Everwick Castle                                                                                                                      21st July 1456

My dear Lucy,

Thank you so much for your letter, I began to think you had forgotten my existence! I'm so glad you're having a good time in Westmoreland, and it sounds like a very healthy outdoor life for you there. Please remember to thank King Meriadoc for everything, and to pay some attention to your host, as well as spending time with Princess Eden.

I have considered your request, and can't see any reason why you may not stay in the Lakelands for a few more weeks, as long as King Meriadoc is agreeable. I will write to him straight away. It actually fits in with our plans, as Clarissa is so pleased with Everwick that it looks as though we will be here a month or more. It has become a rich kingdom, with a beautiful castle, and the hospitality is second to none.

I must admit, I am enjoying spending time in the country of my birth, and becoming better acquainted with my mother's relatives. In particular, my Uncle Roland, who is about my own age, and a good sensible man with no nonsense about him. We've had some very interesting chats while walking together, as both of us enjoy fresh air. The countryside is splendid here, with hills and valleys and green fields as far as the eye can see.

Roland has a son named Henry who is a very pleasant young man. He is well educated, and about to begin his last year at Grantbridge University, where he is studying history and economics. He has travelled quite a bit, although he says no place is as beautiful as his own country. 

My cousin Henry will make a fine king when the time comes for him to take the throne of Everwick. I can tell Roland is very proud of him, although I think some of Henry's ideas may be a bit modern for him!

Pip says thank you very much for your sweet letter, and he will reply very soon. You can't imagine how busy Pip is kept, for Clarissa seems to require new clothes for every single activity, and Pip is needed to choose the materials and oversee the making of them. I think Clarissa has already sent you a letter, with news of all the parties and dances she has been to.

I do hope Nurse May is able to cope with your simple wants for another few weeks, or even a month, depending on how long you end up staying. Of course, once you are in Everwick with us, you may have as many new clothes as you wish. Pip has already had a gown made up for you for formal events - a nice one that's a sort of dark red. He says it's rather like an autumn leaf colour.

Please write if there is anything you need, and to tell us all about your holiday in the Lakelands. Be a good girl for Nurse May, and pass on my regards to King Meriadoc and Princess Eden. It's been a weight off my mind knowing that you have such good company for the summer, and are happy to stay longer.

With much love,

Bernard

Notes

You may remember Roland from How Peter Won Ellen, the son of Bernard's grandfather Theodoric, and his second wife, Orla. He was a baby about 18 months before Bernard's birth, so is maybe two years older than Bernard. From this story you would also know how the kingdom of Everwick became rich!

I wonder if anyone has tried to work out what year (by our reckoning) these stories are set? If you look up when the Saxons are said to have arrived in Britain, and add this to 1456, you may receive the answer.