13 September 1821
Dear Lord Ashford,
This is perfectly ridiculous. Whyever would you not allow your sister to live in London? I assure you, despite the presence of Margo and myself in this city, your sister will not be instantly overcome by licentiousness and debauchery. It is perfectly respectable for your sister to reside in London with a chaperone and be attended by an art tutor.
I could recommend a chaperone as well, but I suppose my endorsement in that quarter would hold little weight.
I will stop trying to help when you stop creating unnecessary obstacles in the way of your sister’s happiness.
Matilda Halifax
13 September 1821
Lady Matilda,
I am not a goddamned prison warden
Surely you must realize
You are driving me
14 September 1821
Dear Lady Matilda,
Bea will not come to London because she chooses not to.
A
18 September 1821
Dear Lord Ashford,
I see. I apologize for my misapprehension. Had you explained yourself in more than six words, perhaps I would have understood more immediately. But I will not quibble.
I have taken it upon myself these last days to put my connections in London’s art circles to use.
Unfortunately, I have determined that you are correct. There are no female oil painters willing to reside with your family in Northumberland. (In fairness, there are very few professional female oil painters!)
Would Beatrice be open to a male painting tutor? I am thinking of one in particular—a very charming and open-minded young Scot between exhibits at the moment. I have spoken briefly to him—without revealing either your name or your sister’s!—and suspect he would be open to filling the position at least until March.
And in March, Bea will debut, will she not?
In friendship,
Matilda Halifax
19 September 1821
Lady Matilda,
Bea is shy. She is sensitive. She would sooner cast herself into the sea than show her paintings to a charming young Scot.
Not everyone is willing to publish their drawings of pricks, for Christ’s sake!
A
19 September 1821
