An End to the Matter
Nov. 24th, 2008 08:22 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
alt_luciusThe Bedouin have a peculiar curse: 'May you be the father of daughters.' I now understand that it refers not only to the loss of primogeniture associated with a progeny of females. I do not know who pronounced it upon me nor how recently, but when I find the wretch .... he shall regret it.
I am at least satisfied that there is no need to over-react to Miss Parkinson's recent unpleasantness. Her trauma over her mother's illness and subsequent remorse are both genuine, something difficult to gauge through the medium of these journals. A minor course correction and a little judicious education and she shall, I am certain, realise the flaws in her previous line of thought and come back to the fold. With luck she may regain the acquaintances she has lost through her indiscreet commentary.
Rosalind was quite co-operative when I explained what must be done. Although she is technically recovered enough to be released before Pansy returns home for the holiday, Rosa has elected to take an extended rest cure in Bath and has entrusted me to see to the details of Pansy's reformation. I sat with her for a short while after her lengthy visit with her daughter, which I am gratified to say lifted her spirits remarkably, but which seemed to affect Pansy in quite the opposite direction.
It was a singular experience to realise that for all her usual taciturn maturity, she is still just a frightened little girl. Fortunately, as before, it was a relatively simple matter to provide guidance, explanation and elucidation, and thus to dispel the least rational of her fears.
It was however necessary to return to St James' Square to freshen her up before going on to our next appointment.
Narcissa had spent the earlier part of the day at Kensington, preparing for the St Mungo's benefit in two weeks, so it was convenient to break the afternoon for tea with her aunt. Pansy presented herself quite well, if not perfectly. Walburga is fit, though she complained quite vocally of feeling an ague coming on. Pansy suggested Pepper-Up Potion; I still do not think she was deliberately impertinent. (If she were, Walburga should, I am sure, cure that with ease.) I brought Pansy back to St James' and Narcissa repaired to Wiltshire.
By Saturday evening, Pansy seemed much recovered from the ordeals of her day, though I am pleased that her attitude remained more demure than it has been. Strong discipline combined with the opportunity to provide concrete examples of the world to which she has been woefully underexposed ought to put her back on track.
She has always had an insatiable appetite for music; this has not changed, nor has her predisposition to question (and question) without regard to the sagacity of the given answer. But she will learn to control the impulse and wait for the proper time and place to ask.
To-day made a vast improvement over last week, beginning with report that the Cherwell and Stroud camp disturbances have been quelled. The camp directors made example of a few organisers. Also Peakes and Dunstan had an update on their project (approved for additional funding per last meeting) and expect to be prepared to conduct Phase II trials by the end of the year. Dunstan prefers to run the double-blind tests in the Foxton district; Peakes advocates Great Chishill; don't much think it will make a difference either way, but Dunstan claims that the water in Great Chishill is less pure and therefore may impact the results.
I shall be heartily relieved when Narcissa's benefit gala has concluded and we may focus on the holidays together. Of all things to miss about the place, I never anticipated appreciating the idea that the boys are nearly always able to amuse themselves without causing too much trouble!
I am at least satisfied that there is no need to over-react to Miss Parkinson's recent unpleasantness. Her trauma over her mother's illness and subsequent remorse are both genuine, something difficult to gauge through the medium of these journals. A minor course correction and a little judicious education and she shall, I am certain, realise the flaws in her previous line of thought and come back to the fold. With luck she may regain the acquaintances she has lost through her indiscreet commentary.
Rosalind was quite co-operative when I explained what must be done. Although she is technically recovered enough to be released before Pansy returns home for the holiday, Rosa has elected to take an extended rest cure in Bath and has entrusted me to see to the details of Pansy's reformation. I sat with her for a short while after her lengthy visit with her daughter, which I am gratified to say lifted her spirits remarkably, but which seemed to affect Pansy in quite the opposite direction.
It was a singular experience to realise that for all her usual taciturn maturity, she is still just a frightened little girl. Fortunately, as before, it was a relatively simple matter to provide guidance, explanation and elucidation, and thus to dispel the least rational of her fears.
It was however necessary to return to St James' Square to freshen her up before going on to our next appointment.
Narcissa had spent the earlier part of the day at Kensington, preparing for the St Mungo's benefit in two weeks, so it was convenient to break the afternoon for tea with her aunt. Pansy presented herself quite well, if not perfectly. Walburga is fit, though she complained quite vocally of feeling an ague coming on. Pansy suggested Pepper-Up Potion; I still do not think she was deliberately impertinent. (If she were, Walburga should, I am sure, cure that with ease.) I brought Pansy back to St James' and Narcissa repaired to Wiltshire.
By Saturday evening, Pansy seemed much recovered from the ordeals of her day, though I am pleased that her attitude remained more demure than it has been. Strong discipline combined with the opportunity to provide concrete examples of the world to which she has been woefully underexposed ought to put her back on track.
She has always had an insatiable appetite for music; this has not changed, nor has her predisposition to question (and question) without regard to the sagacity of the given answer. But she will learn to control the impulse and wait for the proper time and place to ask.
To-day made a vast improvement over last week, beginning with report that the Cherwell and Stroud camp disturbances have been quelled. The camp directors made example of a few organisers. Also Peakes and Dunstan had an update on their project (approved for additional funding per last meeting) and expect to be prepared to conduct Phase II trials by the end of the year. Dunstan prefers to run the double-blind tests in the Foxton district; Peakes advocates Great Chishill; don't much think it will make a difference either way, but Dunstan claims that the water in Great Chishill is less pure and therefore may impact the results.
I shall be heartily relieved when Narcissa's benefit gala has concluded and we may focus on the holidays together. Of all things to miss about the place, I never anticipated appreciating the idea that the boys are nearly always able to amuse themselves without causing too much trouble!