Elena Arrrives and an Invitation

[BrickOn]

Miss Elena Chase, who we have not heard of since she was first introduced with her elder brother Sir James William Chase, has finally made it to the new world to live with Sir James in his King's Harbour residence. And tonight she is aiding Sir James in his business dealings on the island, namely the establishment of a new school in the neighbouring Quinnsville. You'll have to forgive Sir James his waffle, or perhaps just skip the boring bits of his letter...

TakeThisDown, on Flickr

SirJamesInArmChairWithCat, on Flickr

Take this down Elena:

“My dear Mayor Smaugton,

Sir, I write to you on this day, to announce that work on the school upon the hill, the one your goodself approved earlier this year, has now come to a close. And with much pleasure, in your capacity of Mayor of Quinnsville, I cordially invite you to the opening ceremony of the Quinn-Chase School.

You will be pleased to hear, I am certain, that I have filled the appointment of schoolmistress. A most eminently suitable person was presented to myself and I am happily able to tell you, with much satisfaction, that she is, none other than my sisters’ former governess, Mrs Ward. Yes, what luck you say, and you might well indeed, for she is a lady who I have held in high esteem for many a year. She is lately widowed and in need of my assistance, so I find this to be a most agreeable outcome for all concerned.

For a woman, she is highly educated and my sisters learnt a great deal at her hand. I need not tell you, Mayor Smaugton, that my youngest sister Miss Elena Chase, has a sharp mind and has proved herself exceedingly useful in aiding my many scientific discoveries.”

Sir James paused at this point to allow his sister time to bask in his praise of her and was satisfied the compliment achieved its goal as one of his sister’s small smiles crept across her face.

SmileyElena, on Flickr

“Perhaps, you would prefer a man to hold the position? And I can quite comprehend your concerns, but I must assure you that all that is required of Mrs Ward, is that she teaches the children to read, write and do basic arithmetic, the three ‘r’s, and my sister assures me she is equal to the task…”

FrownyElena, on Flickr

Elena interrupted, clearly affronted, “she is considerably more than equal to the task”

“What!? Yes, yes, of course, more than equal, well you must write it better for me Elena, you know all these pretty details escape me…”

Clearing his throat again, Sir James ploughed forward,

“Did you know I have two boys of 10 and 11 years in my service and they cannot write a thing beyond their own names? A shocking state of affairs and completely against the values our great nation is founded upon. I shall be releasing them from their duties at the Chase Point Fort twice a month to attend the school, for I deem this a matter of great importance. I will depend on you Sir Thomas to see that they find suitable lodgings and supervision whilst they visit Quinnsville, for they cannot stay overnight at the schoolhouse.”

Sir James sighed, “Elena I think that is all the important stuff and I am too tired to continue, I trust you can complete the niceties and etcs without my assistance I will review the letter and sign it tomorrow morning. For now, I will retire to my study, for I received a rather fine cask today, as you know and I am keen to take a sample.”

Elena sighed as her brother departed, she loved him dearly and his heart was always in the right place, but how he came to hold his current positions she would never understand. Although, upon reflection, he did have Lieutenant Watton watching over him, that probably accounted for a lot. She dipped her quill in the ink again and paused for a moment as she assessed whether the letter would need to be completely re-written to avoid giving offence or whether she could soften Sir James’ words with a well-chosen ending.

I hope this request will not be cause for inconvenience, Lieutenant Watton assures me that these are fine, useful boys, they are polite and very well turned out. Any expenses incurred on their behalf, will of course be covered by myself and you may send the bill to my address in King’s Harbour.

It will be a joy to finally meet you and I hope this venture is the first of many on this blessed isle Cocovia. I will bring to the ceremony my younger sister Miss Elena Chase, who is eager to make your acquaintance and joins me in wishing good health to you, your family and prosperity to your town of Quinnsville.

In these matters, I remain your most humble servant,

There, not too bad. Elena left the actual signature to her brother, but she re-read the letter again to make sure there were no mistakes, it wouldn’t do to upset their closest neighbours. And by all accounts Mayor Smaugton was a most agreeable gentleman, despite some of the rumours about wine and women, and she would not be sad to get to know him better. This new world was still very strange to her and it was a comfort to know that there were some civilized places established. She was satisfied the letter could not cause offence to its recipient. Sir James could not be trusted to proof read anything, he was too scattered in his thoughts, he would start reading one sentence and skip ahead three, in his haste to understand the meaning. And as a result his correspondence was absolutely littered with errors. She laid it upon his desk, snuffed the candle out and left the room.

ElenaDeparts, on Flickr

Sir James William Chase.

Sir James, as she expected barely glanced at the letter the next day, before adding his signature and sent the letter with one of his men in the daily supply boat runs (reliable travel by land across Cocovia was not yet established).

Edited April 20, 2016 by BrickOn

[Tomsche]

To my esteemed collegue Sir James William Chase

I have well received your letter of recommendation, and look forward to meeting your former governess, the lady Ward.

I do not object to her appointment and have no problem with a lady holding the position of schoolmistress,

though I do take she will be behaving herself in a manner of dignity and virtue.

The life out here can be rather, rough, at times, and the local inhabitants might be a bit more then she might be used to in her former job.

I will make sure lodgings will be arranged for her and look forward to her arrival

Yours sincerly

Sir Thomas Smaugton

Mayor of Quinnsville

Founder of Maestro Corrington

[BrickOn]

Sir, In my haste to deliver this letter I am afraid you mistake my meaning, the lodgings I require are for the two young boys, Mrs Ward will be accommodated in the schoolhouse, but there will be no room to house the lads when they are away from the fort.

[Tomsche]

AAAh, no problem, I`ll just have an extra mattock installed then

[TitusV]

Lovely build, like your furniture and the cat!

The rose looks surprisingly well!

[Kai NRG]

Very nice interior - I really like the chair and rug and the pink curtains are an excellent addition!

[Bregir]

Great interior, BrickOn! A very lovely fireplace, and some very vibrant colours!

I have a feeling Lt. Watton might be rather happy Elena has arrived?..

[Captain Braunsfeld]

Fine build - nice letter ("three r's" ).

Good use of teeth for the carpet.

[Ayrlego]

Oh that is a great looking desk - and pineapple plant! Hope Sir James and Elena have a safe trip across to Quinnsville.

[Bregir]

*snip*....Hope Sir James and Elena have a safe trip across to Quinnsville.

Had they been a few days earlier, they could have gotten passage on the Athena. On the upside, if they are in need of passage, the newly procured Ferret packet vessel will be at their disposal.

Perhaps Cooke and/or Montoya will be available for the opening of the School too. (If you want, you are welcome to include them. They have a meeting with Smaugton anyway)

[Kolonialbeamter]

Nice interior and cool story!

Why is the cat not white and resting on Sir James' lap being caressed? Hasn't he been expecting Mr. Bond Elena?

Keep it up!

PS. pineapples ftw!

[Elostirion]

Those pink curtains are a great touch. I also like the flower and carpet a lot.