[Filter: Private, in Kilian]

My, but the blame for it does need to be laid somewhere, even if none will speak of it. For Debby, at least, it is likely in party... my reluctance, in having her grow too fast. They've often said she was too young for her age, even with the original guidance she received, and I can see the criticizing look, in Miss Genevieve's eye, even as we discuss progress. I do not know what she will tell Peter. What a foolish thing to worry about...

It is more than my father that I mourn tomorrow. It always has been... and now, with each year, there's even more reason for it to be so.

And Tessa... she certainly has seemed even more withdrawn this last week, more than ever. Almost as if she has been in mourning for the entire week, already... she truly does not seem to want to go. With the trouble we're facing with Debby, now... having the company is still certainly too much of a distraction. Still, it is something that must be handled so delicately...

[Filter: Private, in Kilian]

Goodness, things are only becoming worse. I hardly know what to do. The matter of the new tutor still stands, but they must understand how very important this all is.

And Debby...

Peter wonders, where we have gone wrong with her. And... there is still Quinn to consider. Perhaps... he may benefit from a new tutor himself, if only to prepare further for Philippa's arrival.

I wonder how long before the blame is placed upon... well, it would only be a logical thing for advisors to say, wouldn't it?

My, this has been a perfectly splendid evening. Festival time is always the warmest time of year, is it not? I hope that all of you have been able to enjoy it, even in some small way.

I have always felt that the part of the season that fills me with the most joy is the spirit of giving.

[Filter: Debby]

Debby, sweetie, are you all right? Everyone is gathered in the parlor now, and you certainly are missed.

[Filter: Peter]

It seems that your words to Quinn have finally succeeded in motivating him. It is a shame that it has had such an affect on the atmosphere here. Surely there must be something more we can do to help relieve this tension...

[Filter: Private, in Kilian]

I do have to wonder... what it is that makes her seem as if she'd ever left, the light would go out from her eyes.

There is still time to wonder, is there not? Scarce amount of time, unless we do get a chance to have a good talk, before things are wrapped through.

I do hope our gifts will reach dear Philippa on time. Even if she is planning something grand for her birthday, appreciation for her hard work will certainly not go unmentioned. If Quinn weren't so occupied with finishing, we might have been able to send him to her. Although, there will be more than enough time for that, won't there?

[Filter: Debby]

Are you feeling all right, sweetie? I know you said you were feeling well enough to play, but I don't think you should be pushing yourself.

[Filter: Private, in Kilian]

I do hope that things do turn out well for them, both. Lady Cerise is a very sweet woman; I certainly will have to speak to her, the next time she writes. Goodness, how I do forget to check these, from time to time.

Miss Raeli certainly seems to have become popular... although, I cannot say I feel any more comfortable speaking about the entire matter, now that it's done. The scars don't fade easily. Some scars never do. My, but how perfectly dreary of me, when there is so much to be done. I'm certain that poor Lord Thomas is growing weary of us, despite ourselves. We must make sure to give them a proper sendoff.

It still feels as though there is something ... ahah, well. That's hardly the matter of the moment, is it?

[Filter: Peter, Quinn, Lord Thomas, Lady Tessa]

My, I certainly hope that this isn't terribly obtrusive dears, but I do find myself wondering just how that portrait is coming along...! It seems that you've been sitting for it longer and longer lately; the results must simply be lovely.

[Filter: Private, in Kilian]

Haha, my, I've hardly any ideas yet, darling. Truly, this is foolish... that people such as ourselves would need to search for other ways of assurance, other than our words, and actions...

Is he worried, still? Could that not all have passed, without lingering fears? Though I suppose the news, about Miss Beatrice could still be troubling him, even with dear Philippa's interference on the matter. Surely, that must be the root...

My, but we mustn't worry about such things. Dear Lady Tessa's birthday is very soon, and we simply must celebrate the day properly...!

[Filter: House Bresa and Guests]

My, I do hope that everyone is enjoying today's celebrations. Lord Peter and I have planned an outing to the river for tomorrow, to help us all unwind. Everyone is certainly welcome to attend; the more the merrier after all, no?

If there's anything else I can do, please let me know, dears.

[Filter: Private, in Old Kilian]

... My, but I wonder whatever came of that. I suppose I may have to ask, sooner or later. I can only hope that with such access, Peter can see to it himself, instead of leaving such a messy business for me ...

I suppose it is still a very difficult thing for him. What more could I do, truly? In a way, it is my own fault, for being in such a position to begin with. The scars from that will never go away, will they?

Mmm... and Debby has been a bit too open with her difficulties, as of late. Something must be done to deter that, somehow, if she is to grow wiser... but how, of course.

[Filter: Peter]

Hmm. Are you opposed to the thought of another outing, love? It has hardly been spoken of, though the weather is only certain to become unpleasant, and I wouldn't wish for our guests to endure too much discomfort during their painting without some relief ...

[Filter: Private, in Old Kilian]

It was long expected, truly. I'm glad; it would make so many things easier. Especially when it comes to certain matters... a very curious sounding play indeed.

Goodness, the girls still seem to have it in their heads to go up to the river. A better day could certainly be found for that. The heat does come up rather quickly; perhaps a few arrangements, to see what can be done. After all, it is not as if we want them to be unhappy. Hmm.

[Filter: Peter, in Trade]

Have you been observing the journals in your spare time, love?

[Filter: Private, in Old Kilian]

It was certainly very kind of Lady Tessa to make such an offer. I do hope it will be enough to provide some distraction off of what is to come.

Peter still seems troubled. I suppose there is little I can do until Philippa gives word, though all the same, I am certain it is a combination of many things. Many, many things...

I do hope the Spring Fair will be an enjoyable one. Though I am feeling a little tired, now, hm. A little rest wouldn't hurt, with the details settled. And that way no one will have anything to worry about, will they? It's a very good plan.

[Filter: Private, in Old Kilian]

Debby has certainly seemed... distracted, lately. Her tutors say some of her lessons are suffering as well... surely it must be due to the company and the excitement.

-- My, but that's something that can be taken care of at another time... the Moon Festival is practically upon us, now, after all! My, so many preparations to attend to...! I do enjoy being so occupied.

Peter worries that I may be overdoing things. I have been perfectly fine for a while now, and he still looks at me in that way...

There are happier things to attend to, surely -- now, lets see.

[Filter: House Bresa and Guests]

Goodness, my apologies for being so scarce, these past few days, dears...! I do hope everyone is looking forward to the festival.

[Filter: Private, in Old Kilian]

I am pleased that things have been going so smoothly thus far. Though I have some concern over Debby's new friend... I certainly hope it won't cause any difficulties. At least with Laurel here, she'll have another companion.

Although, I do see what dear Lady Tessa means, about all of this. It may take a bit more to win over Lord Thomas than I imagined. However, things are as they are... and we have the entire duration of this visit to change his mind. Mmm, and something does seem rather off, about her. Perhaps she will share it in due time.

A small step at a time, perhaps. And in a few days, an inquiry to Lady Philippa, as Peter is certain that she's had enough time by now ...

[Filter: Debby]

Are you enjoying the company, sweetie?

[Filter: Quinn]

Hm, I've just had a thought, Quinn... might I pass it along to you?

[Filter: Private, in Old Kilian]

My, and how the time passes. With Rose Day so soon, and then Debby's party, to consider... with all that is going on, I can only hope that we can make the best of things as we can. Aside from that, it does feel good to be busy again.

Even though it was this time of year, when

My, but there's no need to venture to unpleasant places. I will make sure that it is the last thing on their minds, indeed...

[Filter: Debby]

Hello, sweetie. Are you practicing your lessons?

[Filter: Lady Philippa]

Ah, hello, dear. Forgive me, I meant to check in with you sooner. I certainly do hope that all is well with you.

[Filter: Lady Tessa]

My, but it has been some time since we've last talked, no? I hope you are well.

[Filter: Private, in Old Kilian]

The celebrations simply weren't the same as usual... then again, they were hardly the same at all last year, so perhaps that cannot be thought of as a comparison. Although, despite these ... matters, Peter seemed to put most of it aside for the day at least, though now that it's over, it looms closer than ever.

I suppose now that it's all said and done, something simply must be said, and naturally... ah, but her friendship with Lady Isanae is obvious enough. Perhaps -- conversation, over embroidery. We've hardly had the time for such, considering how busy I've been, though surely, something can be learned.

[Filter: Lady Philippa]

I just had a thought, Philippa, and I simply do hope you'll accept. Every day has been so busy, with the festivities, that we've hardly had time to ourselves, mn?

[Filter: Private, in Old Kilian]

Mn, so is that the way it's going to be, Peter, Love? I suppose it is the best way, though your reaction to the news was almost startling.

With your birthday fast approaching, and so many preparations to attend to, it's hardly something that can be left for so long. Perhaps I should have acted sooner upon it; but closing your eyes to such a matter for overlong would hardly do much towards solving it.

Should it not -- my, there are other options, yet. Although it seems a shame to start the year off on such a note. Hmm.

[Filter: Quinn, in High Dentorian]

Quinn, might I speak to you for a moment...?

[Filter: Debby, in Trade]

How is your studying progressing, sweetie? I would like for us to spend some time together later.

[Filter: Private, in Old Kilian]

My, but how time passes...! The year is nearly over, and a new one almost upon us. It's something worth keeping in mind.

So much time goes on, and I hardly remember these books at all. Perhaps I should be paying more attention than I have... although, Emeron, of all places? That is rather queer, indeed.

Rumors, she said. I do wonder what that could have been about... hm. Though it hardly seems prudent to inquire about it too directly. She was quick to dismiss Debby, at least, although...

Perhaps Peter may know something of it. And if not... there are other ways, I'm certain.

[Filter: Private, Old Kilian]

... Mm.

It's been a long year. It's almost strange to think that it's all drawing to a close, now.

Perhaps next year I'll get to give Deborah the party she deserves. ... It's a thought, at least. It's odd, how an experience such as this can have such a profound effect on a person. Or perhaps it has simply been my reading tastes as of late; all so wonderfully poignant.

I wonder if the ache will ever fade. There's a thought. My, but how terribly morbid.

[Filter: Private, in Old Kilian]

My, I must say that this gift of Lady Philippa's has certainly been suitably distracting. It's ... certainly more entertaining than rereading all of these novels has been, and even this journal, at times. Hmm ... my thank you notes should have all been sent out by now, so I do hope it will reach her soon. Even with these magical books... some things just seem better, the normal way.

Even the children are overly cautious, still, even of late. It is right of them, to worry so, though sometimes I wonder if it's not too much. The worst of it has all certainly passed, so I ... do wish it wouldn't feel as if everyone is simply holding their breath. Aha ...

Especially you, Peter, darling. I can only hope that things are better, once the Night of the Dead passes, and ... the rest of the next month, for certain. I'll know what's on everyone's minds then, won't I? A terrible shame.

... Goodness, on that note, Quinn's birthday is so soon, now, and there is so little time to prepare anything properly for it. I'll... come up with something that's doable, I'm sure.

[Filter: Deborah]

Debby, sweetie, would you like to bring your books to my room while you study? I haven't heard you recite for quite some time, after all ...

[Filter: Private, Old Kilian]

Everything has been better than I could have hoped for... I truly did not think the time leading up to it would pass, so quickly ...! So much to get done, in so little time. I do believe I've managed it, somehow. Dear Miss Raeli seems almost surprised at her gift, but surely, she can appreciate it, for all that she's done. She does still seem to think I'm overdoing it, though truly, how can one not go out of their way, to make sure this holiday is perfect...? And truly, it's not a strain at all. I feel quite wonderful in a way that I haven't felt for a long time.

Such a decision... yet there is no place for fixating on the unpleasant things. It is a stain on the heart, and true Ladies are supposed to show only one face to the world, after all.

Ah ha... this truly is a wonderful time of year. A time for everyone's spirits to be lifted, regardless of what the previous year has brought, and togetherness, and everyone is smiling again. What more could we ask for, on a day like today?

The painting was a most lovely surprise, out of all of it, I must say... I honestly did not think that he would ever finish it, after all of that.

Mn, and now ...

[Filter: Public]

Goodness, this does seem the right time of year, to use this properly ...! I must thank you all, for your well wishes, and I do hope that today has found everyone in good spirits. It is, truly, a wonderful day, and I hope that everyone can find a way to celebrate it, somehow. Even those of you who may be alone right now, please know that my heart goes out to you.

Ah, well now, and on behalf of everyone in my home, I do wish you all a very happy festival, wherever it may find you all this year.