26 June 1875
Dearest James,
You will forgive me for not writing sooner, but we barely touched land
a week ago and have been swept off our feet ever since our arrival in
Bombay. We were swept in on a tide of excitement as our private
ships were caught in the midst of a great battle between the local
pirate gang and the British Fleet. Our ships were rather damaged
and we lost some good men whist defending Sir Cosmo and Sir
Spencer's fleet. Normally I would not worry you with such
matters, but I am afraid all of the papers here from respectable Bombay
Times to the disreputable Bombay Dispatch have variously garbled
accounts of the events and I have no idea how much of this might get
Back To Mother. I have already written to her and John to let
them know of our safe arrival in Bombay, but am concerned that my
letter will not be enough to quiet her anxiety should the papers back
home pick up the story.
Rest assured that Mr Salmalin, Octavia and all of our friends are in
good health. The sea air seems to agree with all of the children
and they are becoming a bit much for Violet and Daru to handle.
As it happens we will be travelling to Mhow, Tattvik's family home (and
mine in a past life). I hope to consult with Mrs Pratijnya
regarding a suitable addition to the staff of nursemaids.
Tattvik is both excited and anxious about returning home after five
years. I am looking forward with unalloyed enjoyment to seeing my
old friends.
We have met several interesting people since our arrival in
Bombay. Mrs Cuthbert introduced me to Allan Alsworthy Vaughn,
Viscount Vaughn of Wiston, Baron Mullengar. She knew him many
years ago when she was first out in society. He is an interesting
personage. We also met a Professor Peacock-- who is a long-time
friend Mr Frazer's grandparents and Lady Cowperthwaite's parents.
I have not had much direct contact with him but Mrs Frazer seems
impressed by him. Mrs Frazer also managed to meet two naturalist
colleagues not long after our arrival here-- a Count Stefan
Lindrom, author of Die Giftschlange
und seine
Verbündeten and a Richard von Klatna, I have
not had a chance to meet either of these gentelmen, as they seem to
have left Bombay not long after meeting Mrs Frazer. When she met
them they were doing research on the snake population of the local
marshes.
Some rather irksome circumstances have also brought me into contact
with a Dr Langtry. He is rather high handed in his manner, but
his daughter is lovely and has charming manners and has something
special about her. Emily Would Not Approve-- but do not take that
as a reason to come rushing out to India. I cannot imagine
someone of her qualities being left long to her own devices.
In other news, Lieutenant Wooster got into some trouble whist helping
out an old school tie and is now, I suspect, in no danger of leaving
his lieutenant's insignia behind. Mrs Wooster seems both pleased
and alarmed by this turn of events. However she is much taken up
with Things Domestic and so some of her naturally nervous temperament
is absorbed into other matters. Three positive things came
out of the disaster. The Navy found that some of their supplies
were no up to snuff, before they were used in battle
conditions. An older Captain who was set to make an
inappropriate match was released from his obligation and a Most
Suitable alliance was formed between two young people. I am most
pleased with the result. Though I did have to apologizes to one
of my friends for words said in haste during the Trouble.
We did take some time away from whirlwind social engagements to tour.
Elephanta Island. It was a lovely break from the weather (monsoon
season arrived along with us). Octavia and the other children
enjoyed stretching their legs-- she is growing so quickly that I would
not credit it if I had not seen it with my own eyes.
We have put quite a strain on the local dressmakers. We were
rather sartorially challenged upon our arrival in Bombay (much of our
gear was damaged buy water and other substances as a result of the
pirate battle). We leave Bombay resupplied and ready for new
adventures. Sir Cosmo is very pleased to have the opportunity to
inspect the local rail lines. We take the train to Mhow today and
do not know how long we will be in the interior. It will be some
time before our ships will be released from drydock so there is no
hurry to return to Bombay.
I hope this letter finds you in good health. Give Mother, John
and the rest of the family my love.
Your Sister,
Victoria Salmalin
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