To Major John Vickery, Saltash House

Dear Vickery,

will you do me the honour of meeting me tonight at your convenience? I could profit from your advice.

Your most obediant servant,

Torrington

Dear Torrington,

You have me intrigued. Whatever can have you so puzzled you require my advice?

I shall call at eight, unless you would prefer to join me at my club? Boodle's may not have quite the cachet of White's but it is comfortable enough.

Your humble friend,
Jno Vickery

My dear Vickery,

Boodle's is certainly good enough for me - I shall meet you at eight there. The matter concerns the recent rumours - they seem to have reached a point where they have gone from a nuissance to something potentially hurtful to people I have no wish to see hurt.

Yours etc.

Torrington

My dear Torrington,

I think people are prone to get overexcited about something that is really not worth getting so worked up about. Possibly the sight of so many uniformed officers in one place has unsettled people who will feel completely ashamed of themselves by this time next week.

Boodle's at eight it is, then.

Your most affectionate friend,
Jno Vickery

Dear Vickery,

I most certainly hope so. I must warn you - according to the last rumours you are going to be met by a certified madman. According to my sister, if it was certifiable and not certified, the rumour may be right. I wished I could take the part about being send to the country and could leave the rest be.

I'm quite glad that his Grace is not gracing the London society at the moment. I got a rather stern letter from General Uxbridge warning me to stay away from guns and sharp implements before breakfast. I hope you have faired better.

Your most humble friend,

Torrington

Dear Torrington,

I did not. The General has quite an able ally in Lady Saltash, although thankfully I have one in my sister and Lord Saltash. I have no intention of having grass before breakfast at any time in the foreseeable future.

As for retiring to the countryside, I think I may come with you. My mother is thinking of doing so, although she is never usually persuaded to leave Town before the end of the Season.

My sister contends that rumour-mongers are petty, small-minded people who would do far better to mind their own business than to poke their noses into that of others, and should be ignored as best we can.

Your most affectionate friend,
Jno Vickery