Lord Dysmas,



Fear not, I am content with less yet I wishing for more. The space between your letters is quite understandable. You flatter me by admitting I am interesting enough that you would never be too busy to write too. I concur though and admit I feel the same towards your letters.



My mother is now convincing visitors of the manor that former mistress of the manor was a bit eccentric and decorated the house to fit her tastes. And in turn, she can ask them which colors they believe it should be repainted too. You would be positively surprised at how many have liked the odd placement of cat paw paintings. Perhaps it shall be a new trend?



You do not have to have a talent for a hobby to find it interesting. I am afraid, a great many of my hobbies have made me a bit of an expert in those regards. Please, do not think any less of me for admitting this but really when I said Interior Decorating what I really meant was simply moving furniture from one side of the room to the other. Unfortunately, it resulted in a minor injury several days ago after I dropped the drawer of my desk upon my foot. I must say, I never figured interior decorating to be hazardous to one’s health, but it is.



Your cliff sounds wonderful. It almost makes me wish to sail away to Athenia and see this cliff. I admit, your letters go with me often too. I find a bit of comfort and courage in your words that others do not always instill with theirs.



A fight. In the Senate of Athenia? That is… exciting. Wait, you have neither a black eye nor a broken nose now do you? Is it very wicked of me to admit that I find the behavior fascinating as well… even more so with the idea that it was Athenian men. The Taengean senate I could understand, remember… wine, women, and horses. If you throw in politics as well, it’s far more understandable to believe it a common occurrence in Taengea.



Linos is a scholar you say with a passion for philosophy. And is he as handsome and charming as you too or is that just your crutch to bear in life? And is he single? I mean, I, of course, have quite a few cousins to think about and one or two of them would be quite taken with the romantic notions of a philosopher. Personally, every one of them I’ve ever met makes me feel as if they are trying to talk over my head. It’s quite patronizing really.



My family is well, Tino sends his regards. How is your family? Are they well?



Affectionately,

Lady E