Eternally Yours: Roxton Letters Volume 1 by Lucinda Brant Page A

large pots containing palms, and numerous divans with their cushions, to sit and rest upon with guests, as is the way here. Or, as often happens, meals are taken in this area, with the bathing pool a welcome distraction before or after meals. Your private apartments also has a bathing pool, smaller in size but deeper. I hope you will approve and find that it is not inconsiderable.
    The mansion is set in lush grounds which remind me of an oasis we visited in Syria, with date palms, vines, colorful flora, and a watering hole for the native birds. All of it is surrounded by a very high wall, higher than a man standing upon the shoulders of another. This will afford privacy and allow Lord Henri-Antoine to roam about without fear of him wandering off, though the number of servants would preclude this ever happening.
    The property is leased for six months as was agreed, with the option to extend for a further six months, though I understand you desire to return to Paris for Christmastime.
    One last matter regarding the house. I have had M’sieur Anawi allocate the rooms in the manner Your Grace specifically requested, and that one be set aside for Julian in the family wing so he may stay with you during your visit. I agree with you, that he should do so, if for no other reason than to make a connection with the little brother he has yet to meet, but as to whether he will, that is a matter requiring the greatest tact on your part, M’sieur le Duc, of which I know you are well aware.
    But before I speak of Julian, let me say how gratified I am to read you enjoyed your stay in Rome, and that you were pleased with its relics, and more so with the treasures to be found at the Vatican. Of course who could refuse you a tour of those statues, paintings and treasures acquired by His Holiness’s agents throughout Europe and beyond? That you were able to meet up with the Vallentines in Rome, and enjoy some weeks staying at their villa, must have made for a happy reunion, particularly after a separation of some months’ duration. That M’sieur and Mme Vallentine have decided to return to Florence, and to the house of M’sieur’s cousin, who is consul, I am not surprised. And to own to a truth, it is better for Julian that this family reunion is a more intimate affair, and conducted without the presence of the Vallentines, regardless that their son remains in Paris. More on that subject you may discuss with me at your leisure when you are here.
    I was greatly encouraged by your report of Lord Henri-Antoine’s health. That he has not suffered a bout of the falling sickness in over a month must surely bode well for his little lordship’s future, and be such a relief to you both. I hesitate to suggest that as you travel south into warmer weather this has had a beneficial effect on his humors? He sounds such an inquisitive child, that perhaps he has been too distracted with not enough time to take ill on your travels?
    I must tell you that Dr. Hakim is very desirous of conferring with Dr. Bailey, as he assures me there are treatments and medicinals in this part of the world which may alleviate his little lordship’s symptoms, if not provide a cure. Dr. Hakim comes with the highest recommendation, and lest you think I go by recommendation alone, I had the physician call upon me and over a cup of Turkish coffee we spent a pleasant hour in discussion on all manner of subjects. I found him unassuming and interesting, and never boring. Mme la Duchesse, I think you will find him a great conversationalist.
    We are both so looking forward to meeting Lord Henri-Antoine. Can he be almost six years old? It seems only yesterday Julian was running around in breeches for the first time in Mme la Duchesse’s garden at Treat. And to think my godson will be turning one-and-twenty while you are here, makes me shake my head at the passing of time!
    Naturally, your visit is badly wanted. Your eldest son has missed you both extremely, as you well know from