Narcissa Malfoy

'Talking,' is it?

Dear, it might have occurred to you that I had reasons for inviting Aurora to the spa with me and not simply for the company. Though I would have liked her to spend more time getting to know Amanda, as well.

Really, though. If you must keep her home with you for a rough-and-tumble, kindly do not ruin her for the rest of the week? No one needs either of you to become a central story in the papers again - for any imaginable reason.

But beyond that .... Well, it would have been a perfect opportunity to assist her in looking her very best for Amara's wedding - or any other appearances you two might have in mind this weekend. Now, I know you're no stylist but you're no slouch, dear. At least try to encourage her to wear something a bit more ... let's say daring than her usual. She looked so radiant at the Yule Ball; it's a shame she can't put in the effort more often.

Oh, Mordred, that sounds much harsher than I intended. I don't mean to suggest that she's neglectful of her own presentation. Not at all. I have certainly never seen her looking anything less than acceptable. But then I don't see her every day, either, and I have seen enough to know that she values convenience and comfort over a host of other considerations.

She's a wonderful young woman, Razzer, and I really am quite happy for you both. But you know as well as I what sort of people she'll be among this Friday - and without the relative protection of Hogwarts at her disposal. I would not want to see her brought low by some unthinking, insensitive lout. Not even if you're there to remove the brute's mouth for speaking out of turn.

And pardon me but she has seemed ... fragile, lately. In her own journal posts, and if I'm not mistaken, in some of her replies to others. I hope you're being more of a help than a hindrance in that category? Morgana knows, I've tried to offer her a sisterly ear (and I know, she has enough sisters of her own) but I can't help feeling rebuffed at every overture. Not that she has ever said anything ru - well, let us say that she has never offended me, either by word or omission. She has been scrupulously polite, always. But one can't dismiss the vague sense that she remains ... unprepared, let us say, for the sort of public life she is bound to encounter if you two continue your close association.

Gracious. I've rather gone on more than I meant to do. I hope you take it in the spirit in which it's offered, Raz dear. I do wish you both the best. I'm only ... unsure how to help either of you with the range of navigation that society will expect of her. Of you both.

Look, I've got the masseuse coming in so I shall have to go. As if Aurora's cancellation were not enough, Amara's chosen today of all days to bring in her hens for her own pre-wedding party! One shall now have to attempt to relax and remain en garde all at once! how vexing. It completely defeats the purpose. Ah, well, at least I've Amanda along to talk to.

Aurora, it was a delightful surprise to run into you in New London yesterday. Your mother is enchanting; I'm so glad to have met her at last.

Now, I am certain that Raz plans for the two of you to stay at Spencer but we've decided to open Kensington for the whole of the Faire, so if either of you feel that it's too much to prepare the place just for a night or two, do feel free to stay with us instead. It would be such fun. For one thing, I know Mother's dying to know some deliciously improper things about our Razzer but is far too sensible to expect a truthful answer from him! You mustn't think it shall all be the third degree, either; I'm sure you've had more than enough interrogation for the time being. No, we shall all be quite cozy, I think: Amanda's coming down for a nice, long visit as well and I daresay we shall see Étienne at least once or twice, as well as Igor, so you shall even have the benefit of other academicians for conversation.

We plan to settle ourselves at the weekend.

Dominic, Chloe: Lucius was just saying last night that it's been ages since we've had you over for supper. Well, if you've a mind, as I said, we shall both be in town for the next two weeks and you're welcome to come - Tuesday or Thursday, I think, would be the best nights - or if you prefer to use our invitation as an excuse to get to the country, then I'm afraid that after the 27^th is the best I can offer.

But we do plan to have friends in on Monday - just drinks, and then going on to stroll the avenue down to where the agora is being installed - and of course, we look forward to seeing you both there. Barty, that goes for you as well! You've been working much too hard, dear boy; it's time to leave that study you've turned into your office-away-from-the-office and get some fresh air.

Rod, it's no trouble to bring Rigel along, I'll love having him while you're attending to other matters. And you know Mother adores her grandson! She'll have every stall along the northern bank giving him sweets and treats, from Battersea all the way to Waterloo!