Darling Reginald,

I find Italy so stifling this time of year. Won't you come for a visit and leave what you so adore behind just for me, this once?

Darling, I'm jealous of all the fun you've been having. I miss your stories, your smiles, your time. Why must I share with another?

Yours,
Sabine

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Reginald Alderton

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© Fox

1 March 1895
Sabine Valenduris

Sabine,

It has been dreary and cold here, so if you tell me Italy has the tiniest bit of sunshine right now, I will be on my way over. Work is work - there isn't much to report on at the moment, so I'm sure I could slip away for a few days. Is Malbec invited?

Felix sends his love. (Not that he's home right now, but I'm sure he would say it.)

Yours,
Reg

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Darling Reginald,

Must you mention the object of my jealousy so brazenly? How unfriendly of you.

I suppose an extended invitation to our precious foot-fellow can be offered. Though if he goes back with you or stays here is yet for debate.

Yours,
Sabine

P.S.
Please tell Mr. Prewitt I wish to see nothing of himif he does not deign to share you with me more often.

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Reginald Alderton

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   Reginald Alderton

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© Fox

5 March 1895
Sabine Valenduris

My Dearest Sabine,

How remiss of me to speak so freely about Malbec. He'd quite smug about your envy, I'm afraid, and now insists on sleeping with one paw draped across my chest. You know he likes to be the center of my attention, and well, he's so damn cute that I can't help but to smother him with most of my affection. We have matching outfits for the first ball of the Season, although I'm afraid he's not allowed to attend.

We will both make the journey, although if you refuse to allow him to return then I just simply have to stay too. How dreadful for you. I've heard that there is good marrow bones near you, so perhaps you can win Malbec's affection by stocking up on those. He has expensive taste, although not nearly as bad as Merlin.

I will relay your message, but I suspect we might visit together, later on in the summer. Who knows, maybe Felix will want to move as well.

Affectionately,
Reg

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Darling Reginald,

You tease and grate against my jealousy on purpose you dreadful man. I'm sure Malbec is not quite so spiteful as you make him out to be, else I'd have long since endeavored to stake a sharper claim on you. However-- I will make every effort to have only the best marrow bones for him if he entreats to play nice.

Send Prewett my love and beg 100 pardons that I cannot host him as long as I'd have liked.

Yours,
Sabine

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Reginald Alderton

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© Fox

8 March 1895
Sabine Valenduris

Beans,

You do love to accuse me, don’t you? I’d protest, but it’s too fun riling you up. And don’t let Malbec fool you, as he is very spiteful. He sulked for an hour after I refused him the roast off my own plate, then went and then I swear he sulked by the window with all the mournful dignity of a widowed baron since I read your letter aloud. He’s clearly waiting on your promised marrow bones and doesn't like that we are not leaving right this minute.

I've heard Venice is throwing an art exhibition in April—something grand and visionary.... Venice Biennale I believe? I would like to go, so perhaps that would be a good time to arrange a visit. Keep your calendar open.

Yours,
Reg

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Dearest Reginald,

Our poor dear Malbec knows what’s best for him, even if he hasn’t the means to acquire it. I shall save the best of that which I have promised for him and send along an ingenious little trinket we found in the market today. Cassian swears it is merely an old stirrup leather but I promise it is not. In fact, the woman from whom we purchased it claims that it is the best chew for a dog as indulged as Malbec because it does not hurt their teeth and rather cleans them instead! And, supposedly, it has been enchanted to taste of liver though I did not endeavor to test that claim. (Just be careful he does not ingest it. I cannot say what magic might do in one’s interior.)

As for your idea, it is marvelous! I have already begun arranging a plan! I will send the details once I have cleared some things on my end and look forward to seeing you soon my dear!

Yours affectionately,
Sabine

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Reginald Alderton

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   Gus Lissington

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© Fox

15 March 1895
Sabine Valenduris

Sabine,

You really do spoil him. Malbec is completely obsessed with that not-a-stirrup-leather, although I agree with your brother that it at least looks like one. He’s been parading it around the flat like it’s some prized trophy and won’t let it out of his sight. I haven’t seen him this thrilled since the Christmas you gave him that ridiculous feathered pheasant—remember that? It lasted all of three minutes, and I felt terrible about the mess Malbec made. Who's house were we at? I can't quite remember, not that it matters because it was so long ago. This thing, though, is clearly the love of his life.

I didn’t test the liver enchantment either (thank you for the warning), but judging by his face when he’s chewing on it, I’d say the spell’s working just fine.

I’ve already cleared my weekend, so just ensure that your family approves of my visit! I will arrange ticket, with a few extras in case there are others who want to go.

Yours,
Reg

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Dear Reginald,

I do remember! Merlin, what a mess of a holiday it was. That had to have been at Lady Chairmonte’s estate in Verona… I remember the cupids quite vividly and can promise you, I have yet to meet another who uses such cherubs as normal, every day decor. Poor Malbec dear; he was so rudely blamed when in reality it was our fault, I gather. For giving him such a splendid toy unsupervised! I am happy to hear this newest addition to his collection is much better received and not nearly as messy.

My family is quite thrilled to have you both, I can assure, but as you insist upon bringing bi-pedal leeches friends, I have spoken to Cassian about arranging a proper house party and can confirm we’ve a guest list of about twelve. Please let me know at your earliest how many ladies and gentlemen we are to expect from your side so that I can impress Mama by having a suitable table.

Now, formalities aside, I endeavor to gossip with you for just a moment.

Do you remember my darling friend Vincent Iago? He entertained/chaperoned for me at a few of the society events in Britain that Cassian could not attend our last season there. And do you remember how, all throughout my childhood surely, if not Cassian’s own, the two were practically inseparable? (I know you’re just now shaking your head but I promise, Reginald, you know him too if you just remember.)

Anyhow— I find it quite strange that such a guest be absent from our usual list. And not just this upcoming, but all as of late. In fact, I have not heard Vince mentioned for over a month now. Perhaps longer if I really cared to dwell on it. I hesitate to bring it up to Cassian again for, having found it quite usual to expect such a one, I had included his name on my own draft and Cassian was very short with me about removing it. Do we not find this odd? I must admit, it has been sitting with me most unpleasantly as of late.

I shall see you soon, my dear.

Yours affectionately,
Sabine

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Reginald Alderton

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© Fox

25 March 1895
Sabine Valenduris

Sabine,

I will let you know how many guests once I know.

Now, to the good stuff.

Vincent Iago.

I can’t say the name rings a bell, but I do remember Cassian having someone around on occasion when I was over. He was quiet and if memory serves correctly, they were as thick as thieves. Did they drift apart due to society? Or perhaps they had a fight over something that was enough to end their friendship? Did he leave England for something that wasn’t shared, outside of maybe just between them?

I am sure there are many reasons why Cassian didn’t want to include him on the guest list. We both know that sometimes Cassian would rather chew off a limb than discuss things with you. (Especially ones that might worry or upset you.) You know how he gets – tight-lipped and righteous when his pride’s been bruised.

Would you like me to politely ask around to see if people have seen Iago around?

Yours,
Reg

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Reginald,

No, please don’t! More following.

Sabine

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Darling Reg,

While I appreciate your concern for my inquiry, I’ve always found it best to stay out of my brother’s business when it comes to Vince Mr. Iago. There was an unfortunate argument once many years ago between us and I’ve since learned to keep my peace in the matter. He’s just such a dear part of our lives, I find it strange is all. And disheartening. If anything more develops however I shall be sure to keep you appraised.

Only a few short days now until I see you!

Give Malbec a kiss for me.

Yours,
Sabine

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Reginald Alderton

  

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© Fox