He was a Viscount, which means I was, according to my aunt, supposed to ignore his lewd behavior and just smile and twitter. Lady Grace and Lady Evelyn say house parties, being less formal, will be a much better introduction for me into society. Ah well, at least we are getting out of London.
Yours,
Vivi
****
September 23, 1798
Dear Vivi,
The summer has been busy. We’ve made two trips to the colonies. The weather is hot as hell, and I swim every evening to cool off before sleeping. I wish I could send some sunshine to you in a bottle, which you could then sip when you need it, like a fine wine.
I will be leaving soon to the Mediterranean for business. I will be away all winter. But keep writing me your woes, for I will look forward to reading them all when I return. By the way, what was the name of that Viscount? I shall like to know the name of the man I will kill with my bare hands for touching you.
Jack
****
October 30, 1798
Dear Captain Jack,
The summer was lovely. The warmer weather heaven. While everyone else sweltered under their parasols, I secretly reveled in the sunshine. We hopped around to different friends of my aunts to visit. I learned how to ride a horse sidesaddle. What a damn nuisance, but a proper lady does not ride astride. Ha! I didn’t tell them that on my horse at home I hardly bothered with a saddle at all.
The good news is I made a new friend. She is lovely and genuine and a bit naughty. I love her. She is the sister of some duke, but I haven’t met him. She has promised to teach me everything I need to know to survive the season in London. Everyone is returning to London later this month for the opening of Parliament. Apparently, it is when all the socializing begins in earnest. I am still terrified of making a fool of myself on the dance floor. Perhaps I will just hide behind a large potted fern?
I hope you are well, and you have fair seas for your voyage.
Yours,
Vivi
****
February 25, 1799
Dear Captain Jack,
Are you back in Nassau yet? I hope you have enjoyed reading about my escapades this past winter. I swear I don’t know how I get myself into trouble so often. I try my very best to behave as a proper lady, but I fear the fates are against me.
The reason I am writing today is I hope you are back and you might go check on my father. I have not received a letter from him in five months. I am beginning to worry as he usually writes me often. It would ease my mind if you could find out if he is all right.
Yours,
Vivi
****
March 16, 1799
Dear Vivi,
I did immensely enjoy reading your letters upon my return. How did you manage to stumble into three sets of dancers in the course of one quadrille? Don’t worry, I am sure Lord Chandler’s shirt will recover from having punch spilled on it. Although I would have dearly loved to see his face when it happened. But accidentally shooting the feathered hat off Lady Quimby’s head, really? You could have killed her.
My trip became fraught with issues. The unrest in France continues, and General Napoleon is heading back to Paris after soundly losing to Admiral Nelson in Egypt. Unrest is always good for business as people don’t like to be deprived of their luxuries. But navigating who is currently in charge of which port and whom to pay taxes and bribes at the docks in order to unload our cargo is always a tricky prospect.
I checked on your father, but he is not in Nassau. Apparently, he sailed out in early December, but I could not find out where they were traveling. I wouldn’t worry though; your father is a formidable man. I know he can take care of himself.
