Auguste - hang fire on the Stag Party

[Monique Adelina De'Ath]

Mon Cher Auguste,

Can you believe it, that old duffer Chabert, Gisla's father, has rejected my marrying his daughter.......after I travelled all the way to his run down and crappy old chateau, incurring additional personal expense and time in doing so!

I've challenged the rogue to a duel, either I can get rid of him this way or, failing that, perhaps he'll unfortunately fall out of a window or through the rotten floorboards in that dump of a home of his, either way he has to go. Sadly, until he has 'gone', there is no Stag Party date so we'll have to delay making any arrangements.

I also note that this coming month there's a whole 3 weeks of government work that I'm expected to attend to, 3 weeks for heavens sake (!) so that only leaves me Week 4 free. However, I can't but help note there is the St Denis Stakes that week so any chance I could join you in your Owners' Box where I can update you on what's been happening, as well as enjoying the races and chatting to any passing Royals etc?

Best wishes old chum,

Bastian

[vinlander]

Bastian my friend,

I was more than shocked to hear the news that your prospective father-in-law has taken leave of his senses. I fail to see how marrying his daughter to the Foreign Minister is anything less than a social coup for him. Still, men do as they do with little reference to reason.

On that point, do you think it wise to duel with the man? I fear it could be a no-win position for you. First, there is a chance you will lose. I would hate to see that. Second, you could win. Does your beloved feel any joy or gratitude in seeing her father so treated? I understand that honour must be maintained and somethings require an answer in steel. Is this such a case, though? It might be prudent to see if there is another path to your objective.

As for the horses, nothing would please me more than to share the owners' box with you, but as I do not have a four-year-old to enter -- so I don't think I have access to the box this time around. I will check with the master of the race.

That said, there is a spot for you and an escort to the opening of my play week 1 if you can make it.

Your friend,

Auguste Balls