July 12th
Phyri,
You don't really think it's possible that someone could be trying to impersonate me purposefully? What a perfectly horrid thought! Just imagine the sorts of things they might do which could utterly ruin me! Put in that light being seen with a man at the Hog's Head could be only the first step in a path of spiraling rumors which could see me become a laughing stock in the face of all civilized and polite society — and then I should be forced to become a shut-in in Ireland in order to avoid them, and spend all my time with the elder Mr. Devine & his wife (whom I will confess I am not getting on with as amiably as I had hoped; but you must remember that I have not had the trouble of dealing with parents for many years, and even before then my father was so different a creature than Armando or Mr. Devine or even your father that I had no experience in ... appropriate daughterly deference, I suppose. You may think me more charming generally speaking but perhaps you might be better suited to the task of maintaining peace between us).
I can't imagine when anyone would have stolen off with a piece of my hair, since my employment at the magazine was always conducted via post — unless a stray bit of hair found itself in the fold of an envelope? Or unless Mrs. Ventus took a bit when we first met and made the arrangements — but I can't imagine she would have had such designs against me then. Of course, if she made designs since my leaving the magazine it would be quite easily managed if she had access to the servants at Armando's house, wouldn't it? The maids who packed my things before I left for my wedding could have gotten a bit of hair off of anything!
Surely this sort of thing must be illegal, though, wouldn't you think? Suppose I contacted the Ministry — or a solicitor — do you think anyone could do anything about it, or would they only laugh the matter off until I am on trial for murder some day?
Ophelia
You don't really think it's possible that someone could be trying to impersonate me purposefully? What a perfectly horrid thought! Just imagine the sorts of things they might do which could utterly ruin me! Put in that light being seen with a man at the Hog's Head could be only the first step in a path of spiraling rumors which could see me become a laughing stock in the face of all civilized and polite society — and then I should be forced to become a shut-in in Ireland in order to avoid them, and spend all my time with the elder Mr. Devine & his wife (whom I will confess I am not getting on with as amiably as I had hoped; but you must remember that I have not had the trouble of dealing with parents for many years, and even before then my father was so different a creature than Armando or Mr. Devine or even your father that I had no experience in ... appropriate daughterly deference, I suppose. You may think me more charming generally speaking but perhaps you might be better suited to the task of maintaining peace between us).
I can't imagine when anyone would have stolen off with a piece of my hair, since my employment at the magazine was always conducted via post — unless a stray bit of hair found itself in the fold of an envelope? Or unless Mrs. Ventus took a bit when we first met and made the arrangements — but I can't imagine she would have had such designs against me then. Of course, if she made designs since my leaving the magazine it would be quite easily managed if she had access to the servants at Armando's house, wouldn't it? The maids who packed my things before I left for my wedding could have gotten a bit of hair off of anything!
Surely this sort of thing must be illegal, though, wouldn't you think? Suppose I contacted the Ministry — or a solicitor — do you think anyone could do anything about it, or would they only laugh the matter off until I am on trial for murder some day?