tfln open post

[byanyname]

***

either leave a message (or set of muses) for one of my assholes, or request a message from one of them. choose messages from the classic source, from your own skull, or whatever you may please.

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[lostyourheart]

[ Of everything he writes, there is one point upon which she lingers: how he ends his reply with his given name.

She has no direct employees that she addresses so informally as that; the Whitneys are some decades older, and thus afforded the respect of youth to old age. (She had on occasion heard her father call Mr. Whitney 'John', but never in the fields. Then, it was only Foreman, or Meneer.)

Perhaps if there had been someone nearer her own age, the situation might have been different, and calling him 'Wallace' would not be so unthinkable.

It seems to her that this familiarity is a sign of mutual respect - a lessening of boundaries, and a welcome, in its way. She has watched Wallace, as well, after all, and seen how he administers care. How he does care. To be permitted familiarity is to be given a measure of approval, and it touches her deeply. ]

Mr. Higgins,

If that is your stance on the matter, then I shall accept him gladly - after an appropriate wait, for the sake of appearances. Or, for the sake of my own desire to enjoy an unadulterated courtship.

I have no doubt I will test your patience to its very limits now that I have your offer of aid in writing, for while my business acumen is uncontested, I have no concept of how one ought to prepare for a wedding. (An odd statement, no doubt, when one considers I have already endured a marriage; however, all was handled for me then, as well, and customs here are sure to differ from my own.)

The matter I mentioned previously is of a more practical nature, however, and errs toward the consideration of Lord Pendleton's needs. We should acknowledge honestly between us that they are many, and he requires the most devoted and undivided attention. I can not provide this myself, and in your current situation, I fear neither can you.

My proposal to you is this: with the assumption that I do indeed marry him, then presumably I would enter in to his household. In that event, I would have you come into my employ. Not for my sake, as I would prefer a woman (perhaps one hired at your recommendation) to see to my own needs.

Your sole responsibility would be to the care of Lord Pendleton without exception.

Crass as I feel it is to say, I do not wish you distracted from his needs by the varied demands of his brothers, and as such I would prefer you in no way beholden to them. As your employer, I would have little fear of defending your position against those who might attempt to take advantage, or distract.

With regards your salary - I leave it to you to name, should you accept.

Please do not think me deceitful in this; it is the most obvious route to me, that we may avoid this very situation in the future.

With highest regards,
Katrina

PS - Please do not misinterpret my refusal to address you by your given name. I am simply unaccustomed to enjoying such familiarity with my elders and, to my vexation, most whom I encounter are indeed my elders. It is habit now. Ah, but give me time, I pray you; I am not so deeply entrenched in my ways that I cannot be taught some new trick.

[...]

And, too: know that the invitation has not gone unnoticed, and that it has touched me deeply.

[loyalless]

[ Again, a gathering of thoughts not turned to typing: That he would hope she might marry Treavor regardless of what Wallace could say. That he is near to stunned by her seeming regard for her husband-to-be’s servant. That she strikes him as an unusual woman; that she might be worthy of the descriptors - ‘remarkable,’ ‘unmatched,’ ‘astonishing’ - attached to her by Lord Pendleton.

His response arrives after an hour’s consideration. ]

Mrs. Van Tassel,

Though you are not of noble blood, your every act and intention occasions respect.

Should Lord Pendleton assent to your design, I would be gratified to enter into your service, the better to assist him.

Our horizons have changed with your arrival. I cannot regret your presence, or think your purpose other than sound.

Although my expertise concerning weddings is limited, I am familiar with the customs, and am prepared to advise yourself and Lord Pendleton as best I can. Regarding the matter of a lady’s maid, two or three names occur to me, and I will with your permission make quiet inquiries.

My gratitude is yours.

-Wallace

[lostyourheart]

Mr. Higgins,

We can discuss particulars if and when these plans of Lord Pendleton's come to fruition. I am glad you are amenable, in any case. And yes - do make inquiries on my behalf, with my thanks.

I trust you will delete these messages as requested. We look forward to your arrival this evening.

Please, be careful.

- Katrina