29th August, 1889

Mother,

I met her today—properly, that is. While I had been previously acquainted with Mrs. Riley, I had given her no more thought than the earth beneath my feet until Father's announcement. Please do not accuse me of flattery when I say that Calliope Riley does not even come close to living up to the spectre of you in our household, let alone your presence there.

The only compliment I might pay her is that she does know how these things are done—that, is, she spoke nothing of consequence in her words, but a great deal in the meaning behind them. I do believe I came out ahead in our exchange, though I confess her inquiry into my relationship with you—yes, she was so bold!—did catch me off-guard.

Father's tastes appear to ebb with each new match. I cannot help but hope this one meets as swift an end as her predecessor.

With affection,

B

— Ama Zabini —

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— graphics by MJ ♥ —

31st August, 1889

Bumblebee,

You are prudent to go into these early exchanges with open eyes and an analytical mind. The relationship between a girl and her father's flame is a complicated one, after all, because it is not a situation God ever intended.

But these things can become simpler. If young Miss Riley is the type to prefer riddles to sincerity, it may be on you to open a more honest line of communication. One cannot help but think Miss Riley might be happier, too, if she knows it is silly to try and mother you.

Apropos of nothing, dear, my lovely Saint Bernard looks like she might be pregnant. Might you consider taking one of the puppies? Now hear me out: you are becoming more independent, and I would feel most comforted if I knew you had a loyal guardian at your heels. And a dog is ever so soft to hug, like a fashionable fur coat that wriggles.

Please consider it.

With all my love,
Mother

  

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3rd September, 1889

Mother,

It is not Miss Riley but Mrs. Riley—already widowed, with a trio of daughters to distract Father from his own flesh and blood. While she is preferable to a woman of my own age (only just), I still wonder at his scraping the bottom of one of the larger barells the world has seen.

As to your dog, a puppy does sound a delight in theory, but are Saint Bernards not quite large?

With affection,

B

— Ama Zabini —

  

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— graphics by MJ ♥ —

5th September, 1889

Bumblebee,

I understand your discomfort with the situation. It is never a jolly thing to feel like one's family is being diluted. But you know how much blood means to your father — I am confident he will put your needs before those of his step-children, my dear.

While you will be obligated to see Mrs Riley for the sake of harmony and to avoid whispers of discontent, when you are married — and it won't be long now! — you will be able to restrict your meetings to an absolute minimum if you wish. Take comfort in that!

Saint Bernards are large indeed — all the better to keep you safe. But my pregnant princess Eglantine is no bother at all — even with my tiny household, she is groomed and maintained for me. Though I will regularly take her on wanders and brush her cloudy coat. She is extraordinarily well-behaved, and her pups will be quite alike in that regard.

You have a fair two months to think on it, so you needn't decide just yet if you're unsure.

With all my love,
Mother

  

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