Bernadette
Dearest Ma:
There is so much to say that I simply cannot fit it all in this short letter. The city of Olympus is beyond imagining. So many people and so many things to see. I am sure one could spend their entire life here and not see everything. Her Ladyship says we will go to the City Center tomorrow to see some of the places where the festival will be taking place. Oh, Ma; I am so very glad to be in service to House Renwald. Everyone here is well mannered. The Lady’s Aunt is very kind to her servants and treats us well. I do not think her husband likes us much, however, for he seems quite rude. Perhaps that is how it is done but I don’t like him. He looks at Her Ladyship in a strange way and his manners are bad.
Her Ladyship has been of good sprits and is laughing again. Remember when we were so worried? I think things will be much brighter now. I have been practicing walking and sitting like her, but it is hard. Perhaps I am just dull witted, but I swear I will never wear a corset. It seems more suited for torture than for anything else.
Today we saw a real knight. He was very handsome in his armor as he rode past us on a great black stallion. Isabella nearly fainted. Such a silly girl. There is much to see and do here and the streets are always crowded.
The Lady’s Aunt made her the most beautiful of gowns. Isabella says that one day we too will be Ladies. I told her how silly that was but she insisted it would be true.
We ate dinner in the kitchens, had roasted venison, wild rice, and buttered potatoes. After dinner we went with the Lady to her aunt’s rooms where her aunt gave her the most beautiful necklace and earrings made of pearls and rubies to go with her new gown. She said they belonged to her mother who handed them down to her and, as she has no daughters of her own, she wanted the Lady to have them. I am sure the Queen will be quite jealous.
It is late now and the candle is burning low. I will end by saying we are fine, healthy, and looking forward to the coming week. Thank you Ma for sending me to House Renwald. I count myself lucky to be in the service of such a fine House.
Be well and do not worry.
Your obedient daughter
Bernadette
Isabella
Ma and Da:
I hate it here. The city smells bad, there are far too many people and my room is too small. There are no windows and worst of all? Bernadette snores.
The Lady is trying hard to be polite and happy but I know better. I may be the youngest but I can see how she is still very sad. Her aunt is a kindly woman and tries hard to bring cheer to her house but her husband is a cruel man and speaks ill to the servants. I am the Lady’s handmaiden and if he tries to be angry to me I will kick him hard even though I will most likely be punished or even sent home. I don’t care. I don’t like him.
I will say that the food is good and the Lady looks to our needs as best she can. Today we saw a real knight. Bernadette went all goony when she saw him. I love her but sometimes she can be such a child.
Tomorrow we are going to the City Center. I will pray for rain so we don’t have to go. I cannot wait to get home to the estates where I can breathe fresh air again. I am doing my best to be a good handmaiden and obey Her Ladyship, but one day I will be a Lady too. Bernadette says I am being silly but I could marry a fine knight like the one we saw, couldn’t I? I mean the lady married a Lord, so why not me too?
Well I have had my bath and Bernadette will be coming back to our room soon. I will end by saying I love you and pray you are well.
I will write again soon.
Your daughter,
Isabella