The correspondence began here.

Dear Amelia,

Thank you for your letter and you were wise to amend the description of our encounter, I would have indeed been disappointed otherwise. Clarity of word is clarity of thought, how else are we to learn?

Sadly the school room lines were less adequate. I counted only 198 lines and all of them were incorrectly copied out. You troubled yourself to write, ‘Amelia is not too old for a sound bottom spanking when she is in error.’

The line I gave you was ‘Amelia, Lady Darnley, is not too old for a thoroughly sound bare bottom spanking when she errs.’

You did not listen and there must be consequences. When next we meet we will revisit bare bottomed drill for a good and thorough birching, this after another sound spanking of course. Do not expect to sit down any time soon.

Meanwhile you will write out the correct line 400 times and post it to me before I next visit. I suggest you do not delay as I will not accept the happenstance of the Royal Mail as an excuse for tardiness.

As for young Ruth, I have indeed accepted a live-in appointment. The opportunity to have two birds on hand is most convenient. As for my handling of her that is between the Compton’s and I. No doubt though you will be party to much that will follow as for now I have no intention of enlightening the family to our arrangement. I trust you will not give me cause to do so?

Yours quite seriously,

Jane Carlisle.

To be continued…