August 1st 1924

Today finds us in the English countryside, away from the mystical plateau of the Lost World. We are guests at the Grand Manor of our dear friends, the Roxtons. As I put pen to paper, I am sitting at a tea table on the vast verdant lawn. Before me sprawls the Roxton estate, a picture of tranquil English charm, so very different from the thrilling, sometimes treacherous landscapes of the Lost World. The wild, untamed beauty of our previous adventures has been replaced by beautiful gardens and sprawling green fields.

This visit is more than just a social call; it is a necessary step in Veronica's training to become the new Protector of the Plateau. Abigail, her mother and current protector, believes that the experience of the outside world is crucial for Veronica before she fully takes on her new role.

I glance over to where Veronica and Marguerite are seated on a blanket, nestled comfortably in the shade of a massive oak tree. Little William, barely a year old, is with them. His mother, Marguerite, holds him close. Once the elusive adventuress, she is now a loving mother. The fierceness is still there, but there's a warmth that motherhood seems to have brought out.

On the other hand, one cannot help but notice that Marguerite is far from the traditional lady of the house. Her mornings don't start with breakfast in bed, as one might expect from a woman of her station. Rather, she favors joining the rest of us at the breakfast table, ensuring a familial start to each day. Furthermore, Marguerite doesn't employ a lady's maid to assist with dressing, and other such personal tasks. Instead, she takes pride in her self-sufficiency, only occasionally accepting help from a regular maid. Unlike Marguerite, who seems comfortable dressing on her own, Veronica finds fashion of the 1920s a real challenge and often relies on the maid's assistance to get ready. It's a peculiar reversal of roles, really, but it brings a touch of humor to our days.

Marguerite's relationship with young William is an unconventional one in comparison to most mothers of her social standing. Despite having a nanny for assistance, Marguerite chooses to be the primary caregiver to her son. During our visit, the nanny seems to have little to no work, given Veronica's eagerness to help Marguerite. Seeing her joy in doing everything around the child warms my heart.

I notice a figure in the distance. It's Roxton, riding his favorite horse. The sight is a familiar one, as he makes a habit of going on a morning ride each day. These rides are his quiet moments, a peaceful start to the day before the manor's hustle and bustle takes over. As I watch him draw nearer, I can't help but think of how these rides connect him to his adventurer's past, even as he embraces the calmer life of an English lord.

As Roxton's form becomes more visible in the distance, my thoughts wander to an absent friend, our dear Professor Challenger. Since we arrived to England, we've been without the pleasure of his company. The echoes of last year's debacle at the Zoological Society have led him to retreat from the busy life in London. He has cast himself north, into the welcoming arms of Scotland, far more frequently. Maybe he's doing research, or maybe he just likes the peace and quiet there. We miss him. Even though we're happy to be together at Roxton's beautiful home, I keep wondering what Challenger is up to in Scotland.

As I write this, I realize how different our lives have become, yet how wonderfully we've all adapted to these changes. No doubt, there will be more adventures to come, more turns to navigate, but for now, in this moment, there's a sense of peace, love and happiness.

Edward T. Malone