I pray you will forgive the delay in responding to your earlier correspondence. I have been much taken up with matters of state, and in particular with the diplomatic ramifications of Lord Palmerston’s death. As you doubtless know, his state funeral took place yesterday, your father being one of the many senior mourners. I was also in attendance in a minor capacity. The Times this morning estimated that a crowd half a million strong came to our capital to pay their respects to our late prime minister. A goodly number of the mourners were veterans of the Crimean War, who credit his lordship with bringing that conflict to a close. As far as I am aware, our own Mr. Scott was not among them.

Which brings me to the crux of this missive. I am delighted to be able to tell you that I have not only managed to track Mr. Scott down, but I have retrieved your mother’s bracelet. Your logic, to suggest I return to the place where last you recall seeing it, proved absolutely sound. I am pleased to be able to reassure you that your instincts, that he is an honourable man, were also well-founded. Mr. Scott discovered the bracelet lying on the ground after I had marched you off. He kept it in the hope that you would return to reclaim it. A hero and a noble character indeed!

The clasp of the item is broken, but there are no stones missing. He was extremely relieved to know that it would be finding its way back to you, having been most concerned that its loss would, in his own words, get you into even more of a fankle than the one you were already in. I took the liberty of compensating Mr. Scott handsomely for his trouble. He asked me to pass on his very best wishes and his hope that you have resolved your matrimonial dilemma to your satisfaction. Obviously I paraphrase!

Your kindness and interest in him made a great impression on the man. If you will direct me as to what you wish me to do next, I will act upon your instructions immediately. I am acutely aware of how improper it is for me to write to you without your parents’ consent or knowledge, but due reflection persuaded me that the very peculiar circumstances justify our clandestine correspondence.