Prologue
Newspaper clipping sent to Miss Henrietta Wilding-Marsh, received 5 January 1841
3rd March, 1841 – Lecture series on the finer points of criminal law, featuring examples from recent cases. Prof. M. N. B. Childers, LL.M; Prof S. V. Marlowe, LL.M; Mr. E. S. Wickham, Esq, Barrister-at-Law; C. A. Hiddleson, LL.B.
No note included
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No reply
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Newspaper clipping sent to Miss Henrietta Wilding-Marsh, received 13 April 1841
5th May, 1841 – Lecture series on the Saksian Tort and its relation to Modern Law. Prof. K. H Trengove; C. A. Hiddleson, LL.B.
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No reply
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Newspaper clipping sent to Miss Henrietta Wilding-Marsh, received 5 July 1841
…this author was surprised to find himself impressed with the comments of Lord Christopher Hiddleston, LL.B. While the lecturer is young, his grasp on the nuances of prima facie determination and how, in some instances, to bring about the disproving of such evidence is extraordinary and could be termed groundbreaking. This author believes we will hear more from the young lord in years to come.
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Wisteria Cottage, Cambridge, 29 August 1841
Sir,
Cease sending these absurd news clippings. Why you should imagine I have any desire for knowledge of your whereabouts or circumstance, I cannot say. Indeed, the finest day of my life was your graduation day, when I knew you would soon be far from Cambridge and I should never have to see you again or endure your woeful and wholly incorrect arguments on points of law. Therefore, you can imagine my dismay when I opened our mail and discovered you thought it prudent to send news clippings articulating your circumstances, and then to receive another and another... I can assure you, sir, I am not interested.
I must conclude you are simple, if you can infer from the complete lack of response I am in the slightest interested in your career (if indeed it can be termed such). From these clippings, all I see is a man sadly chasing after fame and notoriety, as if either were a worthy goal to achieve.
I reiterate, sir. Cease your correspondence. I have better things to do.
I have the honour to remain,
Your servant,
Miss H. R. Wilding-Marsh
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Newspaper clipping sent to Miss Henrietta Wilding-Marsh, received 26 January 1842
…of interest is Lord Christopher Hiddleston, who has taken society by storm with his popular lecture series on Strange and Deliciously Scandalous legal cases. Many young ladies seem taken with the handsome Lord Christopher, and this author has heard many a whisper on his fine eyes and shockingly fiery hair, setting young hearts ablaze with passion… for the law.
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Wisteria Cottage, Cambridge, 27 February 1842
Sir,
I ask, again, that you cease this correspondence. While it is admirable you attempt to keep the newsheets in print, the amount of paper wasted is obscene.
Further, why have you included newsprint which has been defaced with the most turgid and overwrought prose I’ve had the misfortune to read written over every blank space available? I do not enjoy this Gothic romance craze and am offended you assume I do. I have corrected this offence to English literature and return to you for your edification. Note, in particular, the gaps in logic that beggar belief. It is a Gothic, it is true, but even a Gothic must adhere to common sense.
I have the honour to remain,
Your servant,
Miss H. R. Wilding-Marsh
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Newspaper clipping sent to Miss Henrietta Wilding-Marsh, received 4 June 1842
…the lecture itself was an irregular affair, with his lordship taking centre stage. Despite his youth, his lordship commanded a degree of knowledge on the subject, even if his views were highly inflammatory and dangerously speculative. This author found himself at times prone to disregard aspects of his lordship’s argument, which could be attributed to his youth but also to the sensational nature of his comments.
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Wisteria Cottage, Cambridge, 4 June 1842
Sir,
I cannot believe you would pervert the law with such vulgar and deliberately sensational lectures. What possesses you, to seek fame and notoriety through such measures?
Oh, but I shouldn’t question, should I? After all, it is you and you’ve always been contrary and prone to bluster. You never admired the law for its purity, for its incontrovertible truth. For you, it is merely a way to twist and dodge, until all that is left is a perversion of the intent. Nothing in your behaviour since Cambridge has changed my mind on this perception. Nothing ever will.
Cease this correspondence. Surely you are spending a fortune in postage?
I have the honour to remain,
Your servant,
Miss H. R. Wilding-Marsh
Postscript, Why do you continue to include these scribbles of prose? I find them beyond tedious. While the word use shows some grasp of the English language, the structure is trite and stale. Again, the author has breached logic, which I realise is an oxymoron for Gothic novels, but in the interests of consistency I have marked these clearly in my response.
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Newspaper clipping sent to Miss Henrietta Wilding-Marsh, received 15 November 1844
(highlighted section) Graduates: Lord C.A Hiddleston, LL.M.
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Wisteria Cottage, Cambridge, 27 December 1844
Sir,
Courtesy dictates I congratulate you on your recent graduation. A Master in Law is indeed an achievement. However, I must reiterate, yet again, that you cease this correspondence.
I have the honour to remain,
Your servant,
Miss H. R. Wilding-Marsh
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Newspaper clippings sent to Miss Henrietta Wilding-Marsh, received 12 March 1845
…it must be noted there were few dry eyes this morning when Lord C— H—, brother of a certain Earl H—, took to ship to voyage across the Channel. This author confesses to a sniffle or two when contemplating the notion we will not enjoy his presence at the balls and gatherings of this season. However, we Britons are a generous people, and we cannot keep such finery to ourselves. It is best Lord C— H— is unleashed upon the world, to bring his gentility and his wit to the Continent and the peoples contained within.
…a Gothic serial is causing a sensation. Though the Author remains Anonymous, the tale of the ingénue Minerva, the dastardly Orlando and the stalwart Benvuto has captured the imagination of all within Society. Each instalment is consumed eagerly, and the wait for the next is interminable. Will Minerva discover Orlando’s perfidy? That is the question on this author’s lips.
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Wisteria Cottage, Cambridge, 27 March 1845
Good God. The drivel they spout about you. I cannot— I fair— it boggles the mind. Truly. My mind is boggled.
I can only assume you don’t read my letters, as your articles continue. In fact, I am absolutely certain you won’t read this. After all, you’re probably swanning about the Continent beleaguering some other poor girl with your pathetic news clippings. And to prove such…Mrs. Appleby called me strange again yesterday. I don’t believe she meant to, but she is rather good at saying what she’s thinking and, yes, she thinks me strange. I suppose if I were a normal girl, I would want the things other girls do, to be married, to be a mother, and I do want those things, I just want…more. In any case, it doesn’t trouble me to be called strange, especially not by Mrs. Appleby.
There. I dare you to comment, sir.
I have the honour to remain,
Your servant,
Miss H. R. Wilding-Marsh
Postscript, There is little point complaining of the inclusion of the blasted Gothic serial article, isn’t there?
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Various Viennese newspaper clippings regarding R v. Blaubart sent to Miss Henrietta Wilding-Marsh, received 19 February 1846
Note: German translation enclosed.
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Wisteria Cottage, Cambridge, 19 February 1846
I know how to read German.
P.S. My father thanks you for the information.
P.P.S. I did not request this information, no matter what your tiny brain infers from my letters.
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Newspaper clipping sent to Miss Henrietta Wilding-Marsh, received 27 December 1846
Lord C— H— has returned from abroad and has been revealed to the Author of the Gothic Tales that have taken London by storm! The wily lord penned the adventures of Minerva, Orlando and Benvuto, his publisher Mr. G. R. Mannifred has revealed, with the serial being compiled into a series of volumes available soon for purchase. When pressed, Mr. Mannifred also let slip Lord C— is working on a new novel! Based upon the case of the notorious Baron von Blaubart, his lordship’s new tale will embellish the already scandalous details. Readers may remember the Bad Baron was exonerated of the charge of attempted murder of his fourth wife. Readers may further remember the baron has been singularly unfortunate in his choice of wives, with three of them expiring prior to this latest scandal and all three under suspicious circumstances.
This author cannot wait to devour this new novel and can only wonder—What new nefarious tales will his lordship have brought us, inspired by distant shores?
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Wisteria Cottage, Cambridge, 27 December 1846
Sir,
Luck was on my side as I did not receive this clipping until after Christmas, and thus it was very merry indeed without your intrusive presence, or the knowledge that you are wasting your law degree. You have such privilege and—
To illustrate: I attempted to attend a lecture last week and was turned away. They thought to bar me from the lecture series, though there was no direct instruction that women could not attend. I merely wished to listen to the findings of Mr. Downey and perhaps even congratulate him on his recent court win, but this is something I cannot do. It is such a small thing, insignificant really, and yet it is denied me. And you…you throw your privilege away and—
I cannot believe you would discard your calling as if it were nothing, however, what else should I expect? You’ve always shown yourself to be an unfortunate sort of person, but this goes beyond the pale. A Gothic novelist? Really?
No. I cannot talk of this. It makes me too furious.
Though I know you won’t adhere to it, I shall state it anyway. Cease this correspondence.
I have the honour to remain,
Your servant,
Miss H. R. Wilding-Marsh
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Various newspaper clippings dated from 22 March 1846 to 30 August 1847 sent to Miss Henrietta Wilding-Marsh, received 4 September 1847
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Wisteria Cottage, Cambridge, 5 September 1847
Why have you sent me this too-thick packet of paper containing such utter drivel? Do you wish me to do you a murder? Because I will. I will track you done and do away with you in such a manner so as no one will ever discover your remains.
As I’m sure it has kept you up all night, you’ll be no doubt pleased to know I have reconciled myself to your status as a Gothic novelist. I admit you have achieved success with it and appear to be popular with the masses. This determination was in part helped by your lack of communication. Two glorious years of silence. Bliss
And because you do not read this, and I have to tell someone or fair explode: Today I think I disturbed Mr. Hartley. He had a distinctly wild look to his eye as I debated the merits of recent common law judgements. I am used to this look in a man’s eye, especially as my father wears it often, but I persevered. How am I to learn anything, if I do not push?
I wonder what London would be like. Maybe I should move in with Gwen. If I had the funds I should do so in a heartbeat. Although she has been acting rather cagey lately. In her last letter, she seemed distracted, and she mentioned one of the chambers clients twice. Specifically twice. The Duke of Sowrith. I shall have to ask her in my next letter why she made mention of him. Twice.
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Newspaper clipping sent to Miss Henrietta Wilding-Marsh, received 9 November 1847
All of London is abuzz with news the latest Gothic novel from Lord C— H— will arrive in a matter of days! What salaciousness will this next story hold?
The man himself set hearts aflutter across London when he was seen on the promenade of Hyde Park, looking delectable in garb designed by ‘The Tailor’ himself, M. Brodeur. As our readers know, M. Brodeur is the most respected men’s clothier in the city, such he has earned the simple moniker “The Tailor” as no one comes near his skill.
This author has secured a ticket to his lordship’s reading of his latest Work, but if you cannot say the same, it is too late. The reading is sold out.
Lord C— H— will speak in the Receiving Room of Wiltshirton House, from Tuesday until Saturday next.
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Wisteria Cottage, Cambridge, 15 November 1847
…Gwen is to marry, and not just marry, but to brilliantly marry. The Duke of Sowrith. I cannot fair believe it. I had no idea she had formed an attachment to him, but she tells me she had written him for over a year and slowly built a friendship. Then, she was summoned to his estate, and they fell in love.
I don’t quite know how I feel about this. On the one hand, I am so, so happy for her. She is practically incandescent with joy. But, on the other, I am losing my friend. She will reside in Dartmoor. Dartmoor. Even further away.
But she is happy, and I cannot complain. I cannot.
Again, though I know it makes no difference and you don’t read these letters, I must, at the very least try.
Cease. Cease with your stupid articles, your smug accomplishments.
I. Do not. Care.
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Newspaper clipping sent to Miss Henrietta Wilding-Marsh, received 3 April 1849
…a certain Lord who writes novels of the Gothic persuasion was spotted shopping for new luggage today. Could it be his lordship intends another voyage?
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Wisteria Cottage, Cambridge, 3 April 1849
Almost two years without word from you. I started to believe myself one of the blessed.
I can only hope you have chosen to travel abroad. Perhaps you will again disremember my address and leave me in peace for years, although I do not know what is worse: knowing the articles will arrive with some regularity; or waiting for them for months on end only to be lulled into a false sense of security when one, inevitably, arrives.
However, I count myself fortunate that I do not have to deal with you in person. In all these years, it has been correspondence only and that can be ignored.
…Why don’t I ignore it?
In any event, I wish you well on your journey and hope you will find whichever country you visit so agreeable you will stay.
I have the honour to remain,
Your servant,
Miss H. R. Wilding-Marsh