InsaneJournal

Tweak says, "The hero has arrived!"

Rupert Aveline (easterntrader) wrote in toujoursliberer,
@ 2008-09-01 20:51:00

Entry tags:

letter, mercedes_dupont, plot, rupert_aveline

Letter Sent to Mercedes Dupont
Item: Letter to Mercedes Dupont
Warnings: na
Open to: Mercedes

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mercedes_dupont
2008-09-02 03:41 am UTC (link)

Dear Monsieur Rupert Aveline,

Your letter reached me in good health and spirit, although only recently arrived in India myself. As an observation, I find very little is changed; this state of affairs suits me and I find myself settling well, even more so with the rest of the agreed sum (which I gratefully thank you for sending, sir) which I assure you has been invested wisely.

I have been discussing the present situation in Mysore with several commanders of the British Army and the Company's own army. Nothing solid has been decided between us as yet, however, and I shall discuss with you and your superiors in my next correspondence. In the meantime however, as a personal aside to yourself, I can not envisage that the Tippu Sultan, as great a reputation that he has, will allow this war to be finished swiftly or without great expense for both the British Army and the Company's own shareholders.

I am grateful for all you have done for me, but I must ask one further favour of your own good soul. Please ensure that Lady Sabana Alvarez, the opera singer, receives the enclosed letter. She will understand it's purpose.

Again, my thanks in all matters,
Sincerely,
Captain Mercedes Dupont

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easterntrader
2008-09-02 10:41 am UTC (link)

Dear Captain Dupont~

I am glad to hear you are settling in to the surroundings. I know that such a change can be trying to some but I believe well worth it in the end.

I am looking forward to hearing a more indepth account of the situation in Mysore. The Commodore has several reports but I have advised him to wait until we get word from you and a few others before ascertaining the full situation. Admittedly I was optimistic about the war coming to an end sooner than later. Thank yo for the candor; I sadly think you are right as well. For Britain and the EIC, the cost will continue to be high both in monetary value and human life.

It pleases me to tell you that I have sent the letter you enclosed to Lady Sabana, with strict word that it should be delievered only to her and also sent word that if she should need my assistance on her or your behalf, that she only need to send world. I hope this will allay any worries you might have in this regard while you are away.

With Respect,
Rupert J. Aveline, Esq.
Assistant Undersecretary
EIC

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mercedes_dupont
2008-09-02 04:25 pm UTC (link)

Dear Monsieur Aveline,

As you have no doubt heard, there has been a number of skirmishes between the soldiers of the Tippu Saltan and the combined forces of the EIC and British Army. Our own losses have been reduced by the arrivals of several native allies, including the army of the Tippu Sultan's Hindi half-brother, who seems to be the best possible choice for a replacement ruler for Mysore, should and when one be needed. I hope that my enclosed report detailing the last few months of conflict is useful to you. I quite understand that my news must be now some time out of date, but may perhaps bring light to some aspects which before may or may not have been discussed in full in the reports of others.

Many many thanks, Rupert, for giving her my letter. I was wondering if perhaps she had given you a reply to send on to me? I have as yet not heard from her nor from one or two of my other confidants in London, and I am wondering if high society life has been so hectic as to delay their responses, and I was wondering if you would keep me appraised of events in London during my absence?

Again, my thanks,

Captain Mercedes Dupont

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easterntrader
2008-09-03 10:02 am UTC (link)

Dear Captain Dupont,

Unfortunately, we have heard. I had hoped that first hand knowledge from you and others would give me more optimism on the situation but I can see now that things truly are as bad as we fear. We must do what we can to gather more allies, including the native armies. The Sultan's half-brother shows to be a good man, and I agree with you, an excellent choice for a new ruler. Your details included are most excellent and through and even going through the briefly thus far, will no doubt be quite helpful, so my thanks to you again.

Mercedes, she has not as of yet, but I will inquire with her directly to assure it did not get lost in passing. I'm sure nothing is wrong, and the end of the summer brings about the mad rush of parties and events as society tries to hold back the fall and winter. I would be very pleased to keep you up-to-date on the goings on of London daily life.

Keep yourself in good health, and again my thanks.

Rupert Aveline, Esq.

[enclosed are copies of backdated London papers, including the gossip columns as well as Lord Laurent's obit]

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mercedes_dupont
2008-09-07 12:09 pm UTC (link)

Dear Monsieur Aveline,

I thank you for the pages you have sent me in your last correspondence. It was good to hear news from London again, although I find myself pained at the thought of missing so many important events.

More sadly, I read the nécrologie of a gentleman who I had known in France and whose sons, I am glad to know, are now present in England. I was hoping you could deliver me this letter to Aimé Laurent. His elder brother was not a great friend of mine, and I would therefore ask you to ensure the letter is handed to the youngest son, to save him distress and to save the family from more grief.

Since I received your last correspondence little has changed in the conflict between ourselves at the Tippu Sultan. I understand, however, that supplies run low with several EIC units in the North, who have so far been unable to join our forces outside of Mysore due to these shortages. This is a matter that is causing no small difficulties for the EIC and British Army alike who suffer frequent raids not only from Tippu soldiery and mercenaries but also from independent enemies.

Dieu Sauvent Le Roi
Captain Dupont

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