Private Message to Maebh Drumgoole

I received your owl, dear, but I've been at the salon all day and thought this might be one time when a conspicuous contact might help, rather than a return owl.

Now, Maebh, I'm sure you've considered that Barty may have been ... overstating things a bit. By all reports he was terribly disappointed as well. It's likely that he found a clean break less painful than trying to maintain any other sort of connection.

Really, we are all still quite shocked that events fell out as they have done. You know Barty is a dear friend and I would never have supported a match I did not believe in his best interest. You two seemed so suited to one another. I can't fathom Our Lord's objections - but we are all bound to serve Him at His pleasure, without question. In fact, absolute obedience and loyalty are two of the few stipulations to which all wizards in His immediate circle must adhere. On that score, Barty does not exaggerate his commitment. I daresay it probably hurt him greatly that you might test him on such a point.

As for the rest of Our Lord's circle, you've nothing to fear. I can assure you we've every intention of returning to the resort over the summer - and we've received no directive otherwise. Have you really had cancellations? That's shameful. Don't worry about the reservations, dear; I'll be certain to mention our plans to a few key people. Do let me know if business doesn't pick up again in the next few weeks.

If you have time next week, you might also consider making an appearance in some of the higher-profile studios and shops in New London. That ought to put paid to any rumours circulating that you are entirely out of favour. You need not worry that you will risk seeing Barty on any such errands; I have it on good authority that he shall remain out of Town for some time to come. For that matter, I'd be willing to intercede, if you like, to discover his itinerary, so there will be no danger your paths will cross.

Rest assured you have our deepest sympathy at this disappointment. We very much wished to see you both happy together. But as that's not ordained, my dear, we shall simply have to make the best of Our Lord's decision and endeavour to carry on.

Private Message to Norah Crouch

I did receive your owls, Norah, but I've been otherwise engaged all day.

Now, I suppose I should start by saying that I've had no direct word from him, but I hardly think that's surprising, given the circumstances.

But really, there's no need to overreact, dear. It's not Barty's fault in the slightest; in fact if you pause to consider, you'll understand why he has taken this field assignment for the week (and yes, he certainly has been in the field).

I know it's disappointing; it's difficult for us all. But I think the best thing you can do for him now is leave him to his work. Our Lord has his reasons for wanting Barty to remain free to pursue His justice, at least for the time being, and neither you nor Maebh nor anyone, least of all Barty himself, has any right to question that decision.

I've asked Mother to join me in New London later this week when I open Kensington for Mr Cooper to finish his installation for the gardens there. I'm sure she'd love to see you while she's in Town. Meanwhile, I advise you to bear up as best you can - without further troubling your son with owls or journal messages, or any sort of entreaty to share his feelings about the matter. Particularly when he is wholly occupied on vital business of the realm, it's no small wonder that he has given you rather curt answers to your communication, don't you agree?

Moreover, Norah, if he were available to respond more fully, Barty would no doubt tell you that fretting over this setback is not only useless, since you cannot change it, but will surely cause you distress which you can ill afford at present. Please, for his sake if not your own, concentrate on your own health and on maintaining the regimen your Healers have prescribed, and put aside thoughts of Barty's misfortune. That, more than anything else, will put him more at ease, I'm sure. I daresay once he has had time to absorb the shock himself, and gained a little distance from the incident, to say nothing of completing his current mission, he will be much more inclined and not insignificantly, more able, to discuss what happened with you.