Hunting
Dear Father,
The Kingdom of Romania is truly enchanting.
One of my first thoughts upon seeing Bran Castle and its spires was of those children’s stories you and Mother would read to us before bed.
The tiles on the towers are cut in a way that reminds me of dragon scales.
I half expect a knight to come riding in on his steed at any moment.
(Though we both know I’d likely borrow his horse on my own to seek out a dragon to slay.
If he’s truly a knight and a gentleman, I’m sure he wouldn’t mind.)
The Carpathian Mountains are some of the grandest in all the world, at least what I’ve seen of them. I cannot wait to admire this land during the spring. I imagine the ice-capped mountains must burst with greenery. I believe you would enjoy taking a holiday here.
They have these divine meat pastries—filled with savory mushrooms and all manner of wonderful juices and spices. I have eaten them nearly every day so far! In fact, my stomach is grumbling at the mere mention of them. I must bring some back when I visit.
I hope you’re doing well in London. I miss you terribly and have a photograph of you I often say good night to. Before you inquire, I will say that Mr. Cresswell has been a most perfect gentleman. He has taken his duty seriously and is quite the troublesome chaperone. You would be proud.
His sister, Miss Daciana Cresswell, has invited us to a Christmas ball in Bucharest. If the weather permits, it shall be a lovely time. I do wish I could come home for the new year and visit. Please give my love to Aunt Amelia and Liza. And do take care of them and yourself.
I shall write again soon. I am learning much here at the academy and cannot thank you enough for allowing me to study abroad.
Your loving daughter,
Audrey Rose
P.S. How is Uncle faring? I do hope you’ve continued to see him and invite him over for supper.
It may be forward of me to say, but I daresay you need each other, especially during this trying season.
Merry Christmas, Father. And many happy tidings for the new year.
1889! I cannot believe it’s almost upon us.
There is something fresh and wonderful about the start of a whole new year.
I hope it ushers in the promise of new beginnings for us all. It shall