June 16, 1888

Miss Adlard,

I was sorry to hear that the fog has reached Hogsmeade. It will make traveling to your town quite difficult now and I rather think my brother would discourage me from the risk. I had hoped to see you soon and to help you plan your grand ball as we discussed in our last letter, but it seems as if that shall have to wait for the fog to dissipate. For now I shall endeavor to entertain you through our letters until I can once again see you.

I do hope you are managing alright with the current situation, please let me know if there is anything at all that I can send you. What is the fog like? How have you been handling it? Were you home when it rolled in? Oh, I do hope you were home. You must send me details as I feel as if I were back in Boston with how far away it all feels - and to think I'm only in London.

Best Regards,
Miss Caroline Delaney

  

June 18th, 1888

Miss Delaney,

Oh the fog is truly awful, really. It smells exceedingly dusty and has quite ruined any of my plans. I was supposed to be planning a ball for Percy but now I'm not sure if I should bother too much because who knows when it will be gone. And, I can't very well hold a ball in all of this nonsense. Maybe I'll just have to throw something together once it's cleared and simply surprise him.

And I will write to you as long as you write back. I could certainly use the distraction. My sister Cat has come to stay with us with her two children and I have a feeling there will be a lot of chaos within my home as well. Honestly, I'm not all that keen on it all.

How is London? This isn't the ideal first season for a lady from America. I'm quite sorry about that. Clearly, you'll have to convince that brother of yours to stay through next year's season!

Sincerely,
Miss Adlard

  

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BEE-utiful Set!

June 21st, 1888

Miss Adlard,

It truly is a great tragedy that this fog has put such grand plans to a halt. I had so hoped to be able to assist you with them. But it seems as if the only logical plan for a successful ball would be to wait until people could attend. It would be an awful shame to plan a party with no guests! Do know that I am willing to help you with a plan to surprise him once this whole awful mess is over. Your brother must feel so lucky to have you as his sister for going to all this effort. Mine would stubbornly refuse to allow me to throw such a grand event for them.

It must be nice to have such a distraction as young children in the home. I am the youngest in my family and other than the rare sighting of the servants’ children I rarely have seen them about. I have heard they are a joy. I would also believe that having your sister nearby in such a situation might help you bide the time until the social season is no longer hampered by the fog.

I admit that I had rather hoped to attend more events, but one must make do with what one has. I have met several delightful gentleman since I arrived, but it is not quite what I had expected. My brother doesn’t know this yet, but I fully intend to stay for next Season. I’m sure he will see reason, especially in this situation.

Best Regards,
Miss Caroline Delaney

  

June 23rd, 1888

Miss Delaney,

We may be lucky to even see a day for a surprise party! I'm unsure if you read the Daily Prophet but a troll got loose and destroyed Honeydukes! Worst of all, Percy was involved and injured quite seriously. He had to be taken by the train to a hospital where they could actually perform magic. It's been awful Caroline! Not to mention Cat and her children have been awful. I.. I don't even know where else to begin with all of this!

Percy wrote to tell me he was on his way to a hospital but that he had told Quin Mr. Honeyduke that he could stay at his home since he lived above the shock. He asked me to see to helping him if he needed it. Mrs. Blair and I made a care basket of some baked goods and I brought it to him and we talked for a bit. And then last night I had a row with Cat over some things. And.. well.. I may have found my father's stash of firewhiskey. My head hurts something awful today but somehow I ended up over at Percy's house only to find Mr. Honeyduke in the sitting room drinking his own bottle. We were both quite thoroughly sloshed and I think I may have told him I've always loved him! I don't know, honestly. And if I did, Merlin help me! I somehow managed to find my way to Percy's room and was woken up by Percy after he got home.

Oh if only I could just disappear!

Sincerely,
Miss Adlard

  

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BEE-utiful Set!

June 24, 1888

Dear Miss Adlard,

I must admit I did not expect a letter so full of happenings! So much has happened to you. First, I am so sorry to hear about your brother. I had read about the troll attack in the paper, but I had no idea that it was your brother who was involved. I do hope that they are able to heal him. Although with modern magic I should be quite surprised if they aren’t able to help him.

Second, my goodness Felicity! What an adventure! What did this Mr. Honeyduke have to say to that? I will admit that you have neglected to mention him until this very moment when you decide to write of such happenings and you have quite intrigued me with your tale. Another question that rises to my mind, what of your dear fiance? What happened with your brother? And is he quite alright now that he has returned home?

You must write quickly with your answer for I die of boredom here in our townhouse and wish sorely for your company!

Best Regards,
Miss Caroline Delaney

  

June 25th, 1888

Miss Delaney,

I don't know.. I honestly can't remember what was said after that. There was a lot of firewhiskey involved you know. I do know I went to bed alone though so.. I suppose that is a good thing. But the details are all a bit foggy. And maybe I didn't tell him that. I don't honestly know. I know I've thought it. Have since I met him but.. none of that really matters.

As to my fiance, I received a letter from his mother just a few days prior to it all asking if I'd heard from him as they hadn't heard from him for a couple of weeks. I'm not entirely sure what has happened or what's going to happen. Perhaps that's why I thought to admit such a thing.

And my brother is doing well. He has a cane at the moment but he hopes to be rid of it. I guess time will only tell. He was rather cross with me initially but.. things are better now. I am just truly at a loss of what to do. What would you do were you in my shoes?

Sincerely,
Miss Adlard

  

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BEE-utiful Set!

June 26, 1888

Dear Miss Adlard,

Could it be possible your fiance was traveling when the fog hit and stranded outside of Hogsmeade? I have heard of such happenings, especially here in London. There seem to be quite a few of the displaced that rumors have been flying through London if one knows where to look. Perhaps I could ask around on my next visit to Diagon Alley to see if I can hear anything? I am sure you are terribly worried.

Although, as for this Mr. Honeyduke, it almost sounds as if he has held your heart captive for quite some time. Is there a reason you had no approached him sooner? I find my curiosity is quite piqued, but only with the wish to help you better. Does he remember something of the conversation? If it were me I might think to approach him and discuss it. Quite coyly, of course. I should likely consider thanking him for doing nothing of dishonor and perhaps tease about my ability with firewhiskey. In hopes, of course, for him filling in the blanks of what happened that evening. One never knows what a bit of bashfulness and batting eyelashes might get answered.

I am glad to hear that your brother is well. I shall hope that the cane is only temporary, but if it is a heroic story I have heard there are young lady who might be inclined toward such an injury.

Please write back soon for I am in great desperation to hear how you are and see how I can best help.

Your friend,
Caroline Delaney

  

June 28th, 1888

Miss Delaney,

That could be possible. But you'd think he'd have at least written to his family or I to let someone know he was safe. But you needn't worry yourself, I'm sure he'll turn up. I'm not overly worried...

And honestly.. Mr. Honeyduke has had my heart since the first time I met him. I'm sure it sounds crazy as I was but a young girl then but.. I'm not really sure how to explain it. It was probably a little girl's crush for the longest of times but it eventually evolved into something more. But.. he's one of Percy's best friends. I just couldn't bring myself to say anything before for fear he'd tell me I was nothing but a younger sister to him. I don't really remember how he reacted though.. I do know I kissed him on the cheek before I took my leave. And I'm not sure if I could speak to him after all of that. I'm a bit embarrassed.. Especially if he doesn't feel anything for me as well. I'll probably avoid him for the time being. Until everything can blow over and truly be forgotten..

I really need for this fog to be over. Clearly it's making me crazy..

Sincerely,
Miss Adlard

  

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BEE-utiful Set!

July 2, 1888

Dear Miss Adlard,

Above all else do not go crazy in this fog. I should hate terribly to visit you when it lifts only to find you had been committed to Bedlam. No offense, my dear, but I’m not sure such a vivacious person as yourself would survive well locked away.

Your fiance sounds horribly rude to not have written, but is it not better to believe that until further information is found? Although I believe you have certainly found something to distract you from such worries.

A brother’s friend, that is quite the story. I hope you find the courage to speak to him, for I doubt if he is a friend of the family he would wish to have you embarrassed. Do let me know what happens.

Have you heard of this venture that starts tomorrow? I hope they find something soon for then the fog shall be lifted and we shall be able to see each other again. Perhaps even find time for several grand parties left this season. Just think the fog could be gone by tomorrow!

Your friend,
Caroline Delaney

  

July 5th, 1888

Miss Delaney,

Perhaps he has a good excuse. I don't truly know. But I still have yet to hear from him and it sounds as if his family has not either.

In regards to Mr. Honeyduke, I do feel it's best to leave it all be. I haven't seen him or heard from him since so I'm assuming he either doesn't remember or wasn't fond of what was said. Either way, I think it's best to not stir it all back up. I already made a fool of myself once after all, no point in doing so further.

And I do hope they figure out what is going on with the fog. Percy wanted to go but with his leg it just wasn't plausible. I'm glad he's stayed behind though. I just hope he survives from the idleness of everything. He's never been one to like being still for long.

Sincerely,
Miss Adlard

  

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BEE-utiful Set!

July 14th, 1888

Dear Miss Adlard,

Have you heard yet from your fiance? I do hope it is a simple matter of neglecting to write. As for Mr. Honeyduke if he has yet to speak, perhaps he has forgotten. Although if that is where your heart lies I suppose I rather hope he does come to his senses. I should hate that it might cause you distress.

We’ve had some excitement here in London. I had rather thought it dull and boring since travel has been so restricted, but one of my older brother arrived quite out of the blue on our doorstep. He’s never been terribly adventurous so I’ve taken to showing him around the city. It is only an excuse to get out of the house, but so far it seems to have been amiable to the both of us.

How is your brother doing? Has his leg healed quite well? I do hope he isn’t too restless with staying behind. None of my brothers have been inclined toward idleness. Why Shawn paces endlessly if he has nothing to do and no meetings to attend. It is terribly distracting when one is trying to read - or hold a conversation!

I had rather hoped we should have news of the venturers return by now, but we’ve still heard nothing here in London. Does the fog still linger? How have you been keeping yourself occupied?

Your friend,
Caroline Delaney

  

July 25th, 1888

Miss Delaney,

I.. never did hear from him. Though I had heard from his mother he'd gotten stranded in London. And then yesterday's Daily Prophet was the bearer of bad news.. He was the man.. the name.. listed in the werewolf attack. He's dead..

I'm not entirely sure what or how to think. It's.. I don't know.

I'm glad to hear your brother has shown up though. Percy is well enough. He's been busy as acting Head of the his department. Apparently the actual Head is on the expedition. Everything is just a.. mess.

Sincerely,
Miss Adlard

  

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BEE-utiful Set!

July 25th, 1888

My Dearest Miss Adlard,

I am so sorry! I can not even fathom how you must be feeling with everything that is going on. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you or send you. I am at your disposal.

I shall leave this letter short so you may get it the soonest possible moment. Know that if you ever need to talk or need anything at all, I am here for you.

Your friend,
Caroline Delaney

  

July 26th, 1888

Miss Delaney,

I'm alright. I think. It's hard, mainly because I did like his family. But.. I wasn't ever really in love with him so I suppose it doesn't hurt quite as much as it could. I do feel sorrow over his loss though. He was a good man, someone that didn't deserve to die in such a way but I suppose death is better than being turned into one of those beasts instead.

But.. apparently that article reminded Mr. Honeyduke of our discussion that night. He came to see me yesterday. To see how I was holding up. I guess we'll have to see how things go, if they even evolve at all..

Sincerely,
Miss Adlard

  

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BEE-utiful Set!

July 27th, 1888

My Dearest Miss Adlard,

Still such news is never welcomed. I do believe it is better than being engaged to a werewolf. But I am sure it is still tough to watch a future you had planned for vanish. I imagine while love might not have been there there was fondness.

He did? What was his response? You can not simply state such a thing and not indulge the rest. I shall leave this letter short so you must reply with the full story as soon as possible.

Your impatient friend,
Caroline Delaney

  

July 28th, 1888

Miss Delaney,

I guess you can say we've decided to test the waters a bit. See if perhaps he might feel more for me the way I do for him and not just as a little sister. I'm sure that's all he's ever seen me as before. I am his best friend's little sister after all.

I'm also going to help him with the remodel of Honeyduke's. Apparently, he's been told in the past that the bright orange he chose for the last interior wasn't good. So I'll be looking into a lot of different color schemes to come up with one that would be perfect for the shop.

Are things getting any more exciting in London. I do really hope this fog clears up soon!

Sincerely,
Miss Adlard

  

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BEE-utiful Set!