The following letter is from Terry, whose letter is rather concise which is unusual for him. He did not say much beyond that his cousin Rosie had married at that his four sisters were all expecting boys in December. A frightful thought, but still, it left Rowan a bit worried since brevity is not what one would expect from Terry especially when discussing his betrothal to Sylvia. She expected words of excitement and joy, but it was in essence a brief summary describing their betrothal over a family dinner.
Then again, Terry is worried about Sylvia and is spending most of his time with her. Still concerned, Rowan proceeded to read the letter from Sylvia. The letter also did not say much except that Sylvia was formally betrothed to Terry. She could sense Sylvia's happiness, but the feeling of being torn at being happy without her father being there. It is survivor's guilt.
Rowan rubs her head and sighs. Mourning is different for everyone, she only hoped that Sylvia would come to terms with it sooner rather than later for Terry's sake. Because right now, it was Terry, who was carrying the brunt of their relationship. It was not fair nor good if their relationship was to succeed in the long run.
Glancing at the last two letters, Rowan opens Bethanie's letter first.
"Dearest Rowan,
I am pleased to have been reunited with my younger brothers. They have been doing much better since Great-Uncle Adelmar became our guardian. I still held concerns and old reservations regarding Great-Uncle Adelmar. To my relief upon my return home, I found Spurgeon and Esmond rosy-cheeked and in the best of health. My younger brothers, both assured me that though Great-Uncle Adelmar can be firm at times, he is most kind and patient with them.
I find myself greatly agreeing with my brothers, Great-Uncle Adelmar is most kind. I find it almost hard to believe our good fortunes. Yet at the strangest of times, I sometimes hear my mother's or father's voice. I do not know if is because I miss them or not.
Great-Uncle Adelmar plans to spend part of the summer in the family's summer home in Bath's. With his limp, bathing in the ancient Roman-built baths, (the hot springs) eases the pain and is good for his bones. Spurgeon and Esmond are rather excited to see the old Roman structures and magnificent temple structures in existence. There is a good-sized community of Italian wizards and witches living in Baths. I will be most interested in seeing their community as well as sampling and purchasing any of their wares that might catch my fancy.
Though I am certain that a part of Great-Uncle Adelmar wishes to protect my reputation. Regulus and I were not to be officially betrothed until his 6th year, but after the attack on Hogsmeade, Walburga, became worried and wished to firmly settle everything. It was a simple family affair, but I am now officially betrothed. Despite the startling circumstance, I am rather pleased to be betrothed to Regulus. Rowan, I must confess I am more than simply fond of him. My feelings are true and sincere toward Regulus and that makes it that much more wonderful to know that I will wed him someday.
I know that my Great-Uncle Adelmar worries that there be gossip if I overly visit the Black summer home without a proper chaperone. He is ensuring my reputation and that the marriage contract in place is not questioned. I find my uncle is a bit of a worrywart, but he is undoubtedly thinking of me. A nice change of pace.
My broken arm healed nicely, and I feel as good as new though I have been having some nightmares at night.
Since I will be in Baths for most of the summer, I wish to purchase gifts for Regulus and his family. Do you have any suggestions?
Sincerely,
Bethanie Fawley."
There is a relieved, warm expression on Rowan's face. She knew that Bethanie's parents had been far worse than Tobias Snape had ever been. She knew that Bethanie constantly worried about her younger brothers when she was way at Hogwarts, especially about the youngest, Esmond.
Though the death of Bethanie's parents, the Fawley was abrupt, it would appear that truly was a harbinger of good things to come. After all this time, Adelmar Fawley had not slipped up in behavior nor treated the Fawley children differently. It would appear that Adelmar Fawley truly was a good guardian to Bethanie and her brothers. And frankly, Rowan couldn't be happier.
Though Rowan did make a mental note to check on Bethanie in private. Nightmares suggested some sort of post-traumatic stress. And Bethanie was present during the attack at Hogsmeade.
Setting the letter aside for the moment, Rowan grabs the last unread letter. The letter is addressed to her from Petunia Evans.
Dear Row,
It has been unbearably hot, why just the other day it reached 32.2 Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit)! Mum puts up thick velour curtains and keeps them shut to keep the heat out. It is absolutely stifling, I tell you! Lily and I have been running to the public pool along with everyone else who is trying to keep cool. Dad has been trying to convince Mum to purchase a window air conditioner. However, Mum is against it as it will run up the electric bill!
On that note, Andrew returned with a long scar across his face and much more somber. Not that he isn't roguishly attractive, mind you, but he seems quieter too. He won't tell me what is wrong, and neither will Lily. Andrew's not the only one acting strange, Lily's been acting strange too. I know something must have happened, so please tell me, Row. I promise I won't tell my parents. You know me.
Changing the subject, have you heard about what happened in Soweto? Dreadful business, really. There was a large protest by students and the police fired upon them. The official count is 176, but they say many more were killed. I simply can't comprehend what people are thinking these days.
It isn't though it's any better here, Mum makes sure Lily, and I are always home before dark. Remember the attack I told you about, well, there's been another one. It happened on May 9th down in Roundhay Park. The poor woman was pregnant and lost her baby after being severely beaten with a hammer. All the neighbors whisper it was the work of the Yorkshire Ripper.
Mum and Dad aren't the only ones afraid. Most of the girls in Cokeworth and the surrounding villages aren't seen after dark. At least not alone, they always go in pairs or are accompanied by a friend, family relative, or boyfriend when heading out after dark.
Still, I got a friend to help me sneak out and we snuck into the Cinema to watch Zean Connery's newest film! He was simply so suave! I tell you my heart just about stopped when the maid pulled out a gun! Though I didn't like how he rough-handled Tatiana. A lot of the girls thought it was rather manly and romantic, but I sure was not! If Andrew ever dares to try that on me, I will give him a black eye!
You must come over later this summer, the Bionic W-o-m-a-n is set to air soon! Lily and I are looking forward to the show. Mum and Dad are a bit leery, but they said it would be fine for us to watch!
Enough about me, tell me about your fiancée, James Potter. Lily says James is rather good-looking and mature for his age. Why didn't you ever say such a thing? If I didn't know any better, I would think you were just keeping him all to yourself! Though I jest, please do tell.
I eagerly await your response,
Sincerely,
Your very best friend,
Petunia Evans."
With a smile on her face, Rowan reaches for parchment, an ink pot, and a quill. She also opens a desk drawer to pull out an elegant letter stamp with her initials carved onto it, R.P. Below the cursive letters is the Prince Family crest, a wyvern intertwined around a sharp dagger. Along with red enchanted sealing wax that once sliced will melt onto the envelope and successfully seal the letter when pressed with the Prince family crest.
Setting down to write with a smile, Rowan begins to respond to the first letter from Peter Pettigrew. It would take her most of the afternoon to finish up writing, but it was a rather enjoyable way to spend an afternoon. She wouldn't have much leisure in a few days' time. She best makes the most of it.