Glass Roses: A Victorian Fairytale by Britain Kalai Soderquist

Author:Britain Kalai Soderquist [Soderquist, Britain Kalai]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Britain Kalai Books
Published: 2015-10-30T23:00:00+00:00

1 June, 1845

Castle Stirling, Scotland

Dear Eleanor,

I hope you do not mind, but I shared the story of your luggage mishap with the Duke. He discovered me laughing over it in the library and inquired as to the cause of my amusement. Your explanation of events earned one of the Duke’s small smiles, and we spent several minutes imagining the situation to ourselves.

“Your cousin is most fortunate in her acquaintance with Baron von Schönfeld. I met him some ten years ago when I was on the Continent. He was just a young man then, but he showed every sign of becoming a worthy gentleman in time.”

“Are you acquainted with his uncle as well?” I asked. My curiosity was piqued.

“I am.”

“What is he like?” The question was blunt, but he did not mind. His own manner is so straightforward that I have grown accustomed to responding in kind.

“He is a good man, elderly now, and I believe somewhat rough in his manners when he is displeased. At the time I knew him, he was a patron of the musical arts, but I was young then and did not give the acquaintance as much heed as I should have done.”

“Where on the Continent have you traveled? I so long to see some of the places Eleanor has written to me about. Even London seemed exciting when she would write about it.”

“I believe I have some volumes of ink prints that you would find interesting.” The Duke rose and went among the shelves, returning soon with several large tomes. We spent the afternoon going over images of the different cities you have mentioned in your letters, the Duke describing things he had seen in his travels. It was almost like being there with you.

Still, I hope to one day have the opportunity of seeing these places myself. Your description has left me longing for adventure and excitement (but without any wolves). It seems a pity that the greater distance between us should deny me even a day’s worth of enjoyment from one of your letters. You must write often so that your news comes in a constant stream. Perhaps then it will not seem to take as long to hear from you.

And I must tell you how very pleased I am that you have been reunited with Lord Rupert. The Duke’s description of him was limited by their difference in age, but he seemed to feel that Lord Rupert’s youth showed great promise for his future as an adult. How I wish I could have been there to see your face when he appeared in the drawing room! Your blush sets you off quite to advantage, and I have always considered you to be one of the most beautiful girls I know. Lord Rupert appears to think the same, if his eagerness to continue your acquaintance on such easy terms is any indication.

I must retire to dress for dinner. Give my love to Uncle Charles and my compliments to the Warners if you think it proper.

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