Welcome to Charming, where swirling petticoats, the language of flowers, and old-fashioned duels are only the beginning of what is lying underneath…
After a magical attempt on her life in 1877, Queen Victoria launched a crusade against magic that, while tidied up by the Ministry of Magic, saw the Wizarding community exiled to Hogsmeade, previously little more than a crossroad near the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. In the years that have passed since, Hogsmeade has suffered plagues, fires, and Victorian hypocrisy but is still standing firm.
Thethe year is now 1894. It’s time to join us and immerse yourself in scandal and drama interlaced with magic both light and dark.
I too am a mother of a child in want of a respectable marriage to a respectable family
We are a notable society family of considerable fortune, my daughters dowry is generous, her figure excellent, her face pretty, and her manners and social graces celebrated in her social circle.
We should be delighted to discuss the potential of such a match - should the pair pass muster.
This second reply to her inquiry both made Poppy frown and laugh despite herself. She supposed she ought to be flattered that a mother had written to her thinking she was requesting suitable young ladies for her son, however, Poppy knew that the moment this woman discovered who she really was and her age, matters might change entirely. She couldn't allow her present circumstances to cheat Atticus of what could be a wonderful match so, deciding instead to conspire with her aunt, Poppy penned a separate letter and tucked the response from the woman she did not know into it.
Dearest Aunt Rose,
Please do not be cross with me when I admit to you my recent scheme.
I've sent in an advertisement to Witch Weekly on behalf of Atticus. It was the one entitled "Excellence Required."
I had hoped to vet the young ladies myself and help weed out those that were strictly sub-par, however, you'll find enclosed a response from someone who I can only surmise from the context would rather meet with you than with me. As I did not want to stand in the way of such a match, I've sent you both the inquiry and my sincerest hope that you might meet with this woman?
You know how much I adore Atticus and Basil both, and I hope you don't see this as an impertinence. It is only well meant.
lovingly yours,
Poppy
Dear Another Mother,
I should very much like to discuss this prospect. My eldest son is quite the dedicated young man and from what you've summarized, they could make a decent match.
Are you free for tea tomorrow at 2? I have enclosed an address if so, and look forward to our discussion.