Nana Mail: Dani DeGrey

[Theadora deGrey]

To my favorite grandchild,

Do not fret my dear Dani, I have merely saved the best for last. You know how much those boys will all whine if they don't receive their presents first. It pains me that I won't be there for Yule this year, though I've found myself a nice place to stay in Teronna with Lord McIntrye and his family. Their son is quite the charmer my dear, if you're looking for husband number four, I would certainly try here...

How are you, dearest Dani? Are your travels treating you well? What adventures do you have to share with me? More importantly, I should ask if you were able to make it home for Yule like you'd wanted? Were your brothers surprised? I hope they gave you a proper welcome home as you deserve. Make Andrew rub your feet and our dear Ducky feed you grapes. You deserve it with how busy you can get. Besides, we have to keep them humble somehow now, don't we?

Spoil those nieces of your's extra for me while your there, as well William's Olivia. I trust you to keep me well informed on both your brothers and your cousin's business dear. You have to be me but in a younger body while in your home. I've already informed Ducky, but I plan on coming home earlier than expected. I wish to keep it a surprise for everyone else, so mums the word. You can expect me home with the spoils of my adventures in mid-spring.

In the meantime, enjoy the family during this Yuletide season Danielle. Kick your bothers towards willing suitors, and keep them out of trouble. Especially Andrew. I worry about him after your father came home from war. Keep an eye on him... Give her father an extra hug and kiss for me dear, make sure your mother is getting him everything he needs, the usual.

As for you Yule gifts this year Dani dear, I've decided you need some proper accessories what with the sort of lady you're becoming. Upon the dresses and earrings I've sent, I've decided it's time for you to get your own walking cane. No you're not getting old, it should go with any outfit your wearing. Remember Dani, it's an accessory. A deadly one I hope you never have to use but in the event you do, you're armed with your own blade. Simply twist the pommel.

This isn't a toy for you to terrorize Andrew with, no matter how tempting it might be. I hope you put it to good use, my darling girl.

Patiently waiting for you to rejoin me on our own adventure,

Much Love,
Nana DeGrey

[Attached to Dani's letter was a trunk full of various Teronian gowns and fabrics to make her own, a box with a few sets of earrings, and a walking cane. There was a note attached to the cane that read: Do NOT use on Andrew, but use it well.]

[Dani deGrey]

Dearest Nana,

Thank you for the gowns! I am at a loss as to which is my favourite, I notice your taste has only improved with your travels. As for the cane, do you really think me so old and helpless? But I shall carry it with me, for your peace of mind Nana.

I would never lie to you, and I will not now, I was beginning to think you had forgotten about me! I know you never could of course, at least not on purpose- but you do know what they say happens when you reach a certain age! I would hate it so if you were to begin to lose your marbles, much more so if it was me (clearly the most memorable of your grandchildren) you decided to forget first.

As for husband number four, Nana, do you not think three is such a perfect number? I would so hate to ruin it with yet another husband- they can be such a chore you know and I have enough to keep me busy these days. I must have missed you in Teronna Nana dearest, though I can’t have been there more than a day or two- there was an incident with boarding the wrong ship. Not my fault, obviously, the captain’s handwriting was abhorrent- it was as though someone had gotten a child drunk on sack, spun them around a few times, and then handed them a pen. At least that’s what I think must have happened. Either way, I had a few extra weeks at sea and a story to tell so it was not quite a wasted journey.

If it had not have been for the above incident, I might have made it home with time to spare before Yule- but instead I had mere minutes. You will be disappointed to know that none of your grandsons thought to meet me at the docks. Your second favourite twin was preoccupied with a red-haired creature, pretty little thing, she invited me over for tea… which of course I will be accepting, if only to torment dear Drew. Declan had the girls to prepare of course, (they were a sight Nana! Clearly the good looks pass only to the deGrey ladies) so I could hardly begrudge his absence. Lucian, like Drew, seemed distracted with a lady friend. As for the others- they were simply too busy to show up for their favourite cousin I assume.

Leave it to me, the girls will be spoiled rotten by the time you finally make it home in Spring. As for my brothers… Nana do you not think our family may be cursed with unhappy (or at least unsuccessful) marriages, do you really wish for another? We have four already under our collective belts and I would not wish that upon even Drew.

Come Summer and you decide to sail away again, I have every intention of tagging along should I find suitable babysitters for those brothers of mine.

All my love,

Dani.

P.S. I shall have your Yuletide gifts sent to Declan’s estate, I imagine you intend to stay with him once again?