Title Page

Proper English

KJ Charles

Published by KJC Books, 2019.

Table of Contents

Title Page

Proper English

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Acknowledgements

About the Author

Proper English

For Talia Hibbert, in lieu of a fruit basket

This book takes place two years before the events of Think of England.

A note on usage: in British English the ground floor is at street level, and the first floor is the next one up.

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER ONE

Skirmidge House

Stoke St. Milborough

28 August 1902

Dear Louisa

Thanks so much for your last. I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to reply, but we have been at sixes and sevens with Jonty’s wedding for the last two months. You won’t be surprised to hear that he took next to no part in the preparations and saw no reason why it should cause him any inconvenience. Brothers are wonderful creatures.

Thanks also for your congratulations on the Championship. Modesty aside, I am pleased with myself even now, and the trophy sits well-polished on my mantel.

It won’t be mine for long (the mantel, not the trophy) as I have concluded it is best to set up my own household now that Jonty is married, and I will thus be leaving home. It is rather a wrench, but needs must. I am not quite sure of where I shall settle as yet, but letters to Skirmidge House will find me, once Jonty troubles to forward them.

I have a treat in store first. Do you recall Jimmy Yoxall—the Hon. James, Lord Witton’s son? I shall be making one of a shooting party at his family place up in Northumberland for the start of the partridge season. It is to be a very small party: only the Wittons, myself and Bill, and another friend of Jimmy’s. Needless to say, I attend as a gun rather than a lady: you know my views on the practice of leaving women at shooting parties to kick their heels, read novels, and organise jumble sales, but Jimmy is an old friend who respects marksmanship. A few weeks in the fresh air will do me a power of good.

Your sister’s teaching work is admirable. Do send her my love and congratulations. I’m so glad that all is well for you and Hugo, and the house sounds beautiful. I must catch the last post now, as I leave for Rodington Court tomorrow. I shall write again from there, and send you both a brace of partridge.

Yours ever,

Pat

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