I do hope you will forgive my writing to you without having formally made your acquaintance. After your recent feature in Witch Weekly and receiving such an intimate letter from you, I almost feel as though we're now close friends.

The truth, I've found, is often buried under layers, much like an onion. There's what is widely known: the mostly-pleasant words of Meredith Watchword, and then there's what's known by those involved: you, Mr. Lachlan MacFusty, Mrs. Finch, and now myself as well. (A quick aside, I do hope you'll write to him again. I'd hate for him to be lonely in the Hebrides. Dragons, at least, wouldn't be preferable to your company, I imagine he would protest.)  Miss Watchword and Mrs. Finch both appear to have loose lips when it comes to the truth, but mine are inclined to stay closed for the time being.

See, I find it very curious that Meredith Watchword has never appeared in Witch Weekly before now. The few details I've managed to find of you describe you as an oddity and an author. And, how strange was it that Miss Watchword seemed to focus on both an otherwise innocent girl and a well publicized scandal rather than the new scandal of your own activities with Mr. MacFusty. Peculiar, indeed.

I'll be in touch.

Perhaps not. Although, I would wager that over-indulgent spinster is a few steps above immoral harlot, which is what Mrs. Finch would have the world believe.

I have no fear of the weather, nor of you. However, should you prove yourself unable to meet my request you might be wise to fear me.

I would like a custom gown designed by Mr. Lytton himself, and I require it before Easter. Should you fail to accomplish this I will send a copy of the letter on to Mrs. Finch for proof of her claims and a second copy to Witch Weekly for them to decipher as they please.

I look forward to hearing from you.

You appear to think I'm joking. I can assure you I am not. Attached are my measurements and copies of the three letters I shall send should you fail to meet my request.

I pray you will forgive the inconvenience of an unprompted letter, but I fear I could delay writing to you no longer.

The early March edition of Witch Weekly shined a most unfavorable light on you and your daughters, as I'm sure you are well aware. This light, I'd argue, was aimed most incorrectly as there can be no doubts as to the relations between Mr. MacFusty and Ms. Binns. You see, it was near midnight when I received incorrectly received a letter last week from the hussy herself. (I also hope you will forgive my crass language, but there can be no denying what she is.) I've attached the letter and the accompanying handkerchief for your review.

I hope you may use this to discredit the words of this Meredith Watchword. She seems to have the most awful vendetta against upstanding citizens of our Society.

While the scandalous tales of Meredith Watchword have been entertaining to read, I believe it is my duty to inform you she wrote a most inflammatory piece about the Finch family with ill intent. You see, Miss Binns' owl incorrectly delivered a letter to me at near midnight last week, and the intended recipient was none other than Mr. Lachlan MacFusty.

It is my belief that the Binns family is conspiring with this Meredith Watchword to discredit a perfectly upstanding citizen. Perhaps Mr. Zachariah Binns is the true Meredith Watchword. It isn't a far leap from bookshop owner to author, after all.

I've attached a copy of the letter for your review.

I always knew dragon tamers to be wild creatures, but I thought even wild creatures would have some reservations against ruining women. At least publicly, anyway. Your sister, Miss Tilda MacFusty, is still unwed, isn't she? I believe you and Miss Binns ought to practice your subtly if you intend to continue your despicable liasons.