August 3rd, 1895 - by post

Dearest Millie,

Well. I feel like you probably expected this letter at some point. And please forgive the length. I am kicking myself that I haven't been able to discuss this in person, but I am also kicking myself that I didn't address this sooner.

A little rumour has reached my ear and I have no reason to doubt the woman who has told me. Either way, there has been enough other little clues as to something going on so here we are. I am not going to turn around and ask if you are stupid because I know that it is not the case. You are being reckless Millie, Benedict may seem like a dashing young man who promises the world but he is the road into ruin and you know it. Do you know what happens in society to young ladies who throw caution to the wind and forget propriety? Of course you do because it happened to our cousin. The town has barely stopped talking about her and the rest of our family since her scandal. That poor woman deserves nothing that has befallen her, but she would have known as well as anyone how this town talks, a mistake by one of us can easily hurt us all.

Now that is out the way I remind myself that you are my sister, and I love you. We are not as dissimilar as we sometimes appear and perhaps what I say next will be of more use to you. Do you know what happens to girls that follow their hearts? Maybe people get a bit twisted in the britches about it, maybe nothing, but maybe a happiness that no one else can replicate. I certainly never found it and it pains me that I may never find it. Regarding Benedict in particular. He is charming, he seems to respect your family as a part of you which is commendable and makes me consider this as more than just some little boy wanting what boys want (we will come to that). If you were two and he were five years older I would be chasing the two of you down the aisle, truthfully. That time has conspired against you is not your doing and no one should blame you for that.

This is the part that only a sister can truly help with and I am now so happy that we are not doing this in person. There are certain urges that a gentleman has to endure, they are not harmful, they are perfectly natural in fact and you will get them too. Heck you might have them already and the horse may well have bolted the stable so to speak. They are normal and we all get them, including myself, and we all follow them from time to time. I absolutely encourage you to resist for propriety, but if you don't, that's ok too. For the love of Merlin though, Millie you must keep it private and you must be careful. As you have seen, it takes very little recklessness to get a woman into a life she hadn't planned on. Along with this letter I have attached a book, I hope you opened the letter first. It is entitled The Moon and Me. It won't all make sense as it's intended for married women to control their families but you need to read it. Then hide it under your bed in horror most likely, then read it again. It will help keep you safe. Please note though that if mother finds out I gave you this book I shall end you without remorse… love you.

Oh and before you wonder, it has nothing to do with werewolves.

Please do not take the first part of my letter as damnation, I am just worried for you, you have worked so hard and throwing it away would be a tragic shame. But I hope I have expressed my true feelings about this. Whatever happens I will support you and love you, but please be discreet and I beg of you not to let me catch you in impropriety school upon the new term. I cannot afford to have my own integrity questioned so I will be forced to act in a way that both of us will regret.

My most tender love,

Your big sister,

Dora

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Millie Potts

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   Anne Moony, Millie Potts

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Wed, August the 6th, 1895

Dora

You have given me quite a lot to think about. I shall try, in earnest, not to disappoint you.

Love (I think),

Millie

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   Dorothea Potts

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August 9th, 1895 - by post

Dearest Millie,

The bluntness of your response had me a little taken aback when I first read it and I gathered my quill to write you a scathing reply. But I am glad I waited and have allowed my head to cool. Clearly I have wounded you Millie and for that I apologise

I must confess that with our age difference and perhaps because of my profession I allow myself to forget that I am not your governess, nor am I our mother, I am not for you to "dissapoint" I am your sister, I should be your ally and only that, particularly as you go about exploring your womanhood. I need to be the older sister that I would have appreciated in my own teens. That being said, while my words were insensitive and should probably have come from someone else, their intent was honest and I do think it is important you make sure to consider your step. But I know you will and I will say no more on the matter. If you want another lecture, I am sure mother can oblige.

Enjoy your life Millie, I am officially past my window of eligibility and I am alone, so perhaps I do not have all the answers. I would still recommend reading that book, it was presumptuous of me to instantly paint you as someone with no self control. But if you one day find yourself alone on a warm solstice night with the most beautiful man with long soft hair and the most perfectly unkempt beard you might understand it's value. and think of me. no.

You are likely still mad at me but when you too have a cooler head, I think I would quite enjoy learning a little more about this man who is seemingly leading my sister astray, he must he quite special.

Love (unquestionably),

Your big sister,

Dora

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Millie Potts

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   Millie Potts

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