Was that a jest?! Now this note I shall have to keep.
Matilda
23 September 1821
Dear Lady Matilda,
Surely even you can agree that two punctuation marks at the end of a sentence is one too many.
Can I take your previous message to mean you did not keep the other letter? Truly, I would prefer if you would burn it. I have no desire to see my lapse in judgment printed in the morning papers. I’ve seen my name therein more than enough.
A
26 September 1821
Dear Lord Ashford,
At your request, I have disposed of all your notes.
I would not sell your letter to the gossip rags.
You have no reason to believe me, I know. But I did not mean to associate my scandalous drawings with you. I have acted the fool plenty since my debut seven years ago, but I have tried very hard to ensure that no one else is hurt because of me.
I have attempted to keep the consequences of my actions restricted to myself alone. I have not always been successful, but I have tried.
Matilda Halifax
27 September 1821
Dear Lady Matilda,
Thank you for destroying the letter.
Twelve years ago, I made a series of grievous personal errors. Many have paid for my mistakes, including Bea, who was six years old at the time. The consequences of our actions spread like ripples in a pond. They cannot be stopped, no matter how good our intentions or how hard we try.
What I mean to say is, I understand.
I think I preferred your insults directed toward my style of correspondence.
Christian de Bord, Lord Ashford
28 September 1821
Dear Lord Ashford,
I would like to meet. Can we meet? I must speak with you.
Matilda
28 September 1821
Lady Matilda,
Respectfully, no.
A
28 September 1821
