1 March 1892

Dear Verity,

I hope you're well, and that you're finding married life everything you expected it would be. I wonder if two months is long enough to consider yourself settled, or whether it all still feels new? Particularly, whether you feel yourself settled enough to host dinner parties?

Much as I miss you and would enjoy seeing you across the dinner table again, I'll be transparent: I do have an agenda in writing. Grace seems to have caught the attention of Mr. August Echelon-Arnost, and given that his professional circle overlaps with your husband's I thought perhaps we might scheme to have him and Grace attend a dinner party together? He called recently and I've been scratching my head trying to figure out how to get the pair of them together without involving Mama. I'm sure you can appreciate what a boost it would be to Grace's confidence to go into the season with at least one firm prospect. Please let me know what you think.

With love,
Ford

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Verity Swann Melody Crouch

  

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Set by Lady!

Unsent:

March 2, 1892

 

Dear Ford,

Grace and Mr. August Echelon-Arnost. You're joking, right? He would be a fool to consider her a suitable -

Unsent:

March 2, 1892

 

Dear Ford,

The first letter in two months and you're asking for us to host a dinner party. How kind.

After several other not pleasant letters, Verity set it aside and left it until she could revisit it more calmly.

March 5, 1892

 

Dear Ford,

Married life is exactly what you would expect. I don't know if I would go as far to say I'm fully settled, as we've still yet to find a suitable lady's maid for me, but it's certainly not new anymore.

To answer your question, I don't feel confident enough in my chef yet to host a dinner party. And, truthfully, I was hoping our first one would be once the Season began. I'm sure you could find a way to convince Mama to be on her best behavior, especially considering he might be Grace's only prospect. However surprising of a choice he may be.

Mama says you're working many hours lately. I hope your office is treating you well.

Your Sister,
Verity

  

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set by mj

6 March 1892

Dear Verity,

That's a shame, about your cook. If you're running into any particular trouble finding good staff I'm sure Mama has an abundance of advice and opinions she'd be all too willing to offer. Maybe you could bring it up over dinner here — of course you know you're always welcome, with or without your husband. It would be good to see you again.

Your brother,
Ford

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He thought through a dozen different ways to respond to the snide comment about Grace's prospects, but didn't commit any of them to paper.

  

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Set by Lady!

March 7, 1892

 

Dear Ford,

Mama has provided me with her many opinions on staff during our visits, but I appreciate the suggestion. I'll check Everett's schedule and respond with a suitable date for dinner. He has an upcoming trial that's taking up much of his time.

Your Sister,
Verity

  

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set by mj