My
Dearest Orli,
How happy we are to hear that you have finished your degree! I cannot wait to see you – my little brother – as a lawyer! Congratulations! We are all so proud of you! Father has not stopped boasting! I fear the neighbours are now avoiding him, for he talks of you so much! But, this is not why I write. As you well know, you and Father did not part on the best of terms and, though his smile is now genuine when he speaks your name, he is not yet ready to have you back with us. The village – the minister, they have not forgotten about your little … indiscretion. Father thinks, and I fear I must agree, that now would not be an agreeable time to return, no matter that we are desperate to see you. Father has thus arranged for you to travel from Oxford direct to London, where you will stay with the son of Mother's dearest friend. His name is Viggo Mortensen. You may remember him. He is a most wonderful man, and Father and Mother both agree he will be an excellent mentor. He has contacts in the City, Orlando. And he is a Lord! I will admit that I am rather jealous of you, you lucky thing! It seems an age since I was last in London! My darling Edward much prefers the rural life. But – I am babbling! As I have said, you will be collected from Trinity by a carriage. I believe you are to stay with Lord Mortensen until the end of the summer, perhaps longer. Then you may return triumphant! With a lady, perchance? I have my suspicions that you are being sent to London to be "cured". I love you just as you are, Orli, but your … decision … does not sit so well with Father. It would ease his mind for you to bring home a lovely young lady. You are gorgeous, dear brother, and I cannot imagine this would be too difficult a task! It would… help matters, of this I am sure. Mother is sending your clothes and belongings, and a delicious cake, up to London. Father has transferred some money into your account, to be used as needed. Mother and myself will try to visit you as soon as is possible. Father … I do not know. But for now, I must stop writing! I am using ink at an alarming rate, and it stains my fingers a most unattractive blue! We love you, Orli, and miss you terribly. Good luck in all that you do!