September 3, 1892

Dearest Alice,

How is the hospital treating you? How is London? You've written of your family and of work, but you have yet to share with me how London is. As I've never seen it you shall have to be my eyes and ears. Although I've told you this often enough I am sure you are sick of hearing of it.

Father did not take us to the gates for school this year. I expected as much but it was still hard to see Henry's disappointment. Matthew tries his best, surprising given that it is, after all, Matthew, but I do credit him with trying. I feel ashamed to admit that I am ever the more grateful to have a chance to be away from home these days. You know Matthew's temperment and with father..... well it is easier to not be there. I pray that in time we will find a way to be a family again. It is hard to believe it has almost been a year.

I had to pack my black and lavender dresses, but it was indeed a cheery sight to see my other gowns beside them. I never thought I would be so giddy to see a spot of perriwinkle, pink, or even orange (you will recall the gown embroidered in orange flowers my mother made me, I was so uncharitable at the time about it)! Much to my dismay I'd grown a whole inch since I last wore them and had to be clever in bringing down the hems and adding lace. I ended up taking apart the pink dress with the white stripes, the one you always said made me look like a stick of candy. But I do hope that I can use it for a new gown come next summer. I've included a sketch of the idea I have for it so you may advise me on what should or should not be changed. I've always appreciated your eye for such things, but also you can see the fashion in London. For that I find myself rather jealous.

But I am also jealous for another reason. That you are there and I am here. Or perhaps jealous is not quite the right word. I miss you. Ever more keenly sitting here in our room. It is simply not the same without you. I keep catching Maddy looking at your bed, Sloane turning to tell you something, me hoping to catch your eye while the others talk. I don't think I shall ever be used to not having you here with us - with me.

I did hear that one of the first years is the muggleborn daughter of a duke! She was sorted in to Hufflepuff but that is all I know of her. The sorting ceremony itself was a delight and the new Gryffindors seem an adventerous sort. I shall have to keep a close eye on them. Did Calla tell you she made Prefect?

I hope you are well and miss you terribly.

Yours always,
Sisse