A HAWTHORN WITHERED

[sondher 797]

 

Published the 9th of Tobias’ Bounty, 1891

 

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The Baron d’Artois was finally laid to rest after succumbing to his chronic illness on the 15th of Godfey’s Triumph, 1891. At just twenty-seven years old, Arnaud has left behind me, his wife, and seven children which were always so dear to him. My heart aches and refuses to believe that the charming boy, whom I met at thirteen years old, is gone. He had a love and fascination for poetry, dance, music and life all around. Though our relationship was not always perfect, he constantly put in extra effort to make sure that I was comfortable. I have never met another as caring and kind as Arnaud, it is a shame that he was taken from this realm so soon.

 

Along with his family, he has left his ancestral home, Artois, into the hands of his eldest child and her regent. The young Lord was believed to have caught a fever, suffering for three years prior to his death. As he was conscious of his gradual deterioration, he prepared a contingency for the legacy of Halcourt. Originally he planned for me, Henrietta Halcourt d’Artois, to become Regent… but shortly before his death, I fell ill to the very same sickness which took my husband. Unable to muster the strength which is necessary to fulfill the tedious tasks of ruling, I resign from the position as Regent and grant it towards my late husband’s beloved sister, Béatrice Cateline Halcourt d’Artois. I have faith in her work and believe that she will do an exquisite job managing Artois. The Baronial title is now given to the late Lord Arnaud’s eldest daughter, Lady Nicoletta Anastasie Halcourt d’Artois…now dubbed the Baroness d’Artois. Until the eight year-old Baroness reaches the age of sixteen, Lady Béatrice Huntshill shall oversee the realm and take Baroness Nicoletta’s place in the seat of the Harvest Lords in Petra until her era of Regency reaches its end.

 

My daughter, the Baroness of Artois, takes after her father. Not only has she adopted his characteristics, she has also developed his intelligence and love for writing. I have no doubts that once she is old enough, she will make a fantastic leader on the Commonwealth’s council.

 

My blessings go out to my family. I pray that they do not catch this horrid sickness that has spread amongst my husband, my darling son and daughter, and myself. I pray for the health of the Halcourts and our future. My blessings are also sent to my love, Arnaud, may we be reunited one day in the Seven Skies.

 

Que Dieu bénisse l’Artois.

Que Dieu bénisse cette famille.

 

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SIGNED,

 

BARONESS-DOWAGER, LADY HENRIETTA WILHELMINE  HALCOURT D’ARTOIS

[Nord 346]

"Another of the family's ballerinas dead, unfortunate." Darius remarked sarcastically, throwing the missive into the fire

[Adelemphii 1766]

The Blind One™️ mourns the death of her elder brother.