information.)
Apparently my wife’s mother, Lady Chauncey, was a dear friend of Lady Mercoeur, Miss Villier’s mother, and has vowed to befriend and watch over your Alysia. This is good news, despite Lady Chauncey’s frivolous nature. She will act as our spy, of sorts.
Miss Villier studies with Gustave Moreau, a successful and famously independent painter, a symbolist as he is called. She is seen socializing with Moreau and a Georges Rivard. Don’t panic, Andrew, but I must disclose he is reportedly young, handsome, and a poet.
You will be pleased to hear Miss Villier is considered the premier upcoming talent in Paris. She was recently recognized at the Annual Salon. Her collection drew the highest price but narrowly missed earning the Prix de Rome, which caused some sort of scandal. Rumor has it grown men wept upon viewing her paintings. Granted, these are Frenchmen, but we must see for ourselves. I have sent for prints of her work and will forward them to you.
Lastly, I have learned of your recent maneuvering in foreign industrial stocks; a departure from your typical attention to the import business. I wonder what you find so interesting in South America. May I ask what you are up to, Preston? I do so because it has also come to my attention that Courtenay and Belmont both have significant holdings there. Since you have asked for my help, do not be surprised if I take it upon myself to investigate every relevant aspect.
I will be away for a few days but will write again soon.
Your friend and servant,
Wilhelm
****
October 26, 1871
Kent, England
Dearest Miss Villier,
I know it must be difficult for you to believe, but I did not send the jewels. I assure you I did as you asked the past August ‘70 and used them to finance your journey. I regret I can offer no explanation but am glad to hear a Good Samaritan has recovered your mother’s amethysts. It would seem you have an admirer, Miss Villier.
You will notice on the statement I forwarded, thanks to a most timely investment of your funds in industrial stocks — mining operations in South America — the July quarterlies of your fortune increased from 40,000 pounds to an unheard-of profit now totaling 122,000 pounds. Lord Courtenay’s solicitor seems to be quite a talent with investing.
Your mother left you wealthy, my dear, but now you are as rich as a king. Not that it does you any good now, but I thought you would be pleased to hear it. If all remains the same, your settlement less than two years hence shall yield ₤6,100 a year. Do not spread the word, my dear, and now you know not to make decisions out of concern for your support.
I was pleased to hear you have made the acquaintance of Lady Chauncey. Indeed I do know her quite well; I have been her solicitor for many years, as well as her daughter’s, Lady Devon. They are both remarkable ladies — albeit colorful — and entirely trustworthy. For my part, I would encourage the connection.
Your humble servant,
Conrad Cox, esquire
****
November 13, 1871
Rougemont Park, Devon, England
Andrew,
What in blazes did you do to Cox? Why does he seem afraid of you, and how on earth did you convince him to forward copies of Miss Villier’s correspondence to me? You are not blackmailing Mr. Cox, are you? Preston, if you mean to—
Since I began this letter, I received yours by express. Indeed I wish it had arrived first as you planned. I swear you will drive me to drinking again. Yes, I read her letters, and felt like a cad doing it. And yes, I now have her address. I am only somewhat placated by your explanation.
The good news first: Yes, she loves you and misses you. Sophia read the letters as you requested, and she agrees, in her indisputable womanly intuition.
I have finally received prints of her work. You will want to see these, Andrew. I will offer no further explanation. We (myself and Sophia) think she is not as happy as her society thinks she is. Our best spy, Lady Chauncey
Apparently my wife’s mother, Lady Chauncey, was a dear friend of Lady Mercoeur, Miss Villier’s mother, and has vowed to befriend and watch over your Alysia. This is good news, despite Lady Chauncey’s frivolous nature. She will act as our spy, of sorts.
Miss Villier studies with Gustave Moreau, a successful and famously independent painter, a symbolist as he is called. She is seen socializing with Moreau and a Georges Rivard. Don’t panic, Andrew, but I must disclose he is reportedly young, handsome, and a poet.
You will be pleased to hear Miss Villier is considered the premier upcoming talent in Paris. She was recently recognized at the Annual Salon. Her collection drew the highest price but narrowly missed earning the Prix de Rome, which caused some sort of scandal. Rumor has it grown men wept upon viewing her paintings. Granted, these are Frenchmen, but we must see for ourselves. I have sent for prints of her work and will forward them to you.
Lastly, I have learned of your recent maneuvering in foreign industrial stocks; a departure from your typical attention to the import business. I wonder what you find so interesting in South America. May I ask what you are up to, Preston? I do so because it has also come to my attention that Courtenay and Belmont both have significant holdings there. Since you have asked for my help, do not be surprised if I take it upon myself to investigate every relevant aspect.
I will be away for a few days but will write again soon.
Your friend and servant,
Wilhelm
****
October 26, 1871
Kent, England
Dearest Miss Villier,
I know it must be difficult for you to believe, but I did not send the jewels. I assure you I did as you asked the past August ‘70 and used them to finance your journey. I regret I can offer no explanation but am glad to hear a Good Samaritan has recovered your mother’s amethysts. It would seem you have an admirer, Miss Villier.
You will notice on the statement I forwarded, thanks to a most timely investment of your funds in industrial stocks — mining operations in South America — the July quarterlies of your fortune increased from 40,000 pounds to an unheard-of profit now totaling 122,000 pounds. Lord Courtenay’s solicitor seems to be quite a talent with investing.
Your mother left you wealthy, my dear, but now you are as rich as a king. Not that it does you any good now, but I thought you would be pleased to hear it. If all remains the same, your settlement less than two years hence shall yield ₤6,100 a year. Do not spread the word, my dear, and now you know not to make decisions out of concern for your support.
I was pleased to hear you have made the acquaintance of Lady Chauncey. Indeed I do know her quite well; I have been her solicitor for many years, as well as her daughter’s, Lady Devon. They are both remarkable ladies — albeit colorful — and entirely trustworthy. For my part, I would encourage the connection.
Your humble servant,
Conrad Cox, esquire
****
November 13, 1871
Rougemont Park, Devon, England
Andrew,
What in blazes did you do to Cox? Why does he seem afraid of you, and how on earth did you convince him to forward copies of Miss Villier’s correspondence to me? You are not blackmailing Mr. Cox, are you? Preston, if you mean to—
Since I began this letter, I received yours by express. Indeed I wish it had arrived first as you planned. I swear you will drive me to drinking again. Yes, I read her letters, and felt like a cad doing it. And yes, I now have her address. I am only somewhat placated by your explanation.
The good news first: Yes, she loves you and misses you. Sophia read the letters as you requested, and she agrees, in her indisputable womanly intuition.
I have finally received prints of her work. You will want to see these, Andrew. I will offer no further explanation. We (myself and Sophia) think she is not as happy as her society thinks she is. Our best spy, Lady Chauncey
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