Forgive this hasty scrawl, but I have just finished reading your compendium of children’s tales and wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed them. I took the liberty of reading the one about the flower girl to my hostess’s daughter, Emily, who is nine. I must confess that I expected some sort of benevolent lady to appear in your story just at the right time to purchase the fur-lined boots the child dreamed of, but I was informed in no uncertain terms by my audience that this would have been far too unlikely! The wicked aunt was, in her opinion, much more believable.

I went up significantly in her estimation when I told Emily that the story had been written by a friend of mine. You simply must have these published; they deserve to be read more widely. I do agree with you that they should be illustrated and, alas, I am forced also to agree with you that your own drawings—well, let us say they do not do your words justice!

My host is calling me. We are to visit the great exhibition. I will write more fully when I return, for I know you will be anxious to hear all the details. Rest assured, I shall make a point of seeking out the strangest and most outlandish exhibits for your delectation and delight.

With very best wishes as always,

Donald

Lady Margaret to Donald Cameron of Lochiel

Lady Margaret to Donald Cameron of Lochiel

Powerscourt, County Wicklow, 1 June 1867

Dear Donald,

It is five months to the day since you first wrote to me in exile here. I counted the number of letters which have passed between us since and the total is rather astonishing. Isn’t it odd, to become so well acquainted with a person and yet to have no prospect of furthering that acquaintance in person? No, do not fear I am becoming maudlin, only wistful, my dear friend—is it too presumptuous of me to call you that?

Breda, who was my maid, is now teaching at Enniskerry School which is set to join the national school system once Lord Powerscourt has made the requested improvements the board require for entry. Mr. Doherty is to be retained as schoolmaster, thankfully, and Breda has been promised some formal training, much to her mother’s joy—I think I told you that Mrs. Murphy was a schoolmistress before she was married? I am not sure whether all this upheaval will mean that my days at the school are numbered, but I have been assured my services remain most welcome at the infants’ school.