CHAPTER TWO
JUNE
1
Whitehaven House
Kensington Gore
London, S.W.
June 2nd, 1873
My dear Florence,
Where are you? I hoped to see you at Mrs Bridewell’s ball, then at Richmond, then at the Muncasters’ on Saturday … but you weren’t at any of them! Write me a line and say you’re still alive.
Affectionately yours,
Hugh Pilaster.
*
23, Park Lane
London, W.
June 3rd, 1873
To Hugh Pilaster, Esq.
Sir:
You will oblige me by not communicating with my daughter under any circumstances whatsoever henceforth.
Stalworthy.
*
Whitehaven House
Kensington Gore
London, S.W.
June 6th, 1873
Dearest Florence,
At last I have found a confidential messenger to smuggle a note to you. Why have you been hidden away from me? Have I offended your parents? Or—which heaven forbid—you? Your cousin Jane will bring your reply to me. Write it quickly!
With fond regards,
Hugh.
*
Stalworthy Manor
Stalworthy
Buckinghamshire
June 7th, 1873
Dear Hugh,
I am forbidden to see you because you are a gambler like your father. I am truly sorry but I must believe that my parents know what is best for me.
Sorrowfully,
Florence.
*
Whitehaven House
Kensington Gore
London, S.W.
June 8th, 1873
Dear Mother,
A young lady has just rejected me because my father was a gambler. Is it true? Please answer right away. I must know!
Your loving son,
Hugh.
*
2, Wellington Villas
Folkestone
Kent
June 9th, 1873
My dear son,
I never knew your father to gamble. I cannot imagine who would say such a wicked thing about him. He lost his money in a business collapse, as you have always been told. There was no other cause.
I hope you are well and happy, my dear, and that your beloved will accept you. I continue much the same. Your sister Dorothy sends her best love, as does,
Your Mother.
*
Whitehaven House
Kensington Gore
London, S.W.
June 10th, 1873
Dear Florence,
I believe someone may have told you a wrong thing about my father. His business failed, it is true. It was no fault of his own: a large firm called Overend & Gurney went bankrupt for five millions of pounds, and many of their creditors were destroyed. He took his own life the same day. But he never gambled; and nor do I.
If you explain this to the noble earl your father, I believe all will be well.
Fondly yours,
Hugh.
*
Stalworthy Manor
Stalworthy
Buckinghamshire
June 11th, 1873
Hugh,
Writing falsehoods to me will do no good. I now know for sure that my parents’ advice to me is right, and I must forget you.
Florence.
*
Whitehaven House
Kensington Gore
London, S.W.
June 12th, 1873
Dear Florence,
You must believe me! It is possible that I have not been told the truth about my father—although I cannot in all sincerity doubt my mother’s word—but in my own case I know the truth! When I was fourteen years old I put a shilling on the Derby and lost it, and since then I have never seen the point of gambling. When I see you I will swear an oath.
In hope—
Hugh.
*
Foljambe & Merriwether, Solicitors
Gray’s Inn
London, W.C.
June 13th, 1873
To Hugh Pilaster, Esq.
Sir:
We are instructed by our client, the earl of Stalworthy, to require you to desist from communication with his daughter.
Please be informed that the noble earl will take any and all necessary steps, including a High Court injunction, to enforce his will in this matter, unless you refrain immediately.
For Messrs. Foljambe & Merriwether,
Albert C. Merriwether.
*
Hugh—
She showed your last letter to my aunt, her mother. They have taken her to Paris until the end of the London Season, and then they go to Yorkshire. It is no good—she no longer cares for you. Sorry—
Jane.