Narcissa Malfoy

Aurora,

Do forgive me for writing so late in the day; it has been rather a long one.

I wanted to thank you for your efforts yesterday - you and Razzer. Believe me, I appreciate your subtle attempts to fill in where I could not. Friday was a very long (and trying) night.

Which, I understand, you learned in a rather rude way. I'm so sorry, on behalf of Mrs Selwyn. I heard she was much the worse for the wine, so please, don't believe her bluntness in any way characteristic. She'd suffered a terrible fright - though that does not excuse her behaviour, of course.

Tosha says that he and Razzer saw to you in the aftermath. I'm just so dreadfully embarrassed that it happened under my roof.

If I know Chloe at all, she bitterly regretted her intemperance by light of day (and recovery of wits). Please, don't hold her harsh words against her. She's really a lovely person - normally.

And thank you again, for your ample assistance throughout the evening. I hope we can spend another day together soon, under less stressful circumstances.

-Narcissa

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!