January 2, 1890

Dearest Maggie,

I hope this letter finds you well, it is the least I can wish for having been remiss in our friendship these past few months. I hope what I am about to share with you will incline you toward forgiveness for my silence since September.

I admit I was hesitant to write in case I broke the spell of good fortune I felt in the events I am about to unfold for you. The nature of these were so dear to me that I could bring myself to do anything which might have jeopardized them, but as things are settled now I can finally share my joy. My actions my strike you as rash and perhaps improper, but I assure you that they have given me the greatest happiness. As you are well acquainted with my past I hope you will understand why I did what I did.

As you know I spent most of the summer in London, for reasons I am sure you will remember. Father was puzzled by these actions, but the comfort of having Mr. SD so nearby was enough for me to brave such a location. These plans had been laid out, but I admit that I was spontaneous in the next of my actions. SD and I left for the Americas in September telling nary a soul. I wrote to father about it, although I can not say if such rumors leaked out or not. SD was a complete gentleman the entirety of the voyage and as such my virtue remained intact. However, a day before we made port SD proposed to me. I am sure I do not need to tell you what my answer was.

The Delaney family received me very kindly, however, Mrs. Delaney wished to press for an early marriage, setting the date for the new year. SD had not spoken to father and I sent another letter laying out the situation. Please know that I was not so rash as to have eloped. I can scare believe what rumors might be floating about my present situation back home.

I am happy to write that as of yesterday morning I am now Mrs. Shawn Delaney. I have written my father to share the good news as well, but I wished for you to hear of this from myself.

Please do forgive my silence these past few months.

Your friend always,
Nimiane

  

January 15th, 1890

Dear Nimmie,

Oh, my! Congratulations! Such wonderful news indeed. Was it a lavish ceremony? How do Americans celebrate weddings? Are you touring the states as a honeymoon? Your news has brightened my day considerably. I wish you both all the best.

I wish I could return your letter with happy news of my own. Unfortunately, I cannot. Edmund passed away on December 19th. There was some kerfuffle at the Ministry and he didn't return home. There's much secrecy surrounding what happened. Not even the papers are permitted to report about it.

Oliver is furious that his father is gone. I'm quite at a loss with how to soothe him. He has outright refused to speak with me this week. It's a horrible mess. Thankfully, Tori has come to stay with us indefinitely. Her presence has been calming for the younger two. It's been such a relief.

Please, do not allow my news to taint your happiness. You are well aware of the struggles Edmund and I faced. Despite what the children feel, I don't miss him. We will be quite alright once the shock wears off. I simply did not wish for you to find out from anyone but myself.

Yours Truly,
Maggie

  

January 21, 1890

Dearest Maggie,

It seems wrong to write of such happy tidings when yours are full of woe. I know that you and Edmund had your differences, but I can hardly imagine that has lessened the sorrow and difficulty of such a situation. I implore you to let me know if there is some way I might be able to help. Ask anything, dear friend, and I shall oblige.

Does the Ministry not even enlightened you to the circumstances of his demise? There must be little respite for you in this knowledge. Is there no news they could even share that might comfort the children? Perhaps such a thing might provide solace to them?

For your sake I shall include the answers to your questions, in hopes that they might provide you with a small bit of happiness for a time.

I am given to understand that American and British weddings are quite the same. There are a few small differences in the matter of Church and religion, but I hardly noticed them. The event itself was a simple affair. A morning wedding and followed by a small luncheon at the Delaney home. I suspect the Delaneys wished to make it a bigger affair as they seem to be one of the leading families in Boston, however, for my sake it was kept small.

We had planned to take a honeymoon along the coastline of the Atlantic ocean, however, the weather and work did not cooperate with such plans. Shawn and I were only able to make it as far as Philadelphia before we had to return to Boston. I admit, that what I have seen of the American lands is quite beautiful, if different than Irvingly.

Shawn has begun to discuss returning to London this spring, but we have not yet set upon a date. There are some affairs to be taken care of here first.

Please write to me soon so I may know you are alright.

Yours,
Nimiane

  

January 30th, 1890

Dear Nimmie,

A small ceremony sounds perfectly fitting for you, my dear friend. I am glad your new family is accepting of your temperament and toned down their celebrations. They must be a loving sort and he must be a doting husband. Congratulations, again, I am so blissfully happy for you.

I shall cross my fingers and hope that you are able to see more of America before Spring. The tales I've heard make it seem so beautiful. I cannot wait to hear your stories upon your return.

Our ministry is keeping their cards close to their chest. Any detail that slips out is quickly forgotten and replaced with this dense, happy fog. It's quite peculiar. I went to collect Edmund's belongings this past week and found no obvious flaws within the halls. Sometimes I wonder if the story is all some ruse concocted by him to run off with his mistress. Had I not identified his remains such wonderings would likely be facts in my mind.

The children are settling in to their new reality somewhat. Oliver is still besides himself, he did always idolize his father so. Sebastian and Adelaide don't ask for him as often. They still miss him terribly, of course. Perhaps one day I'll have answers to give them.

I look forward to seeing you again this Spring. It will be a pleasure to be in your company once more. I trust you will keep me apprised of your arrangements? Where will you and Mr. Delaney live upon your return?

Yours Truly,
Maggie

  

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Beautiful set by MJ

February 5, 1890

Dearest Maggie,

From the tales my father always told of the Ministry, I am hardly surprised to hear that they remain tight lipped. They have never struck me as particularly forthcoming with information. How I hate that this has had such an ill affect on you. I doubt that Edmund would have abandoned his children in such a manner. No matter how bad things were, he did seem to love them.

The children are so young to suffer such a loss. I know it must be challenging for all of you. Do you think Oliver would be distracted with the thought of Hogwarts in the fall? I remember my own anticipation of my letter it seemed to be the best balm known to man. Even if I knew it wouldn't come, I waited anxiously every day for it.

The Delaneys have been the most accommodating family. I have found that I have taken to married life well, indeed, I almost feel more at home among my new family then I ever did with the Bellchants.

Shawn and I are set to sail in the beginning of March. We shall split our time between the cottage and the Delaney townhouse in London. Father has been kind enough to gift the cottage to us as a wedding present, and I admit that after a year of city life, I long for the quiet of Irvingly.

Yours,
Nimaine

  

February 12th, 1890

Dear Nimmie,

How kind of your father to gift you the cottage! I know you love the solitude it provides, and, selfishly, I'm happy to hear you will still have a residence so close to me. We will have to have tea upon your return.

I mention Hogwarts to him regularly — both because I cannot comprehend he is old enough to go and to excite him. He seems to be looking forward to it minimally as of yet. I'm hopeful he will brighten to the idea once his letter comes this summer. However, I do have to admit I'm a tad envious that he will be residing at the castle soon. There was something magical about my school years that I miss terribly.

Should this letter not reach you before you set sail, I wish you the best of luck Nimmie. Safe travels!

Yours Truly,
Maggie

  

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Beautiful set by MJ

February 20, 1890

Dearest Maggie,

Shawn has arranged for me to return on a ship, it is to leave in a few days. Sadly he has been detained by some family business and will not be able to travel with me. I had asked him if I should stay behind, but father wrote that he had been ill and Shawn wishes me to at least be on the right side of the sea for his sake.

Perhaps it is a blessing that I was never able to attend, for I have no memories to miss of the such a place. I always did long to be there though, I am sure when he gets his letter his excitement will hardly be contained.

I shall look forward to tea with you on my return.

Yours,
Nimiane