ImpatientGreedyDeceitfulWoman

From IMiA

My Lady Duchess,

Many apologies for the impersonal nature of this message but we are sure that you will agree that discretion in this matter is certainly the more desired course of action.

Enclosed in this envelope you will find the following items: an import receipt for a case of the finest Kashfan whiskey, purchased three months before the untimely death of your first husband. Second, a grocery delivery schedule, from the market of Del'vissio, the finest marketer of Amber, for a number of assorted delicacies – both expensive and extremely rich. And lastly, the affidavit of Theresa Camiss, formerly the maid employed to care for your first husband prior to his death, attesting to the intake by your husband of these items, and the personal preparation by your own hand that they were exposed to.

What pray tell might these items mean? Ah, that of course, is but a small token of the appreciation we have for your efforts that you undertook to obtain from your freedom from an old withered man who was clearly unsuited for your Lady's grace and beauty. Ah, but we digress - for certain you are wondering as to why this message was sent. We wish merely to inform the Lady that these items are freely available, as are other documents of a somewhat sensitive nature. At the moment no doubt they are carefully stored, sealed from prying eyes and will remain so hopefully for quite some time. For it is certain that these items, were they to become public knowledge, would surely place a hideous blemish upon the Lady's reputation. Perhaps, even be a cause for some concern as to the Lady's good health and freedom, were these documents to be incorrectly interpreted by officials of the Watch.

But what are a few papers? Surely they are not to be concerned over? We think probably not. For surely a woman of your standing would be able to explain away such items. Forgeries no doubt, clever copies made by enemies determined to ruin the goodness of your fair name and that of your husband the Duke. Of course, that must surely be it. For without a witness, such documents are indeed but that...worthless paper unfit for further reading.

Thus we beg the Lady's indulgence but a moment longer and direct her attention to the letter of retirement for the doctor Emmuel Sharfurst. We believe this to be the physician who undertook your first husband's care before his death, who retired some years ago. A man of considerable talent for sure and noted throughout Amber for his dedication to his patients and his absolute sincerity – a man trusted and revered for his honesty. Yes. This man would be believed in anything he would say, for his word is good.

But what indeed does this have to do with papers, and your husband's death? Why nothing. Not yet. Not unless such a person were to come forward from his retirement, to consider the documents in question, and to cast forth his opinion on what affect these items - the whiskey, the food, the poison, what these would have on an old man, married to an impatient, greedy, deceitful woman bought for her beauty by an clutching old man. Ah, indeed this does place the items in question into a completely different light, does it not?

However, before we continue, let us offer to the Lady our personal assurance that such a situation has not occurred. Nor is it likely to occur in the future. The good doctor has retired, to estates far from the kingdom in a land known to none, served well by loyal and skilled retainers who care for his every need, and ensure his protection, and his silence. Until such a time as it is needed that the silence be broken. A time which, with care and cooperation, need not ever happen.

We hope this letter has been enlightening for you, dear Lady. Please remember that mutual cooperation is surely the best path for anyone to take during the difficult times in which we live. Such cooperation, when requested of the Lady, would surely be an opportunity that one should not ignore. We wish you good health in the future dear Lady.

Yours sincerely,

The Scholar.

-- Main.LizTrumitch - 24 Oct 2004