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Cordie Howlett · April 30, 2025 – 6:36 PM

April 30th, 1895 — Elsie Kirke's Home; South Bartonburg

Cordie would adjust her bonnet, the stiff silk pressing against her temple. A faint scent of lavender and something subtly sweet, like sugared almonds, would drift out, promising delightful respite from the air in the southern part of Bartonburg. She would initially feel a prickle of anticipation, a mix of curiosity, and a touch of apprehension.

The air became thick with the scent of coal smoke and tea brewing as Cordie approached the Kirke residence. Cordie would clutch her embroidered handkerchief, feeling more anticipation than ever. The rhythmic tapping of Cordie's shoes on the floor clicked softly; this would become the prelude to the conversation that was yet to come.

Elsie Kirke · May 4, 2025 – 6:25 PM

Elsie had rushed around this morning trying to make sure the house was some sort of presentable for some company. Mrs. Robinson was always so good at keep the majority of the house neat and tidy, but there were three children in the home, two who were very mobile and there always seemed to be toys everywhere. Els didn't mind, she enjoyed that her home felt lived in, but she didn't want anyone to think she was letting it go by the wayside while she continued to work part time.

Bentley was off with Zelda today, he and Orion having a little play time was good for them both. Plus the weather at the Sanditon was lovely and Elsie knew that her son would come home exhausted, which was really the goal. Maisie was having an Auntie Afternoon with Adella and that just left a napping Marley in the nursery. It was rare that Elsie planned to pawn her children off on her friends and family, but everyone always seemed so willing that it was hard to say no. Mostly she was thankful for their involvement and that her children were so loved by everyone around them.

With that decided, she was waiting for Cordie in the parlor when Mrs. Robinson showed her in. Tea and refreshments were all ready on the cart and Elsie stood to greet her friend with a wide smile. "Hello Mrs. Howlett." She chuckled goodnaturedly.

The following 1 user Likes Elsie Kirke's post:
Cordie Howlett

MJ always makes her so pretty

Cordie Howlett · June 1, 2025 – 1:41 AM

Cordie would chuckle, her laughter being a melodious sound that danced through the room. "Hello, Mrs. Kirke," she responded with a light smile. "I appreciate the invite to your lovely home. May I come in?"

Cordie never really got around to going out too much. She was, however, happy that it played out. After all, she truly needed this time with some good company.

Elsie Kirke

Elsie Kirke · June 4, 2025 – 1:16 AM

"Of course, please." Elsie motioned for Cordie to have a seat wherever she liked while she returned to her favorite reading chair. The parlor felt more like a play room than anything else these days, but Els spent far more time entertaining her children than guests. Still, she had managed to tuck everything away, thanks to the beautiful toy chest her father had given Bentley on his first birthday. It was charmed to expand magically on the inside and therefore held just about anything they could think to put in there.

Elsie poured two cups of tea and let Cordie fix hers however she liked. She added a touch of honey to hers and sat back in her chair. "How does it feel, being married finally?" Cordie's engagement had been a long one, but compared to her own non-existent time spent as a fiancée, Elsie supposed it would feel like to her. Her own sister had spent a reasonable amount of time engaged to Mr. Calendar and they were has happy as they could be. Everybody did things in their own (obviously more proper) time.

MJ always makes her so pretty

Cordie Howlett · June 18, 2025 – 1:17 AM

The corners of Cordie's lips would curl into a soft smile. The memory of her long courtship/engagement with her now-husband, Salvatore Howlett, would flood her thoughts. Their engagement had spanned for a little over a year before they tied the knot.

A soft blush bloomed over her cheeks, "It feels as though I have stepped into a dream. Every day, I would awake to find it even more splendid than the last." Cordie would feel her heart swell with affection, her cheeks now flushing with warmth.

Elsie Kirke

Salvatore Howlett (for mentioning purposes)

Elsie Kirke · June 24, 2025 – 5:05 PM

Elsie remembered her first days of marriage fondly, though they hadn't been quite so idyllic as Cordie was describing. There was something comforting, something special about finally having the ability to just be around your spouse with nobody watching or expecting anything. It was when everything started to feel real, for Elsie at least.

"I remember the feeling." Of course Cordie's honeymoon phase would probably last a little longer, there were no shadows of elopements or secret pregnancies hanging over her friend's marriage like there had been for hers. Things settled eventually though and would for the Howletts as well. "Did you enjoy traveling for your honeymoon?" That was her only big regret; they hadn't had the opportunity or the finances to take the time to themselves.

MJ always makes her so pretty

Cordie Howlett · July 6, 2025 – 6:33 AM

Cordie would give a delicate smile, "It was quite enchanting, thank you for asking. I quite enjoyed being able to simply be with him, you know? It was a nice way of being able to get away for a bit." She was grateful for the honeymoon, to say the least. At the same time, Cordie was just happy to be back at home.

Elsie Kirke

Elsie Kirke · July 8, 2025 – 8:52 PM

"I can imagine, where did you go?" Elsie preferred to mostly keep her adventures to novels these days, but it would have been nice to see another part of the world with Tyb. She would never set foot on a ship again, so they wouldn't have been able to go far, unless by magical means, but even Paris or Italy would have been nice.

It was easy to understand the part about simply being with one's spouse and nobody else. Especially at the unhurried pace of a honeymoon. She and Tyb had known one another for so long, had been friends for so long that she really wouldn't rather spend time with anyone else now (children aside).

MJ always makes her so pretty

Cordie Howlett · August 3, 2025 – 3:52 AM

"Sal and I... we didn't go too far for our honeymoon. We were able to stay at a little cottage on the lake. It's not far from where his parents live."

Cordie paused, letting the memory of the honeymoon that she shared with her now-husband wash over her. "In all honesty? It was perfect. Just enjoying the breathtaking view of the water and knowing that this was it; this is our life now. I wouldn't have traded this for all of the castles in the world."

Elsie Kirke

Salvatore Howlett (for mentioning purposes only)

Elsie Kirke · August 5, 2025 – 10:46 PM

It was clear on Cordie's face that it had gone well, so Els smiled softly. "I'm glad you enjoyed it. The rest is just beginning." Which could look different for everyone, but she assumed that the Howletts would likely want to start a family soon. Mr. Howlett had a good job and Cordie had until recently, so they must have been in a good place. "Are you still working?" It was a curious thing; women weren't supposed to keep working once they married, especially once children came along, but Els simply couldn't give it up. The library was as much as part of her as anything else and when she was able to stick to it part time or full time, she was a better human for it. Still, she could easily understand why most women chose to take care of children and the home instead. That too, was a lot of work.

MJ always makes her so pretty

Cordie Howlett · September 6, 2025 – 2:12 PM

Cordie couldn't help but nod, smiling softly at her friend. The feel of being back was nice after a long break. When asked if she was still working, she shook her head.

"No," Cordie said in an honest voice. "I stopped working at Hogwarts after the wedding ceremony. As much as I miss working at Hogwarts, I'm ready to embark on this chapter."

Elsie Kirke · September 14, 2025 – 5:13 PM

It was the expected answer. Elsie knew that it was what most women in her position would do, but Elsie was far too fond of her career to give it up. She needed it for her sanity. Just a few hours out of the house doing something she loved.

"It's exciting," as it should be. In a marriage built on mutual affection or understanding that was a good place to begin the next chapter of life. Most women dreamed of this sort of situation and Elsie was glad that Cordie was enjoying herself. "I'm sure once children come along it'll feel a little like Hogwarts." With three of her own now, she felt like there was constantly something to be on the lookout for, not entirely unlike teaching.

MJ always makes her so pretty

Cordie Howlett · October 5, 2025 – 4:03 AM

Cordie gave Elsie a little nod, "I'm sure it will be." Her eyes would scan her surroundings, familiarizing herself with where she was. "What have you been up to? Anything exciting?" she asked, interested in what her friend as been up to.

Elsie Kirke · October 12, 2025 – 10:40 PM

"Oh nothing too exciting, though having three children under four is never boring." It was good Marley wasn't on the go yet. Once she was up and moving, it would be all over. Elsie couldn't believe that Maisie would soon be two. She and Tyb liked to joke that Hogwarts was a long way off, but the years felt like they were flying by. Ben would be four this year! "I'll start back at the library soon." She usually gave everything a good six months after the arrival of a baby to get back into the swing and therefore feel comfortable going back to work for her half days. Elsie was forever grateful for Mr. Ainsworth's flexibility between her home and work life. If he wasn't so generous, she wouldn't have the library to fall back on at all. "Lots of running around and chasing two toddlers is enough most of the time." She joked.

MJ always makes her so pretty

Cordie Howlett · November 2, 2025 – 9:21 AM

Cordie nodded along to what Elsie had been saying, a slight smile appearing on her face. "Ah, how exciting. I do not doubt that you'll do well upon your return," she shared. Cordie would lightly giggle at Elsie's joke, "I see."

Elsie Kirke · November 5, 2025 – 2:18 AM

"I look forward to it each time," the library was her best reprieve, she wasn't sure who she would be without it. "I love being a mother of course, but I have always enjoyed my occupation, I don't think I could ever leave it fully unless necessary." If she wasn't allowed the flexibility she had now it would certainly be tough. Thankfully Tyb was on board and they had such a wonderful nanny and housekeeper, which also helped.

"How will you fill your days in the meantime?" Running a bigger household would certainly make a difference. There wasn't too much Els needed to handle at home that Mrs. Robinson couldn't take care of, but they lived pretty simply, well within their means thanks to Tyb's promotion. She rarely found her days lacking in things to do, but relished in the quiet moments she was able to catch here and there for her own enjoyment. Cordie had some time now to choose how to spend her free time and that was a delightful thing.

MJ always makes her so pretty

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