Not much has happened since the Royal Wedding and I have heard that the ladies-in-waiting will soon receive their official assignment of duties, such as seeing to the queen’s wardrobe and jewels as well as other tasks that she deems necessary. I have to say, in strictest confidence, that your new daughter-in-law will likely be given that choice position of overseeing the wardrobe and jewels of the princess. I myself am most anxious to see which matron will be given the job of Mistress of the Maids, as it is an important one especially in such a young court. Perhaps it is one you might be considered for, since aside from the princess you remain the highest married lady in the land. Although, Duke Greystone is rumored to be wife-hunting and the new duchess might also be offered the prestigious post. As of yet, that is mere speculation.
So far we ladies-in-waiting have not had much to do other than look pretty for the Ceremony and assist in helping the bride prepare herself for the wedding. Yet my lack of official tasks do not nesseciarly leave me without pastimes for Court is rife with amusements of all sorts and just yesterday I was pleased to be invited to Abigail Pierce’s birthday celebrations. It looks to be a lavish affair as the count still has not found an acceptable suitor for the heiress’ hand though it is her twenty-first birthday. Many think that the lands may fall to her sister Sara’s husband and am urging my brother to consider a betrothal in that regard. After all, marriages are a fashion of business dealings in most respects.
I have heard the most outrageous rumors that Grandfather is actually going to allow Octavia to marry the younger Blackwood brother and to see their behavior one might be forced to conclude the gossips are, for once, quite correct. Other court gossip includes the impending betrothal of the Cauldwell heir to an unknown lady. Among those gossips suspect are due to be pledged in matrimony are myself, darling Marie, and Aunt Sistine. I trust you would know something of the matter, as you are close kin to all of us concerned. It would deeply grieve me that my mother might have planned my future and not allowed me to know of its direction so that I may adjust my affections in a timely manner.
The departure of Lord Rhys Blackwood for the barbarian country has also been much discussed at court. It is said that he carried a great affection for my newest aunt and could not stand seeing her married, and thus, fled. A conversation I had with Thomasin earlier this year led me to believe she is as hopelessly naïve in the ways of the world as she is fashionable. Nothing to worry over, I am sure. Please give my best to my aunts, uncles and Grandfather as well as my cousin Richard, who was still staying at Beaumont Castle the last I had word.
Affectionately, your granddaughter, Lady Elizabeth Hart
[[author's note: letter is FULL of court gossip which might be true or not]]
What a pleasant surprise to find a letter penned in your own hand. It has been so long since your last that I feared you had forgotten me. Your brother on the other hand seems to have been neglecting to write me entirely. Perhaps if your voice joined mine, then he might do something. After all if you can finally tear yourself away from the diversions of court and Richard from the demands of his duchy, then surely Constantin can as well. After all if he is going to be a peer, he should get used to writing many letters - the same will one day apply to you as a peer's wife, though at least you will not need to concern yourself with heavy matters.
I am glad to hear that you were awarded a place for the new princess' household. It is a great honor for you and I hope that you will fill it honourably and well. Be mindful of your reputation - being known for virtue will make it easier for us to find you a suitable husband of rank. As to the Mistress of the Maids, she will probably be of the lower nobility; wives of higher peers cannot be expected to play nursemaids; however you should still listen to her and do not do anything to vex her. Low rank though she may have, her word will usually be believed over a lady-in-waiting's. So be careful. When I was first at court I saw many a lady in waiting dismissed because she was foolish enough to irk the Mistress of the Maids and do something minorly foolish. I would not want that to happen to you or your aunts.
As to marriages, I have just barely recovered from the last one. However I am currently trying to get Edwin's betrothal back on track, however Blackwoods can be a stubborn lot. At this point that is the only negotiation being pursued by our family - whatever dealings Octavia has with the young Lord Thomas have as yet not led to either a proposal from him to my husband or an offer from us.Besides, he is a younger son and I would not even consider such a match unless I knew he could keep Octavia living in the standard to which she is accustomed. (When you have your own daughters, never consider second sons unless absolutely necessary - it's hard to be certain about their futures.) The court gossips are also known to amplify things so do not believe them entirely. However this idea to betroth your brother to the Pierce girl does have merit. Though she is some years older, it would definitely increase his wealth and would make getting you a better dowry that much easier. I shall write to your mother about that as it is something to consider.
As to worrying about not knowing where your life will lead, I'm afraid that it is the lot of women of our class. I myself only had less than a season to prepare to marry your Grandfather. However if you simply resolve yourself to be pleasant and do not try to assert yourself with a potential mother in law (one of my mistakes) you will find that things will become pleasant, even if it began unseen. It worked out for me and Richard, so it can be done. (Offering to let him name the firstborn son usually helps cement you as a good wife.) However if you are worried, I will check in on negotiations for your hand - provided that I do not hear any unsightly rumours surrounding your behaviour.
You shall also see us again soon - your aunts Sistine, Octavia and Marie will all be joining the princess' household and I shall be returning soon after making sure that your new aunt is well. She claims weariness from the journey from the place she and Hector had their honeymoon, but one can never be too careful. Especially if she is carrying a new cousin for you - something I pray for feverently. Young Richard will also be coming up as well; he's finally going to be taking his father's place on the king's council. Imagine - you are cousin to the youngest councilor in Liston's history! Perhaps once we are all back in Liston-By-The-Sea - and when your grandfather and I finish fixing what that blasted dog of a steward we hired for the By-The-Sea house - we shall have a family dinner and renew our family bonds. Though a Hart in name, you are still a Beaumont by blood and I do wish to see all of my family at peace with one another and not in this estrangement we seem to have fallen into.
