When all the pieces fit
My Dearest Anna,
My deepest and sincere apologies for not writing to you upon my arrival in Paris. My delay is not because I have not thought of you, for memories of us on the tree swing, or of Martha’s soup, or the scent of Father’s tobacco crowd my mind and often take my attention from business. I feel we have not laughed together for an eternity, my dearest sister, and I long for moments of your presence and share warm conversation and poetry by the fireside. I fear business will detain me for several more months and I may not share your company until the Easter holiday.
I enjoyed Milan with the enthusiasm of a young boy–Remember the games of hide and seek we used to play in the hedge behind Uncle’s cottage? The scent of Milan, with its heavenly gardens tended by careful hands, and its clear blue skies on warm June mornings, brought me straight away to those forgotten and cherished mornings. I am still convinced the gardener assisted you at every turn of the game. It still plagues me that I would always find you at the opposite end of the garden from where he gestured for me to look!
The trip from Milan has left me weary. Paris, as always, is bustling and crowded. And my business takes me from my writing desk and from you. I am afraid these words from me shall be quite limited. Know that I am well and am happy to hear you are the same. Do give a hello to Boswell; I know how he misses my complaints. His butler’s life must be empty without my constant harassments!
I will write again in a fortnight. Until then, with my deepest affections,
Peyton
***
Mr. J. Nickleworth
Rue Du Jour 57
Harrison and Company
Jason:
It would be a pleasure to meet with you and I gratefully accept your invitation. I hope your lovely wife, Aislin, will join us, as I enjoyed her momentary company when you and I dined in London last winter.
My business in Paris is not as lucrative as I was led to believe, and much more complicated. I have left my solicitor to untangle the quagmire and to satisfy my desires.
Business frustration leaves me on a hunt for more worthy opponents. Bring the cards. Let us say, tea time at the Forney in two eves.
Peyton
***
Anna:
Darling, I am afraid I will be detained quite a bit longer, but not without hardy gains. Do be assured.
Do you recall my friend, Jason Nickleworth, of whom I spoke of as the finest card player at the academy? I am sure you will remember if I mention the forty pounds I lost when his masterful play left me unable to return the first Christmas I studied at Ox?
I have recently met with Jason, who is as skilled at the games as he ever had been–more so–and I wish to never bring up my losses at this time or any other. Although I was humbled and suffered sore bruising to my ego, Jason, always happy to advance the business pursuits of a schoolmate who once tutored him in Latin and chemistry, has invited me to stay at his manor in Corveigh. He has also related to me a number of business interests in that area, which until my ears came upon them, have remained unsought by others. I have been told the properties are a treasure to the eye, and he has also invited me to look into a bindery which he, unfortunately only for him, has turned down. I am afraid he is a trifle short of funds as of late and has offered me the opportunity to look into this investment, as he is unable to do so. I have thanked him greatly.
Jason has not visited his own manor in over six months. To repay my indebtedness and to pursue the exciting lead into these wondrous investments, he asks that I remain at his manor for several months. In confidence, he expressed concerned for his new bride, who unfortunately, with only servants and her younger sister for companionship, has fallen into a lonely sadness and fears bumps in the night. He is hoping my presence will calm her delicate condition and assures me my agreement will fully satisfy my debt to him.
I am hopeful that this excursion will bring the opportunity I seek while also assisting my dear friend. I realize my diversion was unexpected, and you must be dreadfully bored with father’s tiresome war talk, but be yet happy that my actions will lead to a firm monetary station for our family and will ensure a sizable dowry for your and our little sister. Give little Chandra a kiss and tell her brother Peyton sends his love. Wish father a firm hello and mention nothing of the business herein as I fear you will then yield to a severe tongue lashing both for listening to my risky ventures and being an emotional female!
Yours,
Peyton
***
Jason:
I arrived at your fine manor’s door just last eve. It was a rough sail, and the captain was increasingly bitter, but I have made it to safety to Corveigh.
What a beautiful countryside! How you must miss its glory! I am regretful that I had not accepted your earlier invitations, for it is here that any man could find peace. Would England have had so far-reaching luscious green and rolling hills, I am sure our countrymen never would have ventured across the water!
Your home is one of which to be proud and never let me hear you berate its solitude! I, for one, am ecstatic at the peace and tranquility I found here! I have not had such a deep and therapeutic sleep since I left my own bed in Essex, and oh, to be there would only be a gossamer away from this!
I intend to look into the bindery this very afternoon. Afterward, I shall return to dine with your wife and sister-in-law. Precious are both. I have never seen such redness of locks or ivory of skin. Your luck runs through more than cards, and I am afraid my jealousies are many for you and the blessings upon you!
Last evening, when I arrived by coach, I was pleased to learn that Mrs. Nickleworth and Ms. McCarthy had awaited my arrival–even at the late hour I crossed your threshold! I was immediately brought tea and biscuits and graced with their conversation for over an hour, during which I related my travels and news of you. They had many questions as to your demeanor and complexion and know that I reassured them and wiped every worry line from their faces. They retired shortly thereafter.
I have perused your library this morning and find it lacking in chemistry texts! I have no need to wonder why!
Ah, my friend, be encouraged! I will guard your property and your loved ones until your return.
With appreciation,
Peyton
***
T J Butterfield
Larson Associates
London
Dear Sir:
I am glad to hear that you have accepted my terms. I am sure you will find the remainder of the agreement satisfactory. Be assured the bindery will continue to flourish under my management.
Please see Mr. E. Carson of London Bank to arrange full payment.
Sincerely,
Mister Peyton Garrison
***
My Dearest Anna,
I have purchased the bindery of which I spoke in my last letter. I have also managed some other arrangements, which I feel will bring deep profits to my pocket and warmth to my heart!
Write to me soon! I long for a word from home!
Love to all,
Peyton
***
My Dearest Anna,
You are hearing from the proud new owner of over two-hundred acres in Corveigh! What beautiful countryside this is! I am presently arranging for restoration of the structure on the property–of course, I shall improve the stone fortress with the modern conveniences. I am sure that is one of your concerns.
I know my absence is also a concern, but be assured it will be no longer that six or seven weeks more. As I have related, I am contracted by my word to remain at Gilliam Manor until its master’s return. Jason has assured me he will be doing so within the month.
Love and attentions,
Peyton
***
Darling Anna,
Now that my business matters have drawn to their successful close, I have been able to enjoy to serenity of surroundings and the pleasantries of my hostess and her sister. Recently, two of their childhood friends have arrived. The second, a young rogue, Frederick Matheson, for which I am sure you would give your dowry and Chandra’s, is a sturdy, good-tempered man not easily drawn into melancholy. He seems enthralled by my hostesses’ sister, Catherine. I am enjoying the sport and was considering playing myself if the opportunity arises.
Do not laugh, my darling twin! I have found a wife with whom to share my good fortune and your fair company!
In love,
Peyton
***
Jason:
You are missing the best of company, my dear Jason!
Mister Frederick Matheson and I have grown to be excellent hunting companions, and in full alignment, agree to scheme our way into beating you at a hand of cards upon your return! I regret we have convinced your sister-in-law and his new wife, who are one and the same, to look over your shoulder and allow us the greatest of advantages! Their wedding was conservative but lovely and all are sorry for your absence.
Onto other news. Along with the aforementioned happy couple, Miss Angela Pillsberry arrived with Mister Matheson, and I regret to agree that she is as plump and as unpleasant as you had advised.
I must disagree with you on one point that you made in your last correspondence: Your wife, Aislin, is far from dull witted and becalmed! I have found her quite adventurous, and she has shown me much of the countryside on horseback over the past two days. She is far more educated than my sisters and I wonder why you find her company so droll as to compare her to your oldest mule! Is that a way to speak of your blushing bride? Her beauty and temperament must have erased themselves from your memory in your absence.
In any event, she and I look forward to your return home when you can enjoy the company of the five of us and we can finally see you fold a hand of cards!
Regards,
Peyton
***
Darling Anna,
I do believe being in love is the worst feeling a man can experience outside of having to shoot his horse in evidence of a broken leg!
Last eve, my hostess threw a small ball in celebration of a large harvest this past season and in announcement of her sister Catherine’s marriage. There was food and music to please all tastes, yet my heart sunk each time I saw her crystal blue eyes from across the room. Her. Ah, she is more beautiful than mother’s gardens! I am sure, had mother been alive to witness my love’s beauty, she would offer no argument to the contrary! I lie in bed and wallow at the shackles that bind me from proclaiming my feelings–it is no wonder you took my proclamation to mean that of Catherine, but it is Aislin I pain for–and, as she is otherwise forever spoken for, I am wishing for my death to come!
The gown she wore, an emerald surpassing even these rolling hills, I look upon in my mind’s eye even now. She swept into the room and danced with all the men present, including me. I found my breath left me when I placed my hands on her tiny waist! Oh wretched, wretched life!
I look for advice regarding this confidence! I am sure I will not make another week with these stones filling my heart!
Aching,
Peyton
***
Jason:
Your associate has brought word of the difficulties that are before you and I struggle to find the words to calm your fears.
If I were to purchase Gillam Manor, and later sold it back to you, at no profit, of course, I would find it an honor to have served our friendship! Please do not say such things about your life! You have a long one ahead! This is such a trifle as to wish to leave this earth! Please consider my offer.
And, perhaps, reconsider your acumen at the gaming table. It sounds as if that ruffian targeted you for his trickery.
It may be that current monetary difficulties are just a minor setback and business in Paris can wait! Please return home as soon as you are able, and I will assure everything in my power to assist you!
In friendship,
Peyton
***
Darling Twin, Anna,
On the night before last, a Mister Lisuis brought us the more horrid news! My friend, Jason Nickleworth, as I have mentioned, has had a recent financial setback of which he could not extricate himself. He had lost two establishments in Paris and found that a third, a shipping company, had lost a large textile shipment crossing to the new land. Wracked with anxiety, he sought a most dangerous route to redemption. In a devastating game of chance, he lost the entirety of his wealth. Having lost his liquidity at the gaming table, Jason was forced to put Gillam Manor up for sale and to liquidate the remaining of his assets.
The property on which I now stand was to be foreclosed upon before nightfall last. Jason was beyond reasoning in his last letter to me, although those he penned to Aislin were solid and assuring, as was his practice. He wrote this to me over a week ago, detailing his plight, at which time I offered to buy Gilliam and resell it to him when the time came that he could replace my purchase price. He was loosing everything and felt despaired. He revealed to me that in an attempt to regain his pride and losses; he had challenged the ruffian who had defeated him in the first game of cards. Rumor revealed that he was again bested.
Word of his failure preceded by hours the worst news to come upon us! Jason has taken his own life and left only a small inheritance to his wife. Luckily, I had already put a sizable sum down on the Manor, so she is safety housed for the time being. I fear she has fallen quite ill at the word of her widowed status and is in no temper to wonder at her living arrangements. I hope that when she returns to her senses, she will recall my kindness as well as my other attributes that would make me a fine husband.
This may be the saddest and happiest time of my life. Please accept my offer to come and help Aislin and me through this anguish!
All Love,
Peyton
***
Mister S. Brannon
Fife Court, London
Dear Sir:
Enclosed you will find the sum of 500 pounds.
I thank you for the use of your skills at the gaming table and hope you find this enclosed sum and the winnings from Mister Nickleworth, compensation for your time. I understand you missed the opportunity for a favorable game in Brussels and I apologize for any inconvenience.
As a token of my appreciation, I was wondering if you would be interested in accepting shares in a shipping company, which I recently acquired under exceedingly favorable terms. You will find it is on its way towards restoration, under my hand, and that its recent losses are incidental.
Contact me at my residence in Corveigh,
Peyton Garrison
***
Copyright Mar 25,1995, CA Schmidt. All rights reserved.
