His Highness Prince Lukas of Florin
Royal Netherlands Embassy
38 Hyde Park Gate
London, England
His Highness the Duke of Florin
Royal Netherlands Embassy
Via dei Mille 30
Naples, Kingdom of Two Sicilies
My dearest brother, Rupert,
I hope that you and Mother are enjoying this visit to Naples and do not find the state duties overly boring.
I don't understand why you so adamantly refused this assignment. London is thoroughly delightful! I have been to so many balls and galas, it would make your head spin. Everyone here is quite friendly and accomodating. There has been no trouble at all. And I can't imagine that you would have difficulty with anyone.
I have been quite fortunate to be able to have several marvelous conversations with Sir Spencer Cuthbert. You recall that he and Father did some hunting in Africa together years ago. Last summer he and some of his travelling companions were our guests at Florin Castle.
Just last night he took me to the most marvelous entertainment. It was sporting pavilion of some sort, not unlike some of the more colourful places you told me about in Amsterdam, actually. Everyone was so enthusiastic and friendly. I was able to watch a truly fascinating contest of strength and skill between an acquaintance of Sir Spencer's called Ohflarerty (I should have Oudekirk find out the proper spelling of that for me) and another man named Bocks.
Ohflarerty is a veritable giant of a man, not unlike Jeroen back home, so I put a bit of money on him in the friendly betting that was going on before the contest. The contest was very exciting, and our man won. For some reason, Sir Spencer advised me to collect my earnings immediately.
I'm awfully glad he did, because some trouble broke out. I'm not sure precisely what was the disturbance. Some other people of Sir Spencer's acquaintance arrived, looking for us. Apparently when he left the reception, Sir Spencer didn't tell his neice where he was going. And I forgot to tell Herr van __________, as well. This had sent everyone back at the Embassy into a flutter, which I have since managed to straighten out.
At the sporting pavilion some sort of altercation broke out (again, not unlike that one place in Amsterdam we both visited) and somehow something caught on fire. So there were a number of people who needed help out of the building before things became dangerous.
After that, Sir Spencer introduced me to another sport. I now have a much better understanding of why you and Rugin are so fascinated with those aerogunships! They are marvelous inventions, and they make such a spectacular display in the sky! It was like fireworks.
I tried my best to uphold the family honour, but I've never been quite as keen a shot as you, dear brother. I acquitted myself admirably enough, but it was clearly Sir Spencer who hit the target solidly. I was happy to pay out my wager, as the entire evening had been so exhileratingly fun.
I hope to be able to see more of London. Sir Spencer is an excellent guide! Oudekirk has just told me how much time remains before I have to accompan van Schoonhoven and meet with some Duke in England's Foreign Office. I think I will have just enough time to compose a short letter to Mother.
Until we meet again, I remain your dear brother,
Lukas
His Highness Prince Lukas of Florin
Royal Netherlands Embassy
38 Hyde Park Gate
London, England
Her Serene Highness Kristiana of Orange
Royal Netherlands Embassy
Via dei Mille 30
Naples, Kingdom of Two Sicilies
Dearest Mother,
I do hope that the duties of state have not been too onerous on you these days. I am told that Naples is quite lovely this time of year, and hope that you have an opportunity to see some of the more interesting sights while you are there.
London is a most agreeable city, and I am so happy to have the opportunity to make this extended visit. The people have been very pleasant and friendly. The Embassy has kept my schedule rather full, but the events have usually be as pleasant as the people.
Last night I saw an exhibit of the works of British Naturalists, and one of the people whose work was on display was a Mrs Frazer, who is employed by Sir Cosmo Cowperthwaite, and was among Sir Spencer Cuthbert's party which visited Florin Castle last summer. The event was quite educational, and I look forward to more like it in the future.
They say my carriage is ready. I must go meet with the Duke who heads up the Foreign Office here. Herr van Schoonhoven feels my presence is needed. So I will close for now.
I remain your loving son,
Lukas
Proceed to Couldn't make head nor tail
Contents this page copyright 2005 by Gene Breshears. All Rights Reserved.