Belle,

(Of the ball, I hope)

I know how busy your work keeps you, but I do hope you will ensure your attendance nonetheless. If I must, I shall point out the similarities between Mrs. Skeeter and yourself: strong, confident widows well-established in their lines of work. I do not wish to see suspicion linger upon any of our family longer than necessary. Even an hour would do the trick, and I shan't make you attend any events you don't wish to for the remainder of the year.