To Whom: Eleanor Clare
Where Sent: 12A Half Moon Street
From Where: Emerson House
When Sent: 17th April, Wednesday
From Whom: Elise Hampton

Dearest Eleanor,

I can scarcely believe you are in London as well! The Marchioness spotted your step-mother at Lady Viola and Mrs Greystone's musicale and found out that you were in town. Oh, forgive my lack of proper manners; I hope with all my heart that this letter finds you well.

It has been an age since we have last met. My dearest Eleanor, I believe I shall hardly be able to recognize you now, and if I had known you were in town, you would have surely attended mine and Charity's debut on Sunday. I would have it no other way. Oh, Eleanor, there has so much that has happened in town. I am so immensely overjoyed that you too are her to experience the London festivities. I was so certain you were away at school? What brought you back so suddenly?

We must meet for tea, I should love for you to visit- I am sure your step-mother would not mind you visiting old family friends, especially from so long ago? If not, I am sure we shall meet soon.

Send your grandfather my love!

Best,
Elise

To Whom: Elise Hampton
Where Sent: Emerson House
From Where: 12A Half Moon Street
When Sent: 17th April, Wednesday, later
From Whom: Eleanor Clare

My dear Elise,

It was indeed delightful to receive your note this morning, and very kind of you to remember in the midst of all the celebrations surrounding your debut. The ball sounded a spectacular affair and I was very sorry that my step-mother was ill and unable to attend in the end. Perhaps next year once I am out I will be able to attend!

I was indeed at school until only last week but was forced to leave following an outbreak of diphtheria. It was terrible: I am healthy, thank God, but not everyone was allowed to leave. I will not feel happy until I know that my friends have been spared, but I have heard nothing yet.

I hope we may soon for it has been a very long time since we used to spend time together in Kent. This weekend, however, I have been invited to the estate of the Duchess of Brixton with my guardian, Lord Avening; not that I had any notion that my guardian was such an important person until my step-mother met him at Almack's. He has been very kind to me, but I am quite terrified about this party! I have no idea how to behave among such great people, when I should not even be out in society yet.

I do apologise, I have covered almost the entire sheet on my own concerns, when your first season must be a great deal more interesting! I hope you will also be attending the house party, but if not, perhaps we will be able to see each other next week.

Yours affectionately,
Eleanor

To Whom: Eleanor Clare
Where Sent: 12A Half Moon Street
From Where: Emerson House
When Sent: 17th April, Wednesday, Later.
From Whom: Elise Hampton

Dearest Eleanor,
An epidemic like that sounds dreadful. I shall keep your friends in my prayers and I do hope you receive news of them soon. Have you tried sending to the school for any news? I shall hope for all their sakes that it has been contained!

As for your step-mother, I am sorry she was ill as well, she looked extremely well at the Musicale, performing with Captain Sterne. Charity was just commenting that it was surprising for Mrs. Clare to have made such a close acquaintance with Captain Sterne so quickly. The Captain is a friend of Gabriel's- they met at university.

Why Eleanor, if you are the ward of Avening, then surely you must know his sister and one of my friends, Lady Gwendolyn. A truly marvelous lady, something I am sure you must already know. Lady Emerson has been invited to her Grace's estate as well, and I am glad to say that I shall see you there. I rejoice at the thought of seeing you again; and of course, Lady Gwendolyn shall attend as well!

Yours,
Elise