Attempting A Trial Separation

[Ursula Black]

November 12th, 1887

Phineas,

Happy birthday. I trust you are well and spending the day as it pleases you.

As much as I wish to hear of your good health and birthday felicitations, I'm afraid I am writing to you with an altogether different motive. I should like it very much if you would allow and facilitate for me a stay abroad this winter. I haven't decided where I should like to go yet but I am quite set on the idea of wintering in foreign climes.

I trust there is no reason for you to impede my leaving, particularly for the duration of the Christmas period now that my wifely duties would seem to be fulfilled to your satisfaction.

Elladora should stay home to oversee the children and household are properly maintained, of course.

Your wife,
Ursula

@'Phineas Black'

  

[Phineas Black]

November 13th, 1887

Ursula,

Thank you for the birthday wishes, it was a quiet affair with no celebration, exactly as I would prefer it.

Your request comes as a bit of a surprise, though I do suppose that I shouldn't be as such, given your age. I should think though, that you would wait to leave until after Christmas, as the children would surely miss you during the holidays. As much as I trust in Elladora's care, I would think you would hardly want to be absent during such a jovial time of year.

Your departure, should you like to leave with my blessing instead of contempt, should be arranged so that it fits the occasion.

Phineas

  

unnervingly attractive Phinface set by MJ!

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[Ursula Black]

November 16th, 1887

Phineas,

I can't imagine why you would take issue with my being absent for Christmas and I don't for a second believe it has anything to do with the children.

Wouldn't you rather I weren't home when you return from school?

Ursula

  

[Phineas Black]

November 19th, 1887

Ursula,

I don't need a reason to request that you stay home for the holidays. It has hardly proper for you to go gallivanting off abroad for Merlin knows what reason during what is supposed to be a family time of year. I wouldn't want anyone asking questions I cannot answer honestly.

I will see you at the end of term.

Phineas

  

unnervingly attractive Phinface set by MJ!

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