De La Chaize Correspondence

[Bells And Whistles]

Dear Père and Mère,

I am settling well in Port-a-Lucine. I am enjoying my studies, and my instructors speak well of my work. Please forgive my taking so long to write, I have just been consumed by my classes. I know you did not intend for me to travel alone here without escort, but please know that I am representing you well, and I hope you are proud of me.
There is so much to tell you, and I scarcely know where to begin. I have made lovely friends, who keep my spirits high. Two in particular, Mariska Lerch and Sergent-Inspector Solange de Sauvre, have become my closest companions.

Mariska is a merchant, with the Red Vardo. Solange is of the Gendarmerie. She has taken particular interest in my well-being and social standing. I hope this will put you at ease with my being so very far from home. I have also made friends amongst the Company of the Fox. They are kind respectful men who ensure I traverse the countryside safely.

I would be remiss to not tell you of the murder trial that has been on everyone’s lips as of late. I speak of the murder of Comte Jacques Bertrand of de Cantigny. It is said that he was wicked and cruel to his wife, and that her bodyguard, a woman called Vera, murdered him to protect her, and their adopted son. It is also claimed that these accusations are unfounded and part of a much larger wicked scheme on the part of the Comtesse, and many others. Perhaps it is my naïve heart, but I am inclined to believe her. I am afraid I must also admit I was called to testify at the trial. Prior to such, the woman Vera had confided in me details of her involvement, and I was questioned of such. She was in the end, found guilty of her crimes.

Perhaps you might visit me soon, if time will permit? I will introduce you proudly to my friends, and show you all of my favorite places. Please give Jean, Renard, and Laurent my care and well wishes. I miss them terribly, but I know Jean and Renard are busy with their own families, and they are all three quite consumed with day to day duty. I think of you often, and I am so grateful for my opportunity to be here.

All of my love,

Lottie

[Bells And Whistles]

Dearest Lottie,

Your mother and I were so happy to receive your letter. We have been pleased with the reports we have received from your instructors, and are very proud of your progress. Matters here at home are much the same, yet sorely lacking without your presence. The more time that passes, the more your mother and I wish you had conceded to our original hopes for you and married as you had opportunity to do so. We simply wish you every happiness and comfort in life. Monsieur Arguelles still asks about you, you know at every function we attend. We will honor our agreement and allow you to explore your choices through University, but take heed of our words daughter, and consider your options.

Your friends sound like an interesting crew of individuals, but I fear you may be stepping too far out of our usual social circles. How in the heavens did you become mixed up in a murder trial? I made inquiries, and I am told you were well poised and manners when you testified, but we do non understand how you came to be associated with such a woman to begin with. Have a care sweet daughter, and choose whom you speak with wisely. It remains my deepest regret that your brother was non able to travel with you as we originally intended, and I will continue to attempt to make arrangements for proper escort. In the meantime, do measure your steps with more consideration. We cannot be there to guide you as we wish to.

Your friends in the Company of the Fox, you do non say much about them. We would like to hear more, much more. We would also like to know what steps you are taking to make yourself known in society. If you bury your pretty nose in a book every moment, what is the point of this venture at all?

With all our love,

Père and Mère

[Bells And Whistles]

A letter arrives, in poor condition, postmarked almost two weeks late. The courier cites it ended up in the wrong bag.... nonetheless it arrives.

Dear Père and Mère,

I am continuing to excel in my studies. What a gift and honor you have given me to attend University and expand my talents with the brush, as well as all of the other wonderful subjects in the Arts. I have enclosed a copy of my instructors most recent remarks for your review. Merci for your kind words concerning Monsieur Arguelles. Please tell him I wish him well in his future endeavors.

Matters of the city here have been as fast paced as always. A new scandal arose recently concerning the merchant I mentioned before, Mariska. She was arrested on charges of murder as well as other matters of scandal including illicit goods. She was executed. There was non mention of my association to her in the gossip.

You inquired before about my companions in the Company. They have been kind enough to offer me a sort of unofficial training to help broaden my knowledge of the city and its association with the Company. The Viscount de Roissy, Juste Marceaux, has been very helpful in this manner, as well as assisting in introducing me to other important members of society. The Viscount has wisely advised such training will aid in my integration to society within Port. I think you would approve, were you here.

I have been keeping company with a well-respected gentleman of the city. Remi Rousseau. He has served in defense of the country multiple times over, and serves as a Sous-Lieutenant in the Company. I think you would agree he is a valuable member of the society here and his ambition to excel shows clearly he will only continue to rise in influence and stature.

I wish there was more time to write, but I am afraid I must close this letter for the time being. All my love to you both, to Jean, Renard, and Laurie. Should you find the time to visit, I’d be most pleased to welcome you.

All of my love,

Lottie

[Bells And Whistles]

Dear Père and Mère,

I miss you both dearly, and long to hear a bit of news from home. How do you all fare these days? Things in the city here are as busy and fast paced as always. The recent murders involving the arcane have, as you have most likely heard, set the city on its head in fear and uproar. I can only hope it settles quickly, and my own meager talents in the bardic arts do not find their way to be sneered upon.

There is to be a tournament very soon, I am enclosing a copy of the flyer. I do hope you will all attend and participate, and perhaps Mère will sit with me to spectate. It will be a quiet and disappointing day for me without the company of my family.

My courtship with Remi progresses well. He is the perfect gentleman and continues to work hard with his work with the Company, and serving the city. I find I care for him more with each passing day, and I cannot imagine a life without him. I implore you Père to give serious consideration to the last promise you made to me. You swore, if he truly made me happy, we would “make it work.” I plead with you to make good on that promise and return to the city for the tournament, so we might discuss it more.
 
All of my love,

Lottie