March 4, 1892

Dear Maddie,
Oh Maddie, have you heard the most recent news? They are talking about Phillip and myself! It feels far worse, knowing that they are not even listing either of us as individuals. Only basing us off of half-breed prejudice before anything else. I am incredibly worried about what it is that we could do. I hate to put anyone on the spot like this, but would you happen to have the time to send in a testimony to my character? This is a time as to when I should be picking dates and sending out invitations to my wedding - to which, of course you are invited - and yet I must ask that my dear friends send word of me as a person. I would not judge you in the least if you do not have the time to spare, and please know that I am incredibly grateful either way.

In other news, how are things going with the new shop? I do hope to visit when I have some time off. But between the wedding planning - which has now been halted - the trial, and work, it's all been so much. I must confess, I'm not sure if I will be able to keep a job on top of everything else. And if the marriage does happen, perhaps it is for the best. I will be so busy adjusting to a whole new lifestyle. Perhaps I could help out in your store from time to time? Or do you think that would just cause unnecessary commotion with my new position? Oh, my head is spinning. I am sorry, I am certainly rambling. I hope you are well, truly.

Sincerely and Gratefully,
Acacia

Madeleine Backus

  

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Magic by Elaine!

Dear Acacia,

Such wonderful news on the engagement and I am sure they will get all of this squared away long before the wedding day! and I am so excited for you! I hope (and indeed I am sure) that your beloved, deserves all of your loyalty and love.

As to the statement - I will of course write on your behalf. I cannot imagine how my opinion might help but the least I can do is attest to what I know of your heart. I would also imagine that a future baroness will be much too busy to hold down a job, but for the moment at least I would say your job is a good thing! It is proof of your caring nature!

Perhaps we might have tea in the next week or so, before the trial gets too hectic.

Love
Maddie

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March 4, 1892

Dear Maddie,
You are a darling angel, and I am truly grateful for your assistance in this matter. My fiancé is a kind man with a gentle heart. He was ever so upset when he got the letter from the Ministry, but I am grateful to say that it never once felt as though that anger was towards me. It truly shows what is in a man's heart when you know how he behaves when upset.

Compared to complete strangers with whatever views on half-breeds that their parents and other unrelated influences have taught them to believe, I should hope that a character reference from someone who knows me will help a great deal. I have been writing to several people who know me - though are not related to me, as I try to keep away from too much conflict of interest - in the hopes that enough informed insight into the matter would be enough to move anyone to see that this trial is merely a waste of time and Ministry resources. Of course, I do not mean to put any specific notion into your mind as to what you should say. This should be entirely your view, not my own. Perhaps your views are different from my own, and I have no right to judge you if so.

Of course, you are correct as to where the career is concerned. Perhaps it would be best to hand in my notice two weeks or so before the wedding. That is a fair time of notice. But it does break my heart to think of leaving the hospital. I am sure, however, that my heart will be lit anew through my marriage and any children. Oh goodness, one thing I always wished for in marriage was to have children of my own. Do you ever wish to marry or have children? Goodness, I'm sure you have told me your views already, but my mind is reeling so much that I seem to be questioning everything around me.

Tea next week sounds delightful. I must apologize again for the long letter. I hope you look at it fondly, rather than as a chore to read. Of course, I wish you my best and look forward to tea soon. Would you like it in a tearoom, or in my family's parlor? Father surely will be more than happy to welcome company into our home. Would you like my sisters to be there, or for it to be just between us? I must hear all about your new business. Perhaps I can paint some murals on the walls, as a new spark for a new beginning. I could design something during the quiet moments of my honeymoon, if you wouldn't mind waiting for a finished draft. That is, if you are open to a mural. I am getting ahead of myself again, I do apologize. It is your business after all. This is just such an exciting prospect, and such a positive note, compared to that of a trial.

Sincerely and Gratefully,
Acacia

  

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Magic by Elaine!

Dear Acacia,

I have sent a letter to the ministry recounting our friendship and all I know of you. I'm sure they will listen! minister Ross is a reasonable and sensible man and I'm sure common sense and reasonableness will prevail. Of course if they wish to call witnesses and cross examine people in person I am more than happy to oblige - or indeed on the day of the hearing if you need support I would be happy to oblige. Especially now that I am an upstanding business owner.

I can admit to be incredibly envious of you, a matter of the heart is all I now feel is missing from my life, and while I would not dare to dream so high as a Baron - but if there is anyone you might think of in need of a wife, please feel free to introduce us! I joke of course! -well sort of!

You might come visit the paddock this week, I take receipt of my first Abraxan's this week, 2 beautiful mares, one already pregnant and a stallion. I also say farewell to my little unicorn foal. It might be nice for you to see him before he departs for the forest herd. The time with him has gone so quickly, we could flu to a more sedate tea afterwards if that would suit?

Affectionately
Maddie

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March 7, 1892

Dear Maddie,
Thank you so much! I do have to remember that Minister Ross is likely to be there. I do have faith that he is a reasonable man, as you say. Given that I am not allowed at the trial, I doubt they will call to witness any young ladies. Perhaps we can wait at my home while the trial occurs, if you are not too busy on March 29th?

I would be more than happy to introduce you to any respectable young man, once I am married. Oh, I do wish that I had an older brother, with any luck, we could have been sisters-in-law! Oh, I do believe I have a cousin or two, should you be interested?

That would be perfect! Are you free tomorrow?

Sincerely and Gratefully,
Acacia

  

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Magic by Elaine!

Dear ACacia,

Tomorrow is perfect, you can tell me more about these cousins of yours!

You can count on me for the 29th. I shall bring some baked treats and we can make the time go quickly and you wont even have time to worry about the outcome. I've asked My father, mother, Herb and Maggie to all write as well, hopefully, the sheer volume of letters will do the trick.

Papa said he heard in the shop that lots of people have written, - he didn't say the tone of those letters but it seems like plenty of people have engaged with your plight.

we can talk more tomorrow.

Love
Maddie

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