[Correspondence between Mr. C. S. Rutherford and Lady Trevelyan, 1810; delivered by hand.]

I've received instructions from the Nightingale, as, I presume, have you. Do call on me at your earliest convenience. My home is secure.

Cordially,

J. Trevelyan

Your precautions were most effective. I confess myself impressed.

The first stage is complete. Until further instructions arrive, we must await developments.

Yrs,

C. Rutherford

The plans were delivered this morning. You may want to see them.

Even if you don't, please drop by. I'd like your opinion regarding the device. I've made some improvements, of an...explosive nature.

Warmly,

J. Trevelyan

I'm equal parts concerned and intrigued. Dare I hope your study is fire-proofed, as well as sound-proofed?

With esteem,

C. Rutherford

You see? I told you it wouldn't set anything on fire that wasn't supposed to be. "Concerned", indeed.

Thank you for so graciously keeping me company while our agent was delayed. It's not often I find someone who can beat me at chess. I request another try, sometime soon.

Judith

The pleasure was mine. I would enjoy a rematch; I would enjoy it even more if you had those meringues again.

Cullen

I'm surprised you, of all people, would stoop to blackmail. (They were excellent meringues.)

I shall endeavor to improve my cheating.

Judith

You can try.

Our mutual friend is on her way back from Paris as we speak. Meanwhile, I'm to meet one of our higher-ranking acquaintances at the DeForests' ball tomorrow night. I know you've received an invitation; may I rely on your presence to keep me awake?

Cullen

While I have heard some gossip concerning last night's disturbance, our names were not mentioned. It seems our operation was a success. Among other things.

I must say I appreciated the opportunity to see you in formal dress. It was a lovely, and productive, evening. The balcony was especially scenic, didn't you think?

Judith

I fear the sight of me must have been a great disappointment. You, on the other hand, were stunning.

Now that our acquaintance is safely in our hands, we can deliver him to Lady Pentaghast. Frankly, I'll be glad to be rid of him. He hasn't stopped talking since he arrived.

Cullen

All arrangements are in place. The device is safely on its way, in the care of the Nightingale.

We depart at the somewhat horrifying hour of seven a.m. I trust you'll be waiting?

Judith

Ardently.

Cullen