19.
IN WHICH MORE EXPLANATIONS
ARRIVE THAN WERE
STRICTLY ANTICIPATED

Correspondence (from the past)

22nd Aug, 1893

Fiancée mine (now THIS endearment looks as good as it sounds!!) –

I know we said you were coming this Friday – can we push it back a week? Something’s happened – Sept needs to stay here for a bit. Also – I know this is probably a stupid question, but – any chance you’ve got a spare bottle of Nettleblack’s?

*

25th August 1893

Of course. Tincture enclosed. If our extensive advertising is to be believed, it should work wonders for all painful, nervous and drugbaffling cases. All my (anonymous) good wishes to your sister.

This coming month will be the first September in years that has not been swallowed up with preparations for Henrietta’s return to Girton. I fear the endeavour was not as successful as I would have hoped. But it is no matter – I can at last begin finding her opportunities a little closer to home.

*

28th Aug, 1893

Thank absolutely everything – Sept’s on the mend and back at work. Obviously I wasn’t worried. Well – I was worried – she was in a bad way – and she didn’t even want the Div to know. I don’t know what she’s told them – if she’s told them anything at all. But I didn’t seriously think they’d dismiss her. And she seems to be getting better now. I hope.

Also – more news. You know I’ve got that costume thing going with the Dallyangle Theatre – well, they gave me an advert today. Pirates of Penzance – coming to Dallyangle this autumn – and they want more chorus. The fact I’d be able to fix any costume chaos will count in my favour – and – auditions this week.

…would it scupper everything if I…?

*

1st September 1893

Of course you must audition! If your sister can have the career of her dreams, why should you not seek out the same? We will be waiting at least a few months before there is any movement on the Henrietta front anyway.

Best of luck, my dearest. I greatly look forward to hearing of your inevitable success.

*

22nd Sept, 1893

!!!!!

I… am a pirate CHORUS! I AM! HURRAH FOR THE PIRATE CHORUS!!!

*

18th October 1893

I have booked a box. I have it until at least the eighteenth of November, so I can assure you I will be in attendance as much as I can get away with. Starting tonight.

*

The same, in haste

I love you. I’m singing it for you, you know that?