'A Letter from Honeysuckle Harebell'~15th August 1908

Miss. Persephone Pratt

Dear Persephone ,

Hope you are well and managing the extreme heat we are experiencing?

I, however, am not - it disagrees with my cucumbers. I felt I had to write as I was so sorry to hear about your friend. I can't imagine how you are feeling. Where have they sent her? I did hear she was deported to El Salvador? How deplorable. I hope you know there are many, in this village, who stand with you Persephone.

Last time we met was at the Peaseblossom talk. Very illuminating wasn't it. I, for one, will certainly be mindful of rebuking any unwanted 'magical' moments, as Miss Peaseblossom instructed. Due to a chronic case of 'Sotto Voce’ at the time, I was unable to commend you on your tea, which was delicious, and your scones - to die for!

It reminded me of my dear Nanny Duckegg. I thought you may be interested in her Fairy Cake receipe.

Leaf out of Nanny Duckeggs receipe book

There we are. Just a thought.

I am sure you will be busy baking delights for the Village Fete?.  I alas…am away on my travels visiting my Great Aunt Mildew in Baden Baden ( so good they named it twice).

Postcard from Baden Baden

I wondered if you would kindly let Miss.Peaseblossom know I am unable to assist in the ‘Magic Denier Rally' she is organising, (I was the raffle last year) as I am so busy packing for my trip and will be away the whole week.

Ah yes, latest news of the Vicars Cat. After being interrogated by ‘The Peaseblossom’, Councillor Shutterworth agreed it couldn’t possibly have been 'Imps' in his wine cellar, it must have been the Vicars’ Cat instead. It had inadvertently, been locked up, down there. He has now escaped and is on the loose again, (the Cat I mean, not the Councillor.) Mind you, since his wife died, he has taken to homebrewing and Elderberries are quite potent in the wrong hands and I do fear his hands are of that sort Persephone. Beware!

The Vicar asked me to use my artistry to design a poster in case anyone had seen the Cat and encourage them to come forward with information. However, I am in the bad books as, according to the Vicar, I have used the wrong wording. It’s not 'Wanted', just 'Missing', the Vicar corrected me. Have you seen the poster in Greengrows the Greengrocers?

Greengrows the Greengrocers

The last known sighting of the Cat was at the bus stop opposite the clocktower. Perhaps he is off on his travels too ha ha! (Sorry- I don't mean to keep mentioning travel, how thoughtless of me. )

Tempis Fugits Persephone, I must tend my Marrow before my long journey.

( Oh Catkins! there I go again)

Best wishes & commiserations,

Honeysuckle Harebell

x

P.s. Only a smidgeon of salt.

P.p.s. Don’t mention Fairy cakes to Peaseblossom.

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