6 May, 1888
L,
The expedition is off to a start, though something of a stuttering one; we had to change the whole course of the ship and let the Ophelia sail on without us so that we could make port at Southampton long enough to unload two stowaway French girls who I suppose must have been onboard since we left London. How they managed to get onto the ship without being spotted is still a mystery to me, but it was rather unsettling to find them. A Captain ought to have a better understanding of his ship, I think, and though I'm not sure what could have been done differently I'm sure to hear all about it from the Commodore once we catch up.

I suppose this gives him the benefit of the advantage, however, if there is anything to be discovered this far south. Perhaps if he has a little glory to hold on to, he will be less irate about our delay.

I'm sorry, this must all seem very dull to you. You did say you wanted letters, but nothing very adventurous has happened yet, so you must forgive me if I bore you.
J. Alfred Darrow

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MJ made the most Alfredy of sets and then two years later she made it EVEN BETTER

May 12, 1888

J,

How exciting! And goodness, were they the impoverished sort? Though I can't imagine any family that could end up with two children missing without there being a fuss. Children are small and wily, though, so I can see why they might have been missed.

This has not been at all boring. Already the expedition is off to an exciting start with stowaways. And you, a captain of your own vessel. Is it everything you hoped it would be?

Sincerely,

L

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18 May, 1888
L,
It's hard to say whether they were or not; living in the bowels of the ship for a few days (at least) had left them rather dirty, but their clothes seemed nice enough. I could hardly ask them. I barely spoke French to begin with and I haven't properly used it in years. The Ministry seemed to know about them, though, so I suppose someone had reported them missing, whoever they were.

Being Captain is certainly... well. I don't really know what to say about it. I was in charge of a group of men before, you know, when I was the only one left on the Sycorax expedition, and the stakes were so much higher then. But there were only thirty men by that point, so I suppose in one respect this is more of a challenge. It's definitely keeping me busy. No terrible misadventures as of yet.
J. Alfred Darrow

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MJ made the most Alfredy of sets and then two years later she made it EVEN BETTER

May 30th, 1888

J,

What resourceful little girls! It will an adventure that they will remember for many years to come I imagine. I have since read about two little redheads that went missing. Their governess got the brunt of the blame, I believe.

Hopefully, your adventure will keep being more adventure and less misadventure. As for myself, as usual there is nothing much of interest to report. I did sprain my ankle and ended up sitting in a puddle which, of course, is a usual for me.

Sincerely,

L

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10 June, 1888
L,
Apologies for the delay in writing; I think your owl must have run afoul of a storm on the way here, for he certainly looked a little worse for wear by the time he reached us and the weather hasn't been the kindest the past week. I had the owler look after him before sending him back home, so I hope he returns to you safely enough.

(I don't say any of this to worry you; the ship and the crew have weathered everything perfectly well. I only thought I'd best explain the state of your owl so that you didn't think to worry over my silence on the matter instead).

I'm sorry to hear about your ankle, but I trust that you're well again, and won't be forced to sit out any dances? I know the invitations must be coming in now, unless the whole social season has shifted since I was last in England for the summer.
J. Alfred Darrow

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MJ made the most Alfredy of sets and then two years later she made it EVEN BETTER

June 18th, 1888

J,

I must also apologize for the delay in my writing. There is something happening here that is quite alarming. Magic doesn't work and the Summer Solstice festival has also been delayed.

I don't think there will be much of a social season this year though some socialites are refusing to let the magic stealing fog hinder their socializing. I am not sure what is happening or why but at the moment, I think there isn't a lot to worry about.

Sincerely,

L

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