Private Message to Draco
Oct. 10th, 2012 10:36 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
alt_luciusSon,
No need to reply unless you feel like it. Am giving someone a lesson in patience.
However, occurred to me that we have not discussed your mother's birthday. You may be sure that this year's anniversary is giving her more difficulty than she would care to admit. More than her usual reluctance, that is. Hope whatever you have been considering is discreet.
Believe that I have found the solution on my part, though timing is, always, an issue. Your upcoming match is 3rd November, which is just possible on the heels of Our Lord's birthday celebrations but perilously close to Bonfire Night, which the last few years has been tumultuous.
Have decided, therefore, that the following week-end we shall visit Castle Rushen on the Isle of Man. Telling you mainly because my goal shall be to minimise our distraction on the trip, to the point of forgoing journal communication (if at all possible, limiting it to no more than an hour a day or so if not possible to leave it aside altogether).
That by itself is hardly remarkable as we have tended to take time alone, if not at her birthday or mine, then certainly on our anniversary. Expect she will decide I am being unoriginal, which is part of the plan. For the secluded week-end is merely the backdrop to present her with her real gift, which is a 20-ft brigantine to sail us back to Lancaster, where she'll winter (unless your mother wishes to sail her elsewhere). But confess that I have been unable to hit upon the right name for the vessel. Had thought of the Amaryllis, the Cassiopeia, even the Regulus but of course that is not a name to be used lightly. Suppose the best option is to leave her unchristened and let your mother do the honours.
On another topic entirely, you have not heard any rumblings of students taking it into their heads to attempt anything like Razzer's and Antosha's display on Saturday? Do discourage it; you know as well as anyone how dangerous it could be without the proper precautions.
Well. It's been long enough now to answer her. Except to say that I hope you are otherwise well and should you wish to discuss any topic at all, know that I am, as always, at your service.
Forgive the intrusion from your affectionate
Father
No need to reply unless you feel like it. Am giving someone a lesson in patience.
However, occurred to me that we have not discussed your mother's birthday. You may be sure that this year's anniversary is giving her more difficulty than she would care to admit. More than her usual reluctance, that is. Hope whatever you have been considering is discreet.
Believe that I have found the solution on my part, though timing is, always, an issue. Your upcoming match is 3rd November, which is just possible on the heels of Our Lord's birthday celebrations but perilously close to Bonfire Night, which the last few years has been tumultuous.
Have decided, therefore, that the following week-end we shall visit Castle Rushen on the Isle of Man. Telling you mainly because my goal shall be to minimise our distraction on the trip, to the point of forgoing journal communication (if at all possible, limiting it to no more than an hour a day or so if not possible to leave it aside altogether).
That by itself is hardly remarkable as we have tended to take time alone, if not at her birthday or mine, then certainly on our anniversary. Expect she will decide I am being unoriginal, which is part of the plan. For the secluded week-end is merely the backdrop to present her with her real gift, which is a 20-ft brigantine to sail us back to Lancaster, where she'll winter (unless your mother wishes to sail her elsewhere). But confess that I have been unable to hit upon the right name for the vessel. Had thought of the Amaryllis, the Cassiopeia, even the Regulus but of course that is not a name to be used lightly. Suppose the best option is to leave her unchristened and let your mother do the honours.
On another topic entirely, you have not heard any rumblings of students taking it into their heads to attempt anything like Razzer's and Antosha's display on Saturday? Do discourage it; you know as well as anyone how dangerous it could be without the proper precautions.
Well. It's been long enough now to answer her. Except to say that I hope you are otherwise well and should you wish to discuss any topic at all, know that I am, as always, at your service.
Forgive the intrusion from your affectionate
Father
no subject
Date: 2012-10-11 02:55 am (UTC)Crouch?Not that I'm expecting an answer; consider it rhetorical.
I figured that this birthday would be a trial. Have a rather inoffensive gift in mind so that it doesn't seem like some milestone event. Sounds like a spiffing holiday, in any case. I'll try to refrain from my usual habit of bombarding you with messages - unless emergency strikes, of course.
She might like to name the brigantine, I suppose. But giving it the right name might be a more memorable gesture.
What about The Leonis?
Saturday's display...well, there's been rumblings from Teddy and Vince, yeah. But they're always on about doing something mad, so there isn't much new there.
no subject
Date: 2012-10-11 03:21 am (UTC)No matter.
Indeed - and much effort has been given over this month already to diverting the tokens and remembrances which others desire to give your mother, but which you and I know would only upset. Not that she dislikes the attention, of course - only the reason for it. But you have gained an appreciation for her sensitivity, which is gratifying to see. At least, you are kinder to her than you were to me for a much lesser milestone. Do you recall the basket of items you and Harry assembled the year I turned 35? Still think Ari assisted you, though he flatly denies it to this day.
The Leonis - good thought, son. A strong possibility. Or the Cygna. Shall continue to think on it.
Ah. Had heard some rumour of an undesirable reaction to the demonstration. Good. So long as it has no basis in reality, shall cease to worry about taking preemptive action.
no subject
Date: 2012-10-11 03:36 am (UTC)Mrs Poddington is monitoring her Owl post to weed out all the the well-meaning messages, I hope?
Yes, Cygna's a good option, too.
And as to the last, I'll keep an eye and ear out for such an "undesirable reaction," but can't say I've heard anything out of the ordinary just yet.
no subject
Date: 2012-10-11 03:43 am (UTC)Yes, Mariposa knows to set them aside and answer without bothering your mother with them. (Talk about a lesson learnt the hard way! Not a mistake Mrs Poddington will ever make again, one trusts.)
Right. It's quite late for you, isn't it? I've a few more notes to pen but you've no need to keep me company if you're tired.
no subject
Date: 2012-10-11 03:47 am (UTC)But I am tired, so I'm off to bed. Goodnight, Father.