Page 35 of Better Love Next Time
I have enclosed an example of how this partnership might work. When you aren’t ignoring Mrs. Smith’s eyes, please review! Also, what are the benefits you share with Mrs. Smith? Is it partnership? Does she have money to invest?
It has been over a year since I have seen you last. What was this unfortunate incident that took Mrs. Smith’s husband? Should I be worried I might suffer the same?
Yours in Fear of Beds,
Kitty
Southampton, October 22, 1754
Dearest Curious Cat,
I look the same. Except larger in all parts. This has offered more pleasurable opportunities in my life, within and without Honeycutt’s shipyard, including the esteemed task of fitting the deck of a first-rate ship of the line.
Upon closer inspection of Mrs. Smith’s accounts, she hasn’tpleasingenough assets to invest, and I am currently exploring a potential partnership with two other widows, Mrs. Teakle and Mrs. Mabry.
My father has requested my presence for the Christmas holiday and so it will be many months before you are able to hug, squeeze, pat, or kiss me. If only you could do so in letters. Giggle and smile for me, pet. Until then, manage my quarterly allowance, enclosed herein, and continue to formulate the tedious but necessary aspects of our venture.
Your rendering of St. Clair Shipwrights’ proposed first ship was well done. However, the main mast was set too farforward. The proper relation of center keel and mast placement is critical if you expect it to handle properly.
Yours in Largesse,
Julian
Notfelle, April 18, 1755
Dearest Julian,
Happy Birthday and Easter. It has been a month since your last letter, and I did not receive your allowance to place on account at Mr. Cox’s. I trust you are happily occupied with learning the finer points of spar making.
My father has ceased paying Clara’s wages, and my entire body burns with anger. At dinner I blurted out my disapproval, and he struck my cheek, knocking me from my chair. Speaking to me directly, mind you, he ordered me to fast for three days. Father Dunlevy attempted to dissuade him but to no avail.
After dinner, I overheard my father discussing my marriage prospects with Father Dunlevy. And me not even four and ten! The Good Father told him I was too young. But just contemplating this has cured me of my hunger.
Yours in Desolation,
Kitty
Southampton, May 3, 1755
Dear Someone’s Future Wife,
I find it difficult to imagine anyone marrying the silliest and smartest girl in England. But with Father Dunlevy’s God, it seems all things might be possible.
I want to knock Sir Jeffrey to the next world. Tell him to sod off next time he orders you to fast. You can hardly stand to lose an ounce. Men prefer their women with ripe curveswhere they can place their hands and laythat lend a beguiling softness to portraiture.
During my annual visit to Hell, otherwise known as The Earl of Tindall’s Easter, my father inquired upon my future plans. That is, his plans. He expects me to utilize my vast knowledge acquired at Eton to attend university. He said, “Oxford, as your brother, though I suspect you’ll not reach his accomplishments, it is worthy of amusement.”
His derision was expected, given our history. Also because I fractured my right hand when the shear legs collapsed while lifting a mast. Arriving “home” with a splint, what else could I do but tell the noble rotter that I had been drunk and fell from a roof whilst aiming a piss on a mate’s head. Ah, but it is my greatest pleasure to nurture his disappointment in me.
Soon, I must find men to bribe at Oxford.
Yours in Crime,
Julian
Notfelle, December 6, 1755
Julian,
