To Lord Hadrian Jardinier, Duke of Fairfield

[Lady Carissa de Vere]

Lord Hadrian and Lady Mariana Jardinier
Duke and Duchess of Fairfield

Your Graces:

It has been far too long since we have graced the Court with our respective presences; I cannot begin to express how glad I was to hear that you both have come to Triadon, and brought your children with you. I trust this letter finds you well, and your children as well.

I would enjoy hosting a dinner for our families whereby we could meet to discuss matters of mutual interest and trade as well as to renew our friendships. A small and private affair is what I propose at which we can speak freely and openly without concern for offense. 

Please let me know if this is agreeable and if so, what evening finds you available. I will be delighted to tend the arrangements; my uncle and cousin Marisa will likely also be present. 

I look forward to hearing from you,

Lady Carissa de Vere
Duchess of Shaleforth


Lord Hadrian Jardinier, Lady Mariana Jardinier

[Lady Mariana Jardinier]

Lady Carissa de Vere
Duchess of Shaleforth

Your Grace:

While we should be not surprised by this missive, I have to admit you have somewhat startled us, but it really was a long time, so old acquaintances tend to be forgotten. It is with pleasure that we find you still hale and present at the court, and all of us are well, as we hope are you and yours.

We humbly accept your invitation to host the dinner that is indeed much needed. We have a lot to discuss, and it is our hope that some of our interests will be mutual, as you have expressed. Freedom of speech in discrete place is much looked for, due to a number of sensitive issues that may or may not come up during our conversation, set at your leisure. Your party all would be a welcome presence, as on our end, myself and my husband look forward to your naming time and place of such meeting.

We look forward to meeting you,

Lord Hadrian and Lady Mariana Jardinier
Duke and Duchess of Fairfield



Lady Carissa de Vere

[Lady Carissa de Vere]

Lord Hadrian and Lady Mariana Jardinier
Duke and Duchess of Fairfield

Your Graces:

It has indeed been some time since we were all gathered together in Triadon; word has reached me that Her Grace of Rosewine will soon be joining us, allowing for the rare opportunity whereby all the respective heads of the duchies may meet. With that being the case, may I suggest that we submit invitations to our brother and sister dukes to seize upon this moment and convene to meet? As you say, the means of obtaining safety to speak our minds freely is not easily obtained, but I believe that I can secure such a location and stand as host of such an auspicious time.

Please let me know if this is amenable to you both so that arrangements can be secured and invitations issues.

Respectfully,

Carissa de Vere


Lord Hadrian Jardinier, Lady Mariana Jardinier

[Lady Mariana Jardinier]

Lady Carissa de Vere,
Duchess of Shalefort

Your Grace:

Her Grace of Rosewine’s arrival would be most beneficial, for such a meeting you speak of is long overdue. We admit to having a time of peace, yet the latest news alarm us greatly and we wish to hear what the rest of our brother and sister dukes have to offer to the rest of us for our collective peace of minds. Yet we would insist on a private meeting as well, for there are things we would like to confirm that might be of importance to all of us, and unlikely to be accepted with grace by the others. I would avoid unnecessary squabble in the face of recent events that I have nothing but rumors about, and privacy is sought in order to confirm or discharge such rumors. As such, the offer remains open, for you to respond to at your leisure.

Cordially,

Lord Hadrian and Lady Mariana Jardinier
Duke and Duchess of Fairfield


Lady Carissa de Vere

[Lady Carissa de Vere]

Lord Hadrian and Lady Mariana Jardinier
Duke and Duchess of Fairfield

Your Graces:

A private meeting is amenable prior to issuing a general invitation. I believe Her Grace of Rosewine is due to join us at the Festival; perhaps we may meet on the night of the opening festivities, or perhaps the next evening in my pavilion? We will be able to speak freely and no one will think twice of what appears to be a social call so that I may better ease your minds where possible.

I look forward to seeing you both at the lake,

Carissa de Vere

Lord Hadrian Jardinier, Lady Mariana Jardinier

[Lady Mariana Jardinier]

Carissa de Vere
Duchess of Shalefort

The next day after the opening festivities at the pavilion would be amenable, Your Grace, unless you’d like to honor us with a visit? A late lunch the day after opening festivities would be a good time to catch up and perhaps to discuss anything of importance that may come up. You are welcome to bring a small company with you if you would like to do so.

Hadrian and Mariana Jardinier


Lady Carissa de Vere

[Lady Carissa de Vere]

The message returned was brief and to the point:

Your Graces:

I will be delighted to meet with you both there and arrange a repast to sate our palates even as we strive to sate our minds. I will have my uncle, Lord Rupert, with me as he often serves as my advisor.

Until then,

Carissa de Vere


Lord Hadrian Jardinier, Lady Mariana Jardinier