What a fright we've just had. I had begun knitting some mitts which I hope to make a present of to my friend in Prussia, when Katrina let out quite a loud shriek. I looked up to see an enormous black wasp circling our sitting room. It landed on the window, and I attempted to capture it in a glass, but it muscled its way out past my hastily contrived lid and proceeded to fly all the way up to the top of the room, where I could hear its carapice bouncing off the ceiling as it went along. It finally alighted on an upstairs window, and I was able to capture it and carry it outside. I believe I may have to take a tonic for my nerves, or at the very least, a strong cup of tea. How I wish Sebastian Michaelis were already here. This is precisely the nature of things that butlers are meant for. Your sister still has not left the divan since first she sighted the creature.
I enclose a photograph of the progress I have made so far in the mitts. I do not know whether I can hope to have them done in time to ship to Prussia for Christmas, but I shall do my best. Truly, I know not how it came to be November quite so suddenly.
We had a lovely time with Miss Hughes yesterday and wanted only your presence to make the afternoon ideal. The one hiccough in the affair was that we had not enough dough for baking biscuits. I had been certain that we had plenty, but discovered all too quickly that we did not, and so took the carriage to Mr Kroger's market in an attempt to procure more. (Again the lack of a decent butler rears its head!) Sadly (as is all too common these days), Mr Kroger's stock was depleted and he shall not have more until Wednesday at the least, the result being that we were forced to make our own. It was very vexing indeed.
Last night I chased the infernal inflated ball again, but I believe I comported myself better than I have done earlier, and so am satisfied with my performance. Tonight brings more of the Fighting Arts of the Orient. I shall be well exercised!
Miss Hughes hopes soon to place an order for some knitting wool and has asked whether you desire any for projects of your own. If we purchase a sufficient quantity from the merchant she has discovered, we shall not have to pay any shipping fees. I am afraid I may well be able to make up the necessary amount on my own, but do let me know if you desire any for yourself.
I have recently been able to view videographic records of our new butler's service at his current place of employment. I must say that I am terribly impressed with what I have seen to date. I find that Sebastian, too, is acquainted with the distinguished gentlemen whom we met at Mr W. E. E. Bronson's ball, and I was very pleased to see that he conducted himself in a highly respectable manner toward them. His arrival here cannot come too quickly!
Oh, I have not told you that Hazel is ill! So far, I have been unable to discover the cause of her malady, for in part, I find that she suffers not at all, and yet she is unable to complete even the simplest task. I know not what to do with her. I hope I shall not have to bring in a specialist, for that would be an unwelcome expense.
George must stay late at his lessons today, but Katrina will fetch him for me. Daphne remains perhaps a bit obsessed with her little friends from Swimming Club. They are such a presence that I do believe we shall have to construct a pool for them here. Later, she, too, will attend the classes in Fighting Arts of the Orient with me. I am well pleased that she has mastered enough to assist me in teaching the junior lessons! Tomorrow, we may attempt to electrify her Little House. I will admit that I am not a little intimidated by the prospect. Wish us luck!
I hope your lessons are continuing pleasantly. I look forward to seeing you in two days' time!
Yours,
Mumsy
Post Script: I have finished some contracts for our dubious acquaintance Mssr. Merasmus, and have received from him a (hastily contrived) masque of the Engineer, and a rather awfully besmirched apron. I think he could at least have presented me with a clean one, but I have lent it to my fire-loving friend, who seems quite taken with it.
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