orphanage in your honor. Isn't that the sweetest thing? The children there will love it. And their children are excited at the chance to play with all of their friends.
I look forward to your next letter. I love hearing about how things are going for you. And I enjoy telling you about my days.
Love you lots, Amber
oOo
Dear James,
Is it always going to be yours and Dad's prerogative to start each letter asking if I'm still happy with my choice to stay here? To critically question if Cedric is treating me well? In any case, yes, I am still happy with my choice. And Cedric couldn't be a more honorable gentleman. If more men were like him, the world would be a better place.
Whenever you and the family come visit again, you need to come with me to see one of the tenant families. They have a dog who recently gave birth to the cutest litter of puppies. Mama and Papa dog are pointers. They had eight puppies. One of the puppies didn't make it but the rest are little fighters.
I've heard you made a new friend recently. The son of the newly arrived family, right? How is that going? I hope you're having fun.
In your last letter, you indicated that Dad has been keeping you busy. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? You didn't expound on that.
Have you finally made a decision about university? I know in the past, you've said you weren't sure. But it would be good for you. Sometimes I wish I could go but you know as well as I do they don't allow women there. Why do there have to be so many rules for what women can and can't do? It's utterly ridiculous. Someday, I hope it changes.
From what I hear, the neighboring village is getting ready to host one of their festivals. Cedric says that that festival isn't nearly as big nor fun as the mud festival that Mystica Prata hosts. Nonetheless, he's promised to take me. I'll make my own judgment about which is more fun.
I hope to hear from you soon.
Love, Sofia
oOo
Dear Dad,
Anytime you and James feel like not starting a letter by critically questioning Cedric's behavior, it would be much appreciated. I know, I know. It's your prerogative as a father to make sure your youngest daughter is being cared for and treated properly. But it can be a little tiresome, having each letter start with a barrage of questions.
But, I'll humor you. Cedric continues to be an honorable gentleman who treats me with the highest level of respect. And not just me but every lady who is near and dear to him. He is compassionate when caring for Winnifred. He welcomes his sister warmly everytime she comes to visit. And his adorable little niece is very enamored with him.
I've continued to love living here in Mystica Prata. I recently got introduced to a very sweet young lady named Vivian and I think she and I are going to be close friends. It won't be the same as the friends I had back in Cantare Valley, but I'm glad I'm making friends once more. Vivian and I were introduced one afternoon when Cedric and I had to team up to get Winnifred out of Hexley Hall for a few hours. Normally very sociable, she was feeling the effects of staying inside all the time, fretting over Goodwyn. By some stroke of luck we got her to go out for a few hours. She and I went over into town where Vivian and I quite literally ran into each other. She turned a corner sharply and we collided, causing her to drop a bag of new sheet music. She is a very gifted musician. I got the impression that if you were to give her an instrument she hadn't learned to play, she would learn it quickly and easily. Though, she prefers the mandolin.
I love it here in Mystica Prata. I only wish the orphanage here were more welcoming. I tried visiting it once several weeks ago but it didn't go well. It was nothing like going to your orphanage. Maybe when I do decide to come visit Cantare Valley, I'll spend a whole day there. I miss it terribly.
I look forward to your next letter.
Love, Sofia
oOo
Dear Sofia,
I'm glad you're doing well and making new friends there. You are terribly missed at Cantata Hall but I stand by the decision I made the night Lord Sebara declared his intentions to me and spoke to your father. Whatever you need to do to move forward and heal, I will help you.
The entirety of Dunwittie now knows you are a companion to Lady Hexley and are being courted by Lord Sebara. I don't think the gossip mill has been so busy ever since your father and I got married. Amber has taken quite the pleasure in knocking people down several pegs whenever they say something degrading about you to her. She has made it known, quite well, that you are under the protection of the Hexley influence and that insulting you is insulting Lord and Lady Hexley and Lord Sebara. That has silenced many people. They, who have gone silent, are smart enough to know that to insult the Hexley title is a huge folly. It's not unknown that Lord and Lady Hexley have strong ties with the royal family and great influence in the kingdom.
If things go according to plan, we will come visit you in about two weeks time. If, of course, Lady Hexley and Lord Sebara do not object. I won't lie. I'm very interested to see for myself how you are doing. Your letters are wonderful. But letters are one thing. Seeing you and actually having the opportunity to talk face to face with you is another thing altogether.
I love you Sofia. I hope you truly are healing.
Love, Mom