Lady Therese De Beauharnais of Roche

16 October, Year 32 of King Frederick V of Monrique's reign

Bordeux Castle, Bordeux

Monrique

When would it be 21 00 hours?

Clutching my umpteenth glass of red wine, I strolled out into the Castle gardens and sank down on one of the ice-cold stone benches. 

As much as I loved to dance, I was exhausted. It had been a long time since I had attended a ball, and I was no longer as young as I once had been.

Shaking my head, I lifted my glass of wine up to my lips for a sip. Now all I was waiting for was for the timepiece to strike nine, and then I could meet Liv, and the rest of the heiresses at our meeting place.

Surrounded by the cool, peaceful atmosphere, I closed my eyes and leaned against the back of the bench. I hugged my shawl tighter to myself, enjoying the gentle breeze that played with a few strands of my hair.

Suddenly, a familiar nasal voice shattered the peace. "Therese De Beauharnais," it hissed, "the woman who is happy to die an old maid."

The hair on the back of my neck stood up. Lord Andre!

I shot out of the bench at once, and turned around, to find a drunken Lord Andre of Baden swaggering towards me with a large bottle of whiskey in one hand. His eyes were bloodshot, and his evening clothes were crumpled.

He was a mess. Surely he was not caught up over my rejection still -

"A proud and uptight little virgin, eh?" he slurred, smirking as he drew much too close to me, "but I know the real you. You are nothing but a tease." His breath reeked of cigars and alcohol.

I wrinkled my nose, but I stood my ground. "Stay away from me," I snarled, clenching my fists, "if you know what is good for you, you will return to hell." I spat out.

Instead of fearing me, his eyes filled with intense lust. "Feisty," he crooned, reaching out a hand to touch me, "you, my dear, will be a fulfilling conquest - "

I slapped his hand away none too gently before it could touch any part of me. "I am warning you, Andre!" I growled, glaring at him fiercely, "stay the hell away from me!" I threw my glass of red wine at him.

That did it.

Without warning, he tossed aside his whiskey bottle and pounced on me, knocking me to the ground. I felt the back of my head hit something hard, and the pain resounded through my skull, as he slammed his body against mine and pinned my hands over my head, slapping a hand over my mouth.

But he had underestimated my strength.

With every ounce of energy I possessed, I turned my head to bite down on his hand hard. He howled with pain, retrieving both his hands to nurse his injury at once - which gave me enough time to wriggle away from under him and raise myself upright.

"You crazy witch!"

I was dizzy for a moment, but I recovered swiftly enough. "You are a pathetic excuse for a man," I swore, feeling utterly violated, "I wonder what Mama ever saw in you as a potential son-in-law."

"Your mother is a wonderful woman," he blinked at the whiskey bottle yonder, disoriented, "she imported this whiskey all the way from Florencia just for me – "

Ah, so this was my mother's doing.

Almost at once, her silent scheming for the past week became all too clear. She would have me publicly raped, if that was what it took me to get married.

Why am I not surprised?

White, hot rage filled me at that thought. I swung my fist against the side of his head repeatedly before he could recover, and punched him straight on the nose.

I heard a satisfying crack of his bones.

He fell face first against the ground like a ton of bricks, as blood from his nose trickled onto the white snow. A couple of drunken grunts left his lips, as his eyes closed.

I heaved a sigh of relief, my heart thudding loudly in my ears. Now mayhap -

I had spoken too soon.

Before I could sense him move, he had flipped on his back and grabbed hold of both my sleeves, ripping them off my gown to expose my bare arms from the crook of my neck to the tip of my fingers.

I froze for a moment, briefly shocked by the cold blast of air that hit my arms.

In quick succession, he kicked my ankle, causing me to fall to the ground again, and pinned me under him once more. "You little tease," he hissed, his eyes still dark with desire, "I will teach you a lesson today - "

I struggled for all it was worth, but despite being drunk, he was too strong. Gritting my teeth, I attempted to move my legs, but even that felt like an impossible task -

I was almost on the verge of screaming for help, when another body slammed against Lord Andre's and pulled him off me.

Breathing heavily, I glanced to my side to find a tall, and surprisingly well-built woman straddling Lord Andre, delivering good, strong blows to his face and his torso that he clearly could not fight against.

"Men like ye never cease to surprise me," she raged, her countenance contorted with disgust, "the mother who gave birth to ye was a woman. The sisters whom ye grew up alongside are also women. How could ye even think of - "

She was almost spitting out the words, her voice thick with the countryside accent, as she rained blow after blow against Lord Andre.

Within seconds, Lord Andre was well and truly out cold.

The woman then stood up, grabbed hold of Lord Andre's collar, dragged his limp body to one of the nearest bushes, and unceremoniously dumped him in there.

I watched her, shaken and shivering as I hugged myself, conscious of my torn gown and of my irregular breathing. Lord, that was truly a close one. Had the woman not arrived in time, who knew what might have occurred -

Composing myself, I cleared my throat. "Is he dead?"

The woman turned around at the sound of my voice, and her fierce expression softened for a moment. She swiftly reached my side and knelt down next to me, handing me her shawl.

"Worry not, lass," she assured me, "he is not dead, but he will not be fine for a long, long time." She promised.

"Thank you, ma'am," I answered quietly, wrapping the shawl around my shoulders.

"There is no need for that. Ye could have very easily held yer own," she smiled faintly, "the wretch did not stand a chance after ye had broken his nose like that." She sounded impressed.

Taking a deep breath, I shook my head clear and pulled myself together.

"Truth be told, I wanted to break more than that," I admitted, "it is a pity I could not do him more harm." I tossed a disgusted glance at the bushes where Lord Andre lay.

The woman frowned. "Did ye know this man before today?"

"Aye, he proposed marriage to me a fortnight ago," I muttered, "and I was swift to reject it. Clearly, he has not handled it well."

"Good that ye did," she nodded in approval, "ye deserve much better."

I said nothing. At this point, if I could remain unmarried with my life intact, I would be more than content.

"Do not be sad, lass," she misinterpreted my silence, patting my hand, "ye are young, very beautiful, and ye look like ye belong to them nobility. Ye must have no end of suitors, yes? I am certain ye will find a good man worthy of ye among them soon enough."

I smiled weakly, shaking my head. "I doubt it. My youth, my beauty and my wealth attract nothing but trouble, ma'am," my voice was soft with resignation, "to this day, I have yet to find a suitor who does not want to marry me for my lands and my body alone." I gestured to the ducal ring of Roche sitting on my right thumb.

Her eyes popped out in recognition at the sight of the ring, and she sat upright. "Ye are Lady Therese? Therese of Roche?"

"Aye, I am," I frowned, "why – "

"Why, lass, I have been looking for ye everywhere tonight!" she chuckled, beaming widely in relief, before she lowered her voice, "I am Laurette. Laurette De Gaulle. Lady Madeleine's cousin sister."

My forehead creased in confusion. For a cousin, she looked much older than the Countess. And me, for that matter.

I made sure to keep my voice low too. "How am I to believe – "

She swept her hair to one side at that, and removed a brooch pinned on her collar. I took it from her, and held it up into the moonlight. It was the same, rusting brooch the Countess had entrusted to me to send to her cousin when I was writing to the latter.

My suspicion cleared. "I had to be certain, Miss De Gaulle," I smiled weakly, "we have many enemies."

"Please, call me Laurette," she insisted, "and I am sorry I am late."

"You just arrived?"

She nodded. "My Uncle, Lord Bertrand, has been having me followed in Auvenge this past fortnight, knowing that I would help Madeleine in any way possible. Avoiding his men has become a daily routine, and tonight was no different," she sighed, "it took me a few hours to shake them off my trail." Her expression darkened.

I was alarmed. This was a complication I should have foreseen, and I had not.

Despite the fact that he was smugly certain about his victory in his case against his daughter, he would still attempt to keep his eyes and ears open for anyone and anything that could sabotage his water-tight triumph. It was only natural.

"Lord Bertrand - "

"Worry not, lass, his men will not find us tonight," she promised grimly, "I have made sure of that."

Judging by the dangerous glint in her brown eyes, I did not doubt it.

I checked my timepiece. "'Tis almost 21 00, Laurette. Let us proceed to the meeting," I rose to my feet, and dusted my gown, "quietly, and cautiously now." I held out a hand towards her.

She smiled at me. With the aid of my outstretched hand, she raised herself up, and together, we disappeared into the shadows.

***

Liv greeted us, as she held the door open for Laurette and I to slip in.

I looked around the huge chamber in approval. It was perfect. It was tucked away from the busy corridors, and the music from the ballroom above was so loud, that no one outside could hear us speak above it.

This was the army's conference chamber, which Jules had kindly allowed me to use for the meeting this evening.

Twenty women of all ages were all scattered across the room. Lisa was perched precariously on the windowsill, and she waved to me weakly in greeting.

Seated front of her was Lady Violante, who was the Dowager Duchess of Vareniol and Estelle's mother. She was leaning against the looking-glass, her once beautiful countenance aged by misery, holding a rosary with one hand, and a Bible with the other - upside down. Her eyes were unfocused, deeply lost in her thoughts.

Estelle's best friend, Lady Elisabeth, was seated next to her, munching on a sweetmeat, equally distracted.

Then there was Lady Camille, Duchess of Cavarriere, who was curled up on the other side of the frozen Lady Violante. She was clutching onto a novel she had long given up pretence of reading, unlike her companion.

She was surrounded by all five of her closest friends – the twins, Ladies Annabelle and Sophie, Lady Marguerite, Lady Diana and Lady Frances – who were chattering away nineteen-to-the dozen about the masquerade ball, and of course, discussing Lord Testalt's engagement in the earnest.

A smile tugged at my lips, as I remembered them. The six of them were very famous in Bordeux Castle for their jests and pranks. Although I was not well acquainted with them, their mischief had always added some colour to my otherwise dark childhood.

And there were so many other familiar faces. Lady Caroline from Anchorvale, Ladies Fredériqué and Dorothée from Carcassonne, Lady Antoinette from Avignon, and Ladies Aurore, Belle and Chantel from Condé.

Memories flooded my mind, as I looked around at all of my old friends, victims and acquaintances, from small earldoms to large duchies alike, gathered together in this room - all here to work towards a common goal.

Taking a deep breath, I turned to Laurette and Liv. "Laurette, please have a seat with the rest," I gestured to the chairs around, "and Liv, could you please help me keep watch outside? Knock in the sequence we discussed if anyone approaches the room."

Laurette nodded in acknowledgement, and proceeded to sit opposite Lisa on the windowsill, striking up a conversation with her.

"All right," Liv smiled faintly, "all the best for the meeting. I hope it goes well."

"Thank you," I returned it, "in the meanwhile, you keep yourself hidden, and stay safe."

She nodded, and quietly slipped out of the room. Drawing myself to my full height, I clapped my hands together once to catch everyone's attention.

The room fell silent at once, as all pairs of eyes turned to me.

"Good evening. Thank you for coming, all of you," I started, tucking a stray curl behind my ear, "I am aware a wonderful masquerade ball is in progress above, and I apologise for making you miss it. Especially when Lord Testalt is in attendance." I cracked a weak jest.

The tension in the room reduced slightly, as everyone laughed – some in amusement, and some in embarrassment.

"Oh, do not remind me, Tess," Lady Diana groaned, clutching her head in her hands, "I am already quite distraught that this is Lord Testalt's engagement ball."

"Me too, my Lady. I could not sleep well for nights after I received the invitation," Lady Chantel of Condé mumbled in agreement from across the table, "I had half a mind not to come."

"There, there, Chantel," Lady Aurore patted her shoulder, "there are plenty of other fish in the sea."

"But there is none like him," Lady Marguerite released a soft sigh, staring into space with a besotted expression on her countenance, "so charming, so beautiful..."

Lady Camille nudged her. "Oi," her voice was stern, as she tried to keep an amused smile off her face, "he is an engaged man now, remember?"

"Well, he is not married yet, is he?" Lady Marguerite defended herself, before she smiled dreamily again, "good Lord, those blue, blue eyes..."

I chuckled, as I agreed with her silently. His large, baby blue eyes were indeed beautiful, as was the rest of him, inside and out.

"As you can see, Tess, none of us would have attended Lord Testalt's engagement if not for your meeting," Lady Camille laughed softly, as she turned to me, "so what is all this about?"

The earlier tension returned. I took a deep breath, as I placed my hands on the table.

"I have written to each one of you over these few days," I began, "as such, I am certain all of you are aware of Lady Madeleine's imprisonment over a thieving charge."

Lady Violante, snapping out of her daze, snorted. "Thieving charge indeed," she muttered, "her father simply wants her out of the way so that he can rule Auvenge like he has always wanted. He has had his eye on that earldom from the day Adele married him all those years ago."

"You knew her mother?" I was surprised.

"Oh, yes. She was a very dear friend," her eyes glistened slightly, "and it warms my heart to see that Madeleine is an exact copy of her – intelligent, independent and strong. I am certain she will defeat Lord Bertrand in this case."

"Well, it is not as simple as you believe it to be, Lady Violante," I sighed, "as you said – and as everyone here understands – this case is more about Lady Madeleine's rights as an unmarried, unengaged Countess, than a mere thieving charge. The jury is aware of this as well, and if we do not do something fast, they will convict her come November."

"But what can we do?" Lady Camille frowned, "if Madeleine is to be acquitted, the Court must first recognise her as a Countess in her own right - which is not possible with our current inheritance laws. That would mean – "

" – changing those laws, yes," I completed her sentence, "such that female heiresses can also inherit in their own right, without needing to be married, or engaged."

Silence fell in the room at my words.

"We do not have time to make such a great change, Tess," Lady Camille whispered, "three weeks are all we have."

With great hesitation, Lady Annabelle – or Sophie, I could not tell – also cleared her throat to speak.

"And more importantly, not all women may want those laws changed. Not all women want to rule, or manage their lands," she remarked quietly, "Anna, for instance." She gestured to her twin.

"Tess, our father died recently, and I now co-rule Rortaine with Sophie," Lady Annabelle hurried to explain, "but I do not see myself ruling all my life. I have no interest in politics, and would prefer to focus on raising and taking care of my family."

"My friend Liv also feels the same," I admitted to her, "which is why I believe there must be another reason why you have come to this meeting."

She nodded. "My sister, however, wants to continue ruling in her own right," she smiled at Lady Sophie, "but unlike me, she is yet to be married, or even engaged. I would like to renounce my title in her favour soon, without any complications."

"That is good," I smiled faintly, before facing the rest, "clearly, there are some of you present who want to rule in your own right – or wish to support someone whom you know wants to rule in her own right - and some of you who are content with allowing your male family members to do so."

I let that sink in for a moment, my eyes flitting from Lady Sophie, to Lady Violante, to Lady Annabelle, and before I continued speaking.

"Both are perfectly fine," I stressed, "but what I am trying to advocate for here, is the right to make either of these decisions."

"A choice in the matter," Lady Camille mulled over my words.

"Exactly," I agreed, "and Lady Madeleine – and all of us here, truth be told – are denied that choice with the current laws."

Lady Sophie leaned forward. "What do you suggest, then?" her voice was filled with fervour, "how do we change them?"

"As Lady Camille said, three weeks is too short to make such a great change," I answered quietly, "but it is enough to set that change in motion, and I am hoping to at least stall Lady Madeleine's trial and conviction with our efforts."

With that, I went on to explain to them about the petition. Silence reigned in the room once more, as everyone considered my words, each in their own world.

"Even the Crown Princess Consort is very supportive of our cause," I added, "and has agreed to speak in our favour at Court if needed."

I took out the petition parchment from the folds of my gown, and passed it to Lady Marguerite, who was seated closest to me.

"Jules has signed it?" Lady Marguerite was quick to exclaim, as she studied the parchment.

Almost at once, there was a murmur of surprise in the room, as most of the women stood up to crowd around her to look at the parchment. Several audible gasps rose among them, as they began chattering in hushed voices among themselves.

"Impossible," Lady Diana whispered, as she grabbed the parchment from her hands, "impossible..."

"Is there a problem?" I was confused at all the commotion.

Lady Marguerite raised her astonished eyes to me. "Jules has truly signed it," her voice was full of disbelief, "how did you convince her to?"

Lisa and Laurette, too, had been viewing this phenomenon with some confusion. "Why is that a surprise, Maggie?" Lisa frowned at her now, "Jules, too, had fought for a woman's right to enlist in the army."

She grew uncomfortable at once. "Nay, it is not that -"

"I am not only asking you, but also those who are sitting here with their mouths wide open as well," Lisa stood up to look around at our peers, "did you truly think that Jules' opinions have changed now that she has become a Crown Princess Consort?"

Lady Marguerite turned a bright shade of scarlet, and looked pleadingly at Lady Camille to help her. The latter gave her a tight smile, and deigned to take over the role of their spokesperson.

"None of us doubt Jules, Lisa," Lady Camille assured her gently, "what I find surprising – as do the rest of us, I am certain – is that Jules trusted Tess enough to listen to her ideas, and sign this petition for her. After everything that happened between them and the Crown Prince before their marriage." She shot me an apologetic look.

Dread filled me. Would the past never allow me to live in the present?

Lisa scowled. "Mila, look at her. Is this the Tess you remember from our childhood?" she came to my defence at once, "she has changed so much – "

Lady Camille shook her head. "Do not mistake us, Tess. We are all at peace with you, and I know how hard your have tried to make amends with Jules over these couple of years," she smiled at me kindly, before sighing, "but trust, once lost, does take its time to return, if at all. And this...this is no small thing for her to agree to. She would be turning her back against her own in-laws."

"It is no small thing for any of us, truth be told," Lady Marguerite spoke up hesitantly, "if we commit to this, we are involving ourselves in treason. We stand to lose everything if we fail."

It took me a moment to find my voice. "I understand," I answered quietly, "and I will be honest with you about the risks. Submitting the petition will not be the problem. The problem will occur when the Crown Council – and the jury of the Court of the Lady Justice – rejects our petition after deliberating, and we choose to fight on. They can do anything to us to break our resistance: confiscate our lands, shun our families, imprison us in the dungeons, or even execute us."

I looked straight into all of their eyes. I had already contemplated all of these consequences, and was ready to face them all.

"Jules already knows what can happen if we fail," I continued, "and yet, she chose to sign. Do you know why?"

They shook their heads.

"Because she already lives in fear, every day, about what would happen if she gives birth to a daughter," I answered solemnly, "the hate, the curses, the unhappiness that the child will be subjected to by those around her, simply because she cannot be sworn in as the Crown Prince's heir by law – and thus the Crown Prince cannot become King until he and Jules have a son."

"She is fighting for her unborn child," Lady Camille's voice was soft.

I nodded. "I understand that all of you have a lot to consider," I crossed my arms, "but if any of you feel that this fight is one that is worth taking up, nevertheless – for yourselves, your sisters, your current and future daughters – then please do sign the petition."

"If you choose not to, I completely understand," I maintained eye contact with them all, "thank you for your time."

With that, I inclined my head, and held my breath.

***

"There, all done."

Laurette and Lisa stepped back from the carriage, panting slightly after having helped me pile my trunks at the back, as Liv firmly secured the food that was going to last me the journey into a sack.

"Thank you so much for helping me pack and prepare for my journey on such short notice," I smiled around at them, "and at such a late hour too."

Liv handed me the sack of food, waving it off. "It is no problem. Eat well, and travel safely," she advised me, before lowering her voice, "and do not worry about the petition parchment. I will guard it with my life until you return."

"And I will ensure the women return to their lands safely on the morrow," Lisa added in a whisper, "take care of yourself, and your father, Tess. I will pray for his health at the chapel every day." Her eyes were soft with compassion.

"Thank you," I mumbled.

"Ye had best be off now, lass," Laurette glanced at her timepiece, "the weather - "

"Tessie, wait!"

All of us turned around at the sound of the high-pitched voice. A soft patter of footsteps could be heard, as a small whirlwind flew across the steps from the porch to the carriage, stopping in front of me within seconds.

My forehead creased. "Tommy?"

Little Tommy, still dressed in his suit from the evening's festivities, gazed up at me, his baby blue irises filled with sorrow. "Were you leaving without saying goodbye?"

I knelt to his height. "It is rather late at night, mon ange. I thought you might have gone to bed by now, and I did not want to disturb you," I murmured, "I am sorry."

"It is all right, Tessie," he was quick to forgive, as always, "I just wanted to give you something before you left." He held up his arms towards me, his fists closed.

I was curious. "What is it?"

For an answer, the child waddled unsteadily forward to wrap his arms around my neck tightly, pressing a kiss to my cheek.

"I will miss you, Tessie," he mumbled, "I hope your Papa gets well soon. Oncle Ned told me he was very sick."

The three other women around me gazed at us with tenderness, as I felt my throat clog a little with emotion. I placed a kiss on his blond curls, and I wrapped my arms around him.

"I will miss you too," I answered softly, "and thank you. You will keep him in your prayers, will you not?"

He nodded, and held out his pinkie. "Pinkie promise. I will pray every day."

I hooked my pinkie with his, and held him tightly, attempting to compose myself and calm the child at the same time. Before long, Lisa bent down and placed a hand on Tommy's head.

"Darling, Tess has to leave before it becomes too dark," she murmured, "or else it will be very dangerous for her to travel."

At that, Tommy pulled away from me. "Stay safe," his eyebrows furrowed, "farewell, Tessie."

"Farewell, mon ange," I smiled weakly, fondly touching his cheek before glancing up at Lisa, "Lisa, please put him to bed in Lord Testalt's chambers, and stay with him till Lord Testalt returns, will you not?"

Lisa nodded, as she lifted him into her arms. Glancing at the three of them, and waving at the child one more time wistfully, I boarded the carriage.

Before I could shut the curtains, however, Lisa stepped close to me, blocking the view of the other two, and reached out to take my hand in hers. "This arrived for you earlier today," she murmured, "and thank goodness it did."

With that, I felt her slip a small, folded piece of parchment through her fingers, away from the eyes of Liv and Laurette, as she shook my hand.

I closed my fist over it, and rested it on my lap. She shot me a nod, and one last smile, before she closed my curtains, shut the door and hit the side of the carriage to signal the horseman to move. Once the carriage had crossed the gates, I put on my reading glasses, unfolded the piece of parchment and tried to read it with the meagre light from the moon:

10 October, Year 1 of Sebastian VI, Emperor of the Longbournian Nations' reign

Longbourne Military Academy for Women, Amöneburg

The Longbournian Nations

Dear De Beauharnais,

I understand now, why our elders always say that grief brings people closer together. I never thought I would see the day I would receive a letter from you. Yet here I am, in a land far away, holding a piece of home, and I have never been happier to.

Thank you for your letter. It means a lot to me. Please do not worry that you were not physically present in Bordeux when my engagement fell through. Friendships, after all, are not measured by how many times we see or hear from each other. It is held true by the inherent belief and faith in each other, regardless of the many oceans or tragedies that span between us. You have staunchly stood by me in these two years, and your support is the one thing that I have come to rely on without question.

Although the rest of my friends and my family are incredibly supportive, I know that you understand what I am going through, more than anyone else. After all, you too, had decided to study law and make something out of your life after Ned had publicly denounced you for trying to use him to ascend the throne. These two years have clearly given you a chance channel all your pain and grief into an area of interest that you are passionate about, and in the process, recover from your heartbreak, learn from your mistakes and mature as a person.

I truly admire how much you have grown in this time. The last I heard, Ned is going to be engaged to Evie in less than a week's time, and yet, you seem all right with it. You have found the strength to make peace with your past, move on from it and wish him well.

I truly hope my tenure in the Longbournian Academy for Women will allow me to learn and grow as you have. If there is one thing that I learned from crying in my bedchambers for a fortnight straight after my broken engagement, it is that I still have a hell lot of growing up to do before I decide to share my life with another person.

I am doing well. I arrived safely in Amöneburg earlier yesterday, and was greeted by Corporals Baudelaire and Montgomery – and the rain. Lots of rain. I also met the Emperor and his mother, amidst a lot of dramatic events. It was a tumultuous day, and it would be unwise of me to discuss those events on parchment. Mayhap I will tell you what happened when I visit Monrique in the future.

Oh, and aye, De Beauharnais, Amöneburg is every bit as beautiful as those travelling traders say, and especially so after the storm. I love riding in the plains, with petrichor saturating the cool air, and water droplets on every blade of grass that sprinkle across your ankles when the horses gallop. You should come and visit me here one day, with Clara and Uncle Thomas, when he recovers. I am certain that all of you will love it too.

I heard that he is still ill. Do not lose faith, Tess. Uncle Thomas is a fighter, and he will pull through. The prayers of so many people are with him, as are mine. He will defeat this illness that has been plaguing him, and he will come back to us, pink in health. We must believe in him, and we must be strong for him.

If I remember correctly, your final law examinations are coming up as well. I wish you all the very best for them, and I am certain you will excel and make a wonderful Lady Justice. All of us, especially Uncle Thomas, are very proud of you for all that you have achieved so far, and we believe you will do very well in the future as well.

Take care, De Beauharnais. Do write to me whenever you have the time.

With lots of love,

Harrington

When I finished reading, my vision was blurred with tears.

***