Narcissa Malfoy

No doubt you both have heard of Lucius' falling out with Ari Baddock. (Tosha, I'd be surprised if you had not got the whole story from him last Thursday when he came to Hogwarts for the Governors' meeting.)

It's been over a week and I think that's quite long enough for their tempers to rule them. The two of them are both behaving like children over the sordid business and neither will see reason. Personally, while I agree that Ari should have been more vigilant against Miss Parkinson's deviousness, I don't see that it's grounds for Lucius to call to an end a friendship spanning thirty years. And then to compound it by blocking Ari's appointment to the Governors, at the last moment - well, it's no wonder Ari has also been fuming over the last few days. Pandora and I met for tea yesterday, unbeknownst to either of our husbands, and she told me that Lucius' fury is matched only by Ari's indignation.

So far neither of us have been able to make a dent in their attitudes. But I was hoping, perhaps, you might have more success with Lucius, at least. I don't think I need to tell you that Ari's support has always been something Lucius valued at Court as well as in all personal matters. And this rift - I had the most disturbing conversation with Isadora Rowle this afternoon. I'm not sure what to make of it but I fear it might signal that others will interpret this rift between them as a ... an indication that Lucius' control is slipping.

He would never tell me such a thing, you understand. But perhaps you can appeal to him in ways that he would not appreciate coming from me.

If he should ask, I'm writing to make sure you both received invitations from the DoP for our speaker series this year.

Now that the Jr Auxiliary luncheon is over I can safely make plans for the rest of the week.

Aurora: I hope you received my owl? I'm sorry not to have replied immediately; we were simply inundated over the weekend. How would Wednesday suit you? There's a charming exhibit in the Maidstone, if you are interested in abstracts. Or if you prefer, we could take in the Larmer Tree Gardens (provided the weather chooses to cooperate, of course). I would also not say no to a simple tea at Katyenka or somewhere similar.

Do let me know. I've an appointment at 9 but otherwise I'm quite at your disposal.


Pandora: That is very interesting news, indeed. Saturday? Yes, I'm intrigued enough to go with you.


Hydra: How would you like to visit on Friday? We might go riding together; it's been ages since we went out.


Oh, and Malvasius, you'll have to do better in future, I'm afraid. You neglected to save me a dance at the Coopers' reception; if such behaviour continues I shall be forced to conclude I've lost my ability to captivate. Then again, who could hope to compete with Mrs Cooper's magnetism on her day of days?


Eudora, of course Amanda and I would be glad to entertain the Daughters after next month's meeting. We've discussed it and Amanda wishes to offer Mellerstain for the occasion. Will that satisfy? I'm simply dying to hear all about your exploration of the Lethifolds' summer roster. I hear they're trying to seduce Bull Pummel away from Wimbourne but I doubt they'll have any success. Still, it would be worth it to them, surely, to be able to boast the only completely pureblood professional side in the realm.