As irresponsible as provoking me were I truly the author? Is it the young women you fear for your own health? I do not believe you jealous of my Mr. Prewett, so what could you mean? Was I to share what I know with other witches, most would dismiss me as the Trojans ignored Kassandra. A few would seek you out to test the claims. Perhaps you are hoping I will write you a favorable review? Is wearing your gifts in public too subtle a tribute?

Never you fear, dear pirate. When acquainted with secrets, I keep them most near my heart.

You provoked me to great effect, as you are quite aware. I am confident you will avoid that particular sin, in fact, I can think of a few better suited to you.

A man without his worth dependant on the devotion of a woman? What a rare creature you are! I will be merciful and satisfy us both. I choose to wear your gifts, safe in the knowledge that no one knows our secret or how I thrill when you decorate me. I also choose to write you. The sight of your words, knowing they flow from your skillful fingers, interrupts the monotony of the day.

You seem rather interested in my words, sir. Was I to write gossip for the ton, which I will not claim, should I risk praising you publicly? Or do seek what I would save for you alone? You need only ask, and I will satisfy your curiosity.

On the contrary, you could have been wise enough to savor the praises of many while avoiding the jealousies and nonsense of young love. It's a powerful skill, perhaps you should be the professor and save the next generation of young irrationals.

It has been my experience that wives are, in fact, women, but I have seen examples of young spouses becoming harpies. It is a frightening transfiguration, but one that isn't difficult to avoid.

Oh, dear Mr. Selwyn, I know you flatter me. No one would believe you want all my words or that you would pine for my letters. Jealous and pining for me - I choose to believe that for a moment or two. I find I have words and actions reserved for you in excess; it is most inconvenient. I would much rather whisper my praise to you than surrender it to my pillows in your absence.

Consider me disillusioned, if skeptical. I find it difficult to imagine you so lacking in control or reckless, but, perhaps, I remember something of those days myself. If my memory is correct, I do stand a far better chance at teaching flight than you do of changing Nature.

I have plenty of hidden talents, but no magic or marriage could possibly make me inflict Quidditch upon you. I wouldn't sentence you to such a fate.


Perhaps I am far more skilled than you realize. I disguise your hands on me whenever I wear your jewels. I see your hands in their place, feel you against my skin. Far more liberties than those granted my pillow.

You think me an enigma? This is high praise from you.

You know I treasure your letters - though they are a poor substitute for the sound of your voice - but, perhaps, it is best if I make this confession in ink and parchment. I am ashamed to admit something so ridiculous, but I hope you can forgive my foolish feelings. I confess I am envious of your adventures.

We traveled often in my childhood and it left me too restless for a woman's lot, I suppose. I can only imagine what it must feel like to stand aboard your own ship with only the horizon for your boundaries. The stories you must have! Perhaps we propose a trade - your stories for my good will?

You are far too clever a man to do much besides argue with such ridiculous busybodies. I wonder if they can tell the Prewett twins apart or if they singled out Felix based on profession alone. If Watchword and her conspirators think to expose any secrets of mine, I fear they have met their match. You are better suited to get to the heart of such things, but what fun would it be if I simply gave you the key to such puzzles?

My dear sir, you know the principles of trade better than most. Would it be prudent of me to offer you my favor indefinitely? That seems a rather foolish bargain, for what else could I offer for something as intimate as your stories?
But do not think of it in such inelegant terms. You renew my favor with every letter and every time I see your gifts. You are still safe in my esteem.


You have already solved a mystery, it seems. The invitation comes from my father. I am torn between cautioning and congratulating you. If you plan on attending, there are a few things you should know. But do I dare to tell you?

Never fear, I anticipate the only true casualties this weekend will be an inordinate amount of wine and the Gringotts vaults of anyone fool enough to make purchases while in their cups. There are always a few that seem to stake their manhood on outlandish purchases. It seems a rather pathetic way to curry favor, but I hardly consult on the matter.

Do you think Mr. Prewett competition? Whatever could you hold in contention? I cannot begin to imagine...

In the spirit of your honorable sportsmanship, I will keep all thoughts on my father's ambitions to expand trade into the North Atlantic to myself. I am sure he wouldn't devise a scenario where he could measure his possible rivals against himself and his heir. Who would imagine such a scenario?

Take my favor, but do avoid jousting. Bloodshed at a Roman event is rather cliche. Perhaps, consider chess. Are you aware there is a single piece that outranks the Rook? 

Never fear, I anticipate the only true casualties this weekend will be an inordinate amount of wine and the Gringotts vaults of anyone fool enough to make purchases while in their cups. There are always a few that seem to stake their manhood on outlandish purchases. It seems a rather pathetic way to curry favor, but I hardly consult on the matter.

Mr. Prewett is privy to many things.
I have already warned him away because of that Watchword hag.
There are several things you've been 'privy to' that he has not.
Jealous?

Do you think Mr. Prewett competition? Whomever Whatever could you hold in contention? I cannot begin to imagine...

In the spirit of your honorable sportsmanship, I will keep all thoughts on my father's ambitions to expand trade into the North Atlantic to myself. I am sure he wouldn't devise a scenario where he could measure his possible rivals against himself and his heir. Who would imagine such a scenario?

Take my favor, but do avoid jousting. Bloodshed at a Roman event is too cliche. Perhaps, consider chess. Are you aware there is a single piece that outranks the Rook? 


Your toy guide

Then find assurance in my answer, my connection to Mr. Prewett is no threat to you in any sphere. And if a Prewett brother ever willingly nears the sea again, I renounce all claims to my intelligence. That domain is yours alone, my adventurer.

You suggest a clever ploy, but its success would require a spy loyal to their first master. The spy in question has always been too fond of her independence to play her part as required. I won't counsel you on defenses, for my own are often impenetrable, but, in this matter, I find myself vulnerable. Whatever tomorrow brings, you have already conquered.