This is something I thought of and am kinda interested in doing with someone else playing the part of the other cousin.

Dear Cousin

I am writing you as per mothers request. I scarcely know where to start. It was been 2 weeks anon since last we roused at the tavern on pine street in our usual londons best. Maybehap something happened in the tavern, though I can scarcely remember what we did if anything.

The next morning I woke late as per usual and felt something dreadful, a hangover mayhap, and did not reawaken till my head was of normal size in the late evening. I do admit when I took stock of the predicament I found myself in I forshamely screamed. This of course brought mother to my room in haste and it took quite awhile for her to believe that I was indeed her son. I do not know what papa will think when he returns from the colonies but Im afraid our plans to set out into the new colonies have become quite impossible.

I can scarcely write this but for some reason that evening I awoke to find myself female. It has been quite a shock believe me. When we were young lads at oxford prep school for boys the last thing i would have ever thought i would do at this age of 14 would be to learn all those girlie things we were not privileged too.

Yes for the last 2 weeks Mother has gotten it into her head that as a young lady of noble blood I am now required to not only appear in female clothing, which i might add is not as much pleasure to wear as it was to take off the woman, but to behave as one as well. I of course rebelled for some time. The monday of that weekend I was all but hidden in my now grossly oversized clothes, to attend with mother the Academy of Wizards to see if this could be reversed.

Im afraid that after much testing the head wizard concluded that all trace of maleness that was formerly in me was gone. I doubt that i could find enough male siblings to donate part of their male essence to restore me to a semblance of malehood. It would be just that, I would look like a male but could never function as one. This of course was devastating news to one such as I. After much crying on my part, which I blame on me being female as you know I had never cried before since i was but a wee lad of 6. I did try to seek solace in im afraid the usual manner in drink. I found that it now takes far less to get me drunk.

I am ashamed to admit that i also did apparently partake of trying to end my life with one of my pearl handled dueling pistols. Mother has since removed these from my room. Do not worry the only damage done was to the window of my room since i missed.

After much discussion, well forsoth arguing really, mother decided on a course to present me to society as a young available lady. I have spent much of the last 2 weeks learning how to act, speak and many other manner of things. As i sit here in this infernal gown showing more cleavage than i wish though the lace that also encircles my neck far more than my former good suits and tie, I can assure you i am not permitted to slouch because of this corset i am trapped in, these things do just not allow for one to breath let alone eat. I sorely miss the days we would spend ages eating roast pig, duck, or beef till our tummys did burst. I can only eat a portion of that if im lucky, worse yet i must do so with small measured bites.

Im afraid you may not wish to speak with me or see me, and i do understand this. Do know that this was most definitely not of my choosing.

I must go now dear cousin as the maid my mother did hire for me is beckoning me as we have to go to the dress fitters once again.

It is my hope that whatever did affect myself has also not affected you. But if by chance it has i will do what i can to help you.

Your loving cousin

Lady Coleen Stewart (not my choice mother insisted)
Formerly Lord Carl Steward III

The Lady Coleen Stewart formerly known as Lord Carl Steward III.

After much thought and consideration I must respectfully request you not make any further attempts to correspond with or contact your cousin, my son, the former Lord Francis Lane-Steward III.

The aftermath of THAT incident in London of several weeks past brought shame and misfortune upon my family. My son has been greatly inconvenienced by the *incident* as has the family. We have been forced to name our youngest child Robert as the rightful heir to the title as Francis is no longer fit to...

Propriety prevents me from saying what I would wish to. Be assured I hold you and reckless inclinations entirely at fault for the calamity that has taken my eldest son from me. As a young Lord of 14 full years I would have expected better of you. I blame my son's kind and trusting nature for your ruination of his future.

My beloved wife, Lady Penelope who has raised him as her own since her sister's tragic death while he was yet a babe is heartbroken. She took to her bed in grief and the doctors feared for her health. Only the heroic efforts of her physicians and her own desire to guide her new daughter through these trying times has brought a remission of symptoms. Even now they are concerned of possible relapse of the melancholia. I can scarce contain my anger over this insult to my family.

But as to my son. As you were close I will tell you SHE has taken this unwanted misfortune with the quiet dignity and courage he exhibited as my son. Our consulting Wizards tell us the same as did yours. That she is female to her very being and can never be a man again. Perhaps she may salvage something from this disaster. Her mind remains sharp and she has been blessed with her mother's beauty but it is not the life He should have had by rights. For this I will never forgive you.

You are no longer welcome at our home or on our estate. It is only my sense of honor and the insistence of my daughter, Lady Francis-Elizabeth, that no harm come to you that I have not taken harsher measures. Do not take this as a sign of weakness in my resolve. You are dead to me.

Your late uncle

Lord Francis Lane-Steward II

Dearest Cousin,

Please excuse the informality of this note as I was forced to write it in haste and under the greatest secrecy. If you are reading this then my ladies maid Bessie has proven as clever and resourceful as I had hoped and prayed. A word of caution, never play cards with her. She is a demon at it. Do not let her innocent face fool you.

Do not let my father's bluster distress you. He is of the old school but is not immune to a woman's ways. My mother, Lady Lane-Steward, assures me that with time and patience father's will shall be broken. I look forward to the day we may meet again as friends.

My mother, for I can only think of her as my mother not my step-mother, has proven my loyal ally and may I venture, best girl friend in this matter. You know of her difficulties bearing my youngest brother. She survived due in large part to her stubborn will to live but at the loss of her ability to ever bear children again. As the mother to me and to my three younger brothers she gave birth to she is quietly overjoyed at finally having a daughter.

She tells father she is 'keeping up appearances for my sake' 'in consideration of my fragile state of mind ' or some such rubbish, pardon my use of a vulgarity. In secret she is more my loving older sister than my mother.

She amazes me with her cleverness. The melancholy that forced her to bed was but a ruse to get private time with her new daughter. The way she charmed the physicians into keeping, nay assisting in her ruse was something of legend. The things she has taught me in these few weeks fair have my head spinning. You would do well to learn all you can from the females in your family, my cousin. I hope you have found a confidant as supportive as I have in my mother.

With the good has come some bad. I know well the *miseries* of womanhood. The corset maker is the Devil's disciple, of that I am certain. Who else would claim a device worthy of the torture chambers of the Inquisition is a necessity for a 'proper lady'? The dress fitters and their pins have all but drained me of my life's blood. The abominable liberties they take in measuring me for my unmentionables. I shudder at the thought.

Speaking of blood, I have had THAT proof of womanhood. I am only just recovering from THE CURSE as mother calls it. How any woman can stand it is beyond me. I near took to using tincture of laudanum for the pain. My mother counseled me against that and prescribed rest, warm towels and a long soak in a hot bath to ease the worst of the gripes. They worked wonders. I recommend them highly.

I know not when I can next write you as I fear for my maids safety should father learn of her surreptitious visits to your home. I would meet you at some mutual friend's home but where could we trust word not to get back to my father? How yours can be so tolerant yet mine... Feel free to use my maid to reply or as an intermediary for any future communications but do so sparingly for the sake of us all.

Rest assured I hold no animosity towards you.

Your loving cousin,

Lady Francis-Elizabeth Lane-Stewart

P.S. I got to keep Francis! Sorry, Colleen.

P.P.S. Colleen is a fine name. I was nearly christened Gertrude, for a distant but wealthy great aunt of father's. Mother prevailed.

These two letters are courtesy of John they are wonderful

Mr. Francis Lane-Steward II

I cannot in good conscience give you the former title of Lord after your previous letter to my daughter. Rest assured my husband is being notified of your blatant attack on our family and I believe will have words with you on the matter upon his return from the colonies.

I can scarcely believe you would blame this unfortunate accident on my son, who from the manservant, I'm assured was not the one to blame. It is my understanding, that if anything, it is young Francis who is to blame with his rather widely known shameful display upon the women.

Furthermore I also believe that some compensation is due to my new daughter from your family. As such the seamstresses have been notified to send all charges for her new wardrobe to your estate until further notice.

I expect that should this continue my good friend Queen Caroline, who has been notified of this blatant attack as well, would be more than happy to settle this.

I expect an apology from you in both writing and formally in the court to my daughter.

Lady Margrette Ansbach-Stewart

Dearest Cousin,

I sorry to hear that you were also afflicted by this. I offer my condolences. From your letter you are adjusting this much better than I. I am also delighted that your mother is pleased with you as her daughter.

I have not had that proof of womanhood yet aside from a few minor upset stomachs for a few days, for which I am grateful, as in truth im am quite afraid of such an occurrence. I expect it will come and shatter any semblance I have of my former manhood. Mother assures me that the range of emotions I am feeling are a part of that and that I will get used to such things occurring on a monthly basis. It is not something I look forward too as I have had some rather unfortunate screaming fits with mother over this.

I am still not in any way used to this finery and find myself tripping over the hem of these dresses quite alot. Mother is constantly reminding me to take shorter steps, a lady is dainty and demure.
Before the note from your father, which I will tell more of its reception in a moment, I was under the impression that the Queen was to send her governess to teach us deportment. Since this is now apparently not to happen, for which I thanked the Lord, other arrangements are to be made.

I fear your fathers letter did not arrive at a good time as we were having tea in the parlour with Queen Caroline and her niece Dame Elizabeth of Mercalis, who is not someone either of us would have courted in the past she has a dreadful wart beside her nose. When my mother Lady Margrette, who is usually the epitome of graceful, read your fathers letter the vulgar words that issued forth caused quite a stir I can assure you.

I fear thing got rather out of hand for awhile and I had little choice but to take Dame Elizabeth out to the rear garden terrace to continue our tea. The poor dear was quite in shock and it took myself quite a while to get color back into her.

I do not understand how your father could prevent us from meeting as the season is to be upon us, I would rather avoid this as we did in pass times, in a few months. Mother has been working to get me ready as a debutante of course. I fear she has also been trying to find myself a husband as well. I really don't need one, want one, or would consort with one. But I fear she will not be deterred.

My once single wardrobe has been replace with a much larger wardrobe to accommodate all the dresses I now have. It would seem that I am to change more often than I need to use the garderobe, although I am not pleased at the amount I have to use it especially in this finery which I can assure is not made to accommodate such. My hair has been trimmed and styled with the many curls that young ladies wear. I do in truth miss the quick brush I used to do, my long auburn hair is quite annoying as it really does not seem to want to stay put. I shed hair pins often as well it seems as I cannot seem to find them when the maid and I ready for bed.

Much of my bedroom furniture has been changed as well. I now have a vanity, where I am told my makeup will be set when I am ready for it. I have many perfumes already which are on aforementioned vanity. I truthfully did not know that there was so many and how wonderful they smell so I may have overindulged at the apothecary.

Oh I should mention that our friend young Lord Mathis did come a courting the other day. He is quite handsome and charming. I do not know why I didn't notice this beforehand. His studies as an apprentice in the academy are proceeding quite well. I was very moved when he conjured fresh lilies for me in the parlor. My Maid however prevented me from doing much although I wanted to see more such displays of magic.

There is so much I wish to discuss with you but I am aware that this letter should be kept short.

As far as we have been able to tell, when my maid will let me chat with my former manservant Charles, we two seem to be the only ones thus affected so far. There was a few men on the dockside that did die of mysterious ailments but at this time we do not believe they are connected. Since my times are limited to discuss with Charles about what happened, also we are chaperoned which limits some of what may be said. That is the most we have found out so far. Mayhap I can learn more from the ladies at tea when I am ready for the season.

All my best wishes to you.

Lady Colleen Stewart

P.S. I am sorry that my previous spelling was in error as you can see though my penmanship is improving and much more feminine. I will send this letter through the dressmaker as I do not wish to cause strife with your maid.

Dearest Cousin Colleen.

I take no pleasure in your predicament. As a man, and I say this with all honest as you were one, I had every confidence you would become a credit to your family title and an asset to the crown when duty called. I regret the loss of your name but as I have had time to reflect I believe Colleen will suit you well. My maid and the dressmaker both spoke enthusiastically of your beauty and grace. Do not look upon your transformation as a burden but as an opportunity.

I've long prided myself on being a practical lad, now lass and see no reason that trait should diminished. If anything this is an opportunity for us to demonstrate the temper of our steel. It may be via a different path than we were trained but one no less fraught with danger and glory.
Being of the weaker sex, with law and custom against us we must be more cunning and brave than any man if we are to make our fortunes. Yet we have opportunities before us that as men we never imagined. Being healthy, desirable young woman of breeding afford us the opportunity to recover much of our lost fortunes. Youth and beauty are powerful weapons if used with skill, every bit as deadly as the sharpest blade. You know by experience the effect a comely figure, a winning smile, a quiet gesture from a woman can bewitch the hardest man. Use that knowledge to advantage. As men we were expected to win honor in battle or by hard work and applied genius make our fortune.

As women the battlefields and industry are different but no less perilous or rewarding . Fortune favors the bold is as true for women as men. Like any general we must first know ourselves, our weakness and strengths. We must study the enemy, know his weakness, make a plan of battle, train diligently then choose the moment of our greatest advantage and strike boldly. Our weapons are not cannon and saber but charm, wit and the flush of youth.

Or as my mother said, a man's glory is to win fame in battle, wealth in commerce and to die surrounded by his children. A woman's glory is to marry well; a young man of fortune or better still a old man with a great fortune then live as his young, wealthy widow.

Mother has a most scandalous wit I am only now learning to appreciate. I am certain there are women who are but fluff and frills. My mother and I dare say yours are proof that many women are every bit the equal, nay the superior of their men folk. That she can love my father despite or is it because of his flaws amazes me. But then she said she chose him as much for the superior children he might sire than his mind. Mother then compared father to our prize stallion and most explicitly so. I dare fainted at the time!

Do not be shocked by her seeming lasciviousness. She has been deliberately uncouth with me, talking like some of the women of loose morals we did business with back at school. I soon realized this was so I might learn in weeks that which any born woman learns from birth. Despite our years we are but babes as to the mysteries of womanhood and vulnerable because of that. My mother wants me to be a proper lady but a proper lady of my own choosing. I loved her as a son should . As her daughter I worship her.

I am confident your mother, the resourceful woman that she must be, has taught you similar lesions. You cannot go wrong following her wise example. Except perhaps as to the latest fashion for young women. For that I would seek the advice of your cousin Lady Mary Beth whom I desired as my wife. Be not shocked, Colleen, you know my intentions were always honorable and that your cousin and I were long fond towards each other. I intended to ask for her father's permission to court her upon our next visit come the Christmas season but alas that is no longer possible. But you must admit she has always had the best taste in fashion, even as a child, and would be a fine example to emulate.

A word of caution, dear cousin. I managed by use of my newfound charms to extract some disturbing knowledge from one of the younger wizards we consulted. I assure you I did nothing improper though I did flirt with the man most wickedly. He informed me it is quite probable the magic that transformed us was in revenge for some perceived wrong or simply to eliminate a rival. This is not mere conjecture but the result of the many examinations I was subject to.

There is a component in our *curse* that makes us more susceptible to a man's charms than most women. Many times so I am informed. Until I extracted this intelligence from the wizard I confess feeling a most inappropriate desire for him. I must be blunt, it was all I could do not to throw myself at him and beg to be ... I cannot lie to you, my cousin I would have taken HIS virginity if he'd not been a man of honor.

Do not think me a weak and lascivious woman. The wizard assured me that was a deliberate aspect of my, our transformations. You no doubt know our transformation stripped us of all that was masculine. But what if that masculinity was not simply stripped from us but transferred unto someone else? Have you noticed anyone of our acquaintance who is suddenly more handsome, commanding, manly in bearing? To use a vulgarity, a man endowed like a horse? Forgive me but Charles, the young wizard, words were most alarming. Have I told you how handsome Charles is? I apologize, I had was overwhelmed by that foul spell for a moment. Mind you Charles is a fine young man. One any woman would be fortunate to wed. Regrettably he has no title, unlike your Lord Mathis.

Perhaps I am giving into some feminine weakness caused by the shock of my transformation but I recall Lord Mathis as a slight, awkward if not actually unpleasant boy, hardly a handsome and charming young man. I do not remember him as a friend, at most an unwelcome acquaintance.

That he is an apprentice wizard and is interested in your hand is suspicious. How does he even know of your existence as Colleen unless one of the wizards who examined you was indiscreet? Could Lord Mathis have enchanted us most foully, draining our manhood's to fuel some scheme of his? Is his manliness and charm at the expense of ours? Is he a common rake looking to deflower a confused and naive woman? Or is he true in his desire for you?

I fear for you, my cousin. Seek a wizard your family trusts, one not associated with young Lord Mathis, and be examined for signs of ungentlemanly manipulation. At least do as I have done and make it known your parents will not permit you to be courted until you have attained your 15th, nay even your 16th year. I have it on good authority nowadays a woman is not considered as an old maid until she is 17 or even 18 years of age. Mother knows of a few women who were debutants as late as their 19th year and still found excellent matches. As newly coined women we would be afforded some measure of forgiveness in this matter. Our politely refusing to accept any suitors for some months would not be unseemly.

Excuse me verbosity but since recovering my wits post our transformations I find I express myself more in words than in action, at least compared to when were we men. Mother assures me this is a fortuitous sign as women by nature and convention are social creatures. That I am comfortable in my now conversant nature will serve me well. Though I have some mannish traits mother says I am fully female to any who are not party to our secret.

I must finish this letter with dispatch. Father is home and remains in a bilious mood regarding our misfortune. I pray mother and I can contain his anger but you know how forceful he can be.

If some way can be found for us to meet surreptitiously please inform me. I miss your company and to be honest wish to see this great beauty my maid and your servant described. I fear I will pale in comparison. This evil enchantment as made an abomination, a parody of a woman. It is only my devotion to family and mother that keeps me sane. My breasts are much much too large, my, um, rear too wide, my hair too long and blonde to fashionable and I am far too tall. I look like some French woman of loose morals to be blunt. I fear I will be forced to marry some unsuitable man for the family's sake.

Your friend as always.

Francis.

* * * *

(By John in Wauwatosa)

Lady Margrette Ansbach-Stewart,

Your reply to my letter would be laughable if not for its insolence.

Apologize? I should apologize for what your licentious child did to my son? I... I cannot continue as I fear I will say something untoward in my indignation. That you would sully our honorable Queen by attempting to tie her to this this sordid affair speaks to a shocking lack of decency and decorum.

I would challenge you to a duel for your insults to the crown and my family but as a woman you are unfit to claim that test of honor.

I will say no more.

Address any further correspondence to my solicitor. You know his name. If you do not desist in this folly we will meet in court.

Lord Francis Lane-Stewart.

Dearest Cousin Francis

The dressmaker and your maid are blind! My mother can assure you I am not graceful. Nor am I beautiful, although I do appreciate the compliment. Mother is forever on about a lady carries herself like so, eat smaller bites, put your hands in your lap. It is never ending. All the things I am to learn to be a proper lady and do, in truth, long quite painfully for our old days. I am jealous of your womanly curves, although I am not quite sure why.

My poor fingers are sore as mother is also teaching me needlepoint. It is not the most fun I have ever had as I am constantly forever jabbing my finger through the cloth. Mother tells me that when I am good enough to do needlepoint I will be able to join the other ladies at court. This is somewhat along the lines of the House of Lords I believe.

Speaking of the House, as you know my father had seconded me to his chair while he was in the colonies as his voice. The last such meeting did not bode well for me as I did attend. It is quite funny since most of the Lords present were shocked to see a young lady sit in fathers seat. I had assumed I could continue to express my fathers voice. This was not to be as I was assuredly run out post haste. It would seem my former colleagues are now barred from me through no fault of my own. This has made me sad and as I cannot seem to stop these tears from coming, I am afraid I spent many a day locked in my room doing just that.

I do not share your overwhelming desire to entertain the men. This may be the result of what the wizards did try earlier. Or it may be something else. I truly do not know. I can converse with men with little problem as I am kept informed by Charles, my former manservant, of many of the dealings that are now barred to me as the gentler sex.

I have been able to take tea at a few houses, and not embarrass myself, I do try to fit into this new world I have been dumped into. I am not quite up to the dreadfully boring tales of who is courting who. Nor am I at all interested in some of this other gossip. Though in truth it does remind me greatly of dueling but without the swords. The implied attacks against one lady or lord over another is distressing. Mother again assures me I will understand it more in time.

I should note your flirting with the young wizard Charles did not go without notice. As he is of dubious bloodlines, and you are a lady of quality, it was seen as most disgraceful. I managed to, I hope, convey that this was not your usual manor and may have been the result of some spell. I do hope you can find some way to overcome this difficulty as I am not yet that conversant with *tea courting* as my mother puts it. I doubt my ability to salvage your name in the circles of the gentle ladies of quality.

Cousin Mary Beth and Myself are not on speaking terms at this time. I am afraid she was one of the people trying to help mother during that first week and I may have said something to offend her. My face is quite red right now I assure you. I should mention that many of the first dresses I wore were the result of her choosing. So my wardrobe, which is distressingly overfull, is much along the fashion she portrays.

I should mention I was, at first, quite offended by your comment against Young Lord Mathis. Yes he is undersized for a boy of his age but I am confident with time he will fill out nicely. I do appreciate his visits as his wit and good manners do set me at ease. I do believe he is smitten with me and would probably ask father , if he were here, for permission to court me. I should find that distressful but strangely do not. I do hope that he is not behind our transformations as I would be most upset.

He is not the only caller I have had. For some reason alot of men have distressingly been showing up quite regularly. I do not understand why this is so. Mother does claim that our budget for tea has tripled as of late. I do not encourage any of these young men in the slightest. I am becoming quite scared to leave the house as well. It seems that every time I am out of the house no less than three men are escorting me the minor walk to the carriage. I am also becoming quite nervous of my debut to society. If this is what is to happen when I am a debutant then after it should be much worse. Mother was less than thrilled when I mentioned I would prefer life in a convent.

I have just received word that my father is returning from the colonies and should be here for the Christmas season.

Love Colleen.

P.S. I would also suggest hiding any sticks or rods Mother will NOT let me chew my fingernails.

Dear Colleen,

First I must express my deep shame at being unable to prevent father from sending off that unseemly note to your mother. I should have been able to intercept that foul missive. Mother had warned the household staff to intercept all correspondence until father's anger had subsided but not all of the family servants are loyal to mother and I. Father is an imposing figure of a man and wields strong influence over many in our house. As Lord he was within his rights. But no man is without faults and we failed him in this time of difficulties.

Thank the maker that father seems resigned to speaking through his solicitor. Lord Henry is a prudent man, a long time friend of my father and more than a little enamored with my mother I'd dare say. Nothing untoward just a long enduring admiration from a distance. He will protect our best interests. This foolish battle between our families serves no purpose. The sooner father sees reason the better. As any proper child I respect and admire my father but in this matter he is wrong. I mean no disrespect but I speak truth.

He was raised to a far higher standard than that and knows not to insult anyone and in particular womenfolk. Please pass my good wishes on to your mother. Tell her I have nothing but respect and generous feelings towards the both of you. My father let the drink and the shock of our predicament overwhelm his higher nature. That is no excuse merely an observation.

My very dear Colleen, I regret deeply my accusatory tone regarding Lord Mathis. My own struggles with my altered emotions have me seeing conspiracies where none exist. I trust your judgment on this matter and if I have offended in any way I beg forgiveness. I trust your judgment in who you choose as friends or as potential suitors should this be your wish. I would expect no less of you.

Do not fear, Colleen, any foolish romantic entanglement between the wizard Charles and I. He is a man of the highest character though not born of the peerage. He never sees me without one or more trusted chaperones at hand. I admit this new body and spirit of mine react most agreeably in his presence but is it any different than you or I might have reacted in the presence of a comely young miss these last few years.

I learned a valuable lesson, this body and alcoholic libations of any kind are a dangerous mix. All else equal a women cannot tolerate alcohol as steadfastly as men. That I am now a full 3 stone lighter than before the transformation does not bode in my favor. Given my new proclivity towards, dare I say, excessive attraction to men, impairing my faculties would be insanity.

I must praise the forethought of my mother in testing this *hypothesis* in a controlled manner, though I did not know it at the time. She was teaching me to discern between various sherries and other feminine wines much as a man might be expected to know the difference between an Irish or a Scotch whiskey. In an embarrassingly few glasses my wits failed me and I was at the mercy of my animal nature.

I do not recall all that happened but if not for my mother and several maids steadfast resolve I would have put any harlot to shame. I am much ashamed at my weak will and pledge never to drink again or to be without a chaperone while in the company of men. The danger is too great.

You said your wizards had a remedy for this condition? If so please get word to me as to who there are and what must be done to obtain their services. I fear for my reputation and that of my family should this curse overwhelm me. I fight it with all my will, these strange desires but the enchantments are so strong. I am relieved you are spared this compulsion. I would kill myself if it was not for the pain it would cause my family or the joy it would bring our nemesis. Whoever did this is a reprehensible soul and must be brought to justice.

I pray we can meet some time soon. I need you more than you can know. I may have seemed accepting of my new status but I assure you I am a ship minutes from the rocks. Only with the kindness of my mother and maid can I function. Alone I would flounder most perilously, I am certain. The results of the experiment with drink terrifies me. Forgive me, Colleen, I have moments of despair. Likely some part of this hellish ensorcellement.

Do not let my Mercurial moods distress you , dearest cousin, we can fight this. I don't mean that we can become men again, that is impossible. But we can become proper women, respectable, admirable, intelligent, competent woman. Women like our mothers, if we are resolute in our efforts. That is surely a worthy goal. Until that day I must rely on your letters. They are a godsend.

Your devoted cousin,

Francis.

* * * *

( John in Wauwatosa)

Dearest Brother

Have you lost your mind? Yea Gods, you and your infernal temper have made another fine mess. Will you never learn. If our beloved mother hears of this I dare say your ears will never recover.

You may be my half brother but this this.. You will come to my house and we will discuss your many short comings in this regard at your earliest convenience.

It is not enough that I have to deal with the colonies as envoy to the king, No you have to create a mess at home as well.

I arrive home after a most annoying many days travel across the ocean, which if you remember I do not survive well. To find my beloved wife all but plotting your murder. It took me many an hour to calm her down, forsooth she will have trouble sitting for a few days.

I am undecided as to our new daughters. These most unwelcome matters were, I can assure you, of great shock. I have little doubt that both of the brats are in someway responsible, if you remember we did ah partake of much worse in our days.

I am greatly troubled by the amount of suitors trying for my sons, pardon daughters, hand. I have had no less than twelve young men so far as me for permission to court him.

It would be wise, I think for you to also bring my nephew to our house to see what we can gleam. Mayhap we can in some way gleam what may have happened.

I am afraid by the time you receive this letter I will have no doubt emptied most of my stock of spirits. If you could bring a case of that fine vintage we had at last years christmas I would be most happy.

Your brother

Lord Everett Carl Stewart Envoy of his majesty King George.

Dearest Francis

I am so scared. Father came home yesterday. He was not in a jovial mood. He came home to find our parlour full of the young men having tea with me yet again. Mother took him aside to his study. My maid thought it best to send the young men off and I believe a few of them were more than happy to do so. When they did take their leave of us finnaly the maids and myself did try to listen but alas as you doth no doubt remember my fathers study does no conduct sound very well with the thick door and all those books.

We did hear some loud muffled noises of my mother and father but we could not understand anything. And when mother came out she did thus shoo us away while she retrieved some letters for my father. Of course we all went back to try to listen again. I do note my mother did make some distressing sounds.

It was much later that mother did emerge but her maid took her away before I satisfy my curiosity. Tis so frustrating. Father did call me for me soon after by the name of Carl. It has been so long since I responded to that name it took me by surprise.

I tried to explain what I knew to father as much as I could. He did not look pleased. In truth I did fear for the safety of my bottom although it has been many years since I did last feel my fathers hand on my bottom in punishment. It was a most unconfortable questioning as he did take part of spirits through the entire time. As you know my father is quite famous for not indulging in spirits nursing a single glass of brandy for a whole evening. In truth I did suspect this was due to his rather talkitive nature. But alas I do digress.

My maid did make an effort to correct my father in his address to me but he was most rude to her and she did then try to blend into the bookcases after. I am afraid it will take father some time to come to call my by Colleen. But he has not disowned me thus far so I hold hope in my bossom that he may come around. I believe I shall make an effort to convince my maid that I should dress very conservative and somewhat manly, though I do not know if such is possible from my wardrobe.

I was sent to my room soon after and I doth confess I was in tears when I did. I did thus search my wardrobe for suitable clothes but alas I have nothing to wear. It took my maid some time to get me to calm down I assure you. I was most distraut and did spend much of my time in my shift crying on my bed.

This morning Lord Mathis did come to call, which did in truth excite me and I took pains to appear proper. Father would have none of this courting as no soon had we sat with tea and biscuits that father came into the parlour with that old broadsword from above the mantel in hand. I was so embarresed as he did chase Mathis out. Indeed he threw that sword into the front door with such force I that it did poke through the other side. As I no longer have the strenght to remove it nor did our maids we have left it for the cabinet maker to repair along with the door to my fathers study which he did close with enough force to shatter the latch.

When mother did appear this morning her face was quite ashen and she was quiet and unusually demure silently following behind my father much as a maid would. Indeed she did take any of the trays of dinner for my father from the maids. It was puzzling and our house seems eirily quiet today. I do know that my father did send a letter to the postman but I know nothing of its contents nor to who it is.

I have not had the time to pass on your reguards to my mother not to inform her of Lord Henry. I think it would be best if I did remain silent on such for now. I can assure you Lord Mathis is nothing more than a friend as I do not wish suitors nor do I wish to court any men. I cannot yet come to think of men as the opposite sex yet. If feels too strange. I must confess I am confused greatly on this matter. I do know that I will have to come to terms that I am now a young lady who will bear children but it doth seem a dream and not real.

I do understand your problems with spirits though my maid nor my manservant did comment that I behaved in such a manner when I was quite sotted when I did first return from the acadamy of wizards.

Speaking of Wizards. I do not know if they truly did do anything but feel free to use the attached letter of introduction to the wizards that did examine me.

Onto the important matter. You seem to be sweet on this wizard Charles. I have only impartial news of him. How does he act. Do you find him attractive or comely? I am afraid I do not really have this feminine part down yet. In old days I would ask if you wished to bed her pardon him. My maid assures me ladies do not ask such questions. Yes she doth watch over my shoulder as I write this.

I do in truth wish we could meet as well but I understand your father is still quite against our meeting. Though I do confess I am puzzled as to how we could possibly do any worse than we have already.

My manservant has been missing for some time now and I do grow worried. Though we did have some crazy young woman come exclaiming to see me a few days ago. I did not get a chance to speak with her before our butler did send her away. So I have no news on any progress to what happened to us. I am sorry I know you hoped, as I do , for some positive news on this reguard.

Your loving cousin

Colleen

P.S. After I finished this letter I did bring father a sandwich in his study. He seemed to be absorbed in trying to write a letter our grandmother. He was unusually jumpy when I entered and seemed in truth quite feared. Strange all I remember of our grandmother was those greatly embrodiered mittens that did not keep out the cold much that we used that one time we did visit her and made that fort in her garden. She always did seem kindly to me. I do know our grandmother Princess Esmerelda, Duchess of Birmingham is currently visiting our queens family in Prussia. Do you have any idea why my father would be so afeared?

Lord Everett Carl Stewart Envoy of his majesty King George.

Dear Evert,

I see know why his majesty placed this great responsibility in your hands, If anyone was born to be a diplomat it was you.

I have acted a fool. That it was in defense of my handsome son, now by stunning daughter is but part of the explanation, not an excuse. That I drank more than was prudent is also to my shame.

This metaphysical calamity impacts both our houses it is obvious. I am fortunate in having another son who may still be groomed to succeed me. Regrettably that is not true for yourself unless you can use your remarkable powers of speech to convince his majesty and Parliament to allow a female to hold the title until such time as a male heir is of age. But how likely is that? As likely as the Prince of Wales acting as a guardian to his father the king! Yet I wonder.

When I think lucidly and without prejudice I am forced to ponder beliefs I held absolute truths. One is that women are by nature unfit to rule. We were both raised this way. This is *the way of the world* as I explained to Francis as to why she cannot inherit my title. My dear wife put me to shame by mentioning Queen Elizabeth and Catherine the Great of Russia and asked if THEY were unfit to rule. I admit to walking off in a foul mood in a most ungentlemanly manner. I did them both an injustice that day.

The fruit of our loins may no longer men but their minds are as sharp, possibly more so, certainly my Francis is. My wife says Francis is learning her feminine lesions at a dizzying speed while continuing her former scholarly studies apace. She no less as intelligent as before the calamity, that is a certainty. Her ladyship is convinced his, her mind shines brighter than before.

I would take solace in this news nay celebrate my son now daughter's intellectual gift if it were not bound in a most disturbingly attractive body. I... I find it hard to be in the same room with her as she is the very image of my bride that day we first met. That is not quite true, she is what my heart and soul pictured my wife to be, my wife perfected. She is my heart's desire made flesh. She is damnation.

You cannot imagine the torture to see one's progeny twisted this way. That I find myself attracted to my own daughter sickens me. I have never strayed from my wife, NEVER. I admit we were rakes in our youth. Many a woman shared my bed and I pray they all enjoyed it. But I have been steadfast to my bride and I have had opportunities to stray as you well know.

I fear this may shock you, brother, but then we have always been honest with the other. When I see my new daughter I want, I feel compelled to do things, unnatural things, things that disgust me and would destroy my family. I takes all my will and the love of my wife to sustain me against these bedevilments.

These transformations must be the product of formidable magic. I cannot see them as anything but deliberate attacks upon our families honor and welfare, my brother. Someone or perhaps some demonic presence abhors yours and mine and has sold their soul for the means of revenge. My wife confirms that Francis too feels unnatural compulsions, to proffer herself to men like a wanton. She has so far resisted but with great difficulty. A credit to her fortitude. I pray your daughter has been spared these compulsions. They distress my daughter terribly.

If I had but listened to the wizards who examined my daughter. We warned this might happen and they urged the entire household be examined to if other mischief had been worked upon us. I have endeavored to do take this advice belatedly but wizards are scarce of late.

If we can safely and surreptitiously I agree to this meeting with you and both of our daughters. I would advise both our wives be in attendance so that they might inspire us to our best behavior. Perhaps one or more of your wizards or ours might also be close at hand to protect us from further magical attacks and to better determine the nature of the curses, the enchantments placed upon us. By combining our knowledge perhaps our malefactor may be exposed and a plan of action agreed to.

Reply via your most trusted servant and take every care to seal the document against detection. You remember the Chinese puzzle box in your house we played with as boys? Use it to conceal the time and place of our family's meeting and any other vital information. Send it along with an accompanying letter with less dangerous information with it as a concealment. As a diplomat you must be well versed in this. If needs be use that code we used as boys in our *secret dispatches*.

I have instructed my lawyer to cease his efforts to bring suit against you and yours. I find he had already done so, anticipating my return to sanity. He is bringing suit against the school in hopes of compelling them to assist us in exposing the truth of our daughters betrayal.

Together we will survive and prosper. Please forgive me for my folly. I knew your daughter was and remains honorable yet I persisted in my vitrol. To insult her and your fair wife is beneath me and I will make amends.

You brother and servant,

Lord Francis Lane-Steward II
* * * *

Dearest Colleen,

I feel I must be brief as the need to reply is urgent. I thank you for the letter of introduction to your wizards. I shall consult with them at the earliest. This may not be as soon as I wish as they are busy at present assisting in the search for those responsible for the gruesome and inexplicable murders and disappearances near the city port.

It disturbs me greatly this waxing and waning of your fathers moods. That your mother is similarly depressee nay fearful is most worrisome.
At least my father has come to his senses.

I must dash. My maid whishes me to see some strange girl who will tell me an incredulous tale but my maid insists it is true and that I listen. She has proven a good servant and friend in the past and my crisis so I am inclined to believe her.

Your loving cousin forever

Francis

* * * *

(John in Wauwatosa)

Dear Ladies maid Francine and Dear ladies maid Evelynn.

It would seem you young maidens forget the punishment after you were both caught by me when you taunted those poor girls to tears for wearing the training corsets.

I have been given to understand that my grandsons are now my granddaughters and have not been told of such by my own offspring.

I unable to learn more of what is happening from here in Prussia. Since I am also trying to take care of a misunderstanding of magical nature here I do not need anymore from either of you.

I will tell you that this doth bring a vague memory of something from my youth and upon my return in a fortnight, if all goes well , I will consult my ledgers, grimours and whatnot in my keep at the Acadamy.

I am MOST displeased to have learned this via a colleague at the Acadamy. We WILL have words upon my return.

Your loving mother

Princess Esmerelda, Duchess of Birmingham 4th court Magess to the crown.

Dearest brother Franc

I fear you have the same scroll appear upon your desk as I. I have a feared to open it as it can only have come from one person.

You know I hate that name please refrain from using it. Everett is preferred. The other doth bring shivers of our summer season of punishment when we were eight.

I do not remember how to open that infernal box. You never had the same problem I had with it.

I am distressed as to your letter that you have a hard time around your son, pardon , daughter. I doth seem immune thus far to such enchantments from my own son. My wife, I believe, has learned the lesson, again, of her firy temper. In truth it does remind me much of your own.

I am at a loss at how to proceed however. I cannot come to terms with the loss of my son. This is still very new to me. What is more distressing is no news of my sons manservant Charles. I fear to send anyone out to find him.

I need more sherry alot more.

Lord Everett Stewart.

Dearest cousin Francis.

It has been some time since your maddenly short note with no further word. I have imagined all sorts of disasters. Mothers mood is improving but she is still somewhat quiet.

What is more disturbing is father. In all my 14 years I have never seen him drink so much. Father does refuses to look at me and only calls me Carl. I do not know what is happening at this time and spend much of my current time in tears.

The gown for my debutant is started. It will be a modest off the shoulder open gown. I have no jewellery for it and with mother and father acting as they have I doubt I will have any. The color of the silk is a most wonderous rose red.

My gentlemen callers seem to be undaunted by my fathers blade in the door. I do not understand why but he did send away the carpenter. Some have not returned. Lord Mathis is one and I find my heart heavy for some reason as to his missing.

In truth I do truly need you here for me. I am trying vainly to hold myself together. My maid is doing her best but it is not the same.

Lady Colleen Stewart.

Milady Francis

You Maid did beseech me to write this letter.

It tis I Charl...otte Milo...ady's mannaaaaid to Carleeen. I was a chatting with the haaaannndsoom men down on the docks about the rumors of strange bodies. I was on my way to a rumored cottage of beautiful women on the edge of the forbidden forest of mists. When I was wailaid from behind.

I woke to a strange shadowy figure as my eyesight was fussy, not fuzzy enough to fail to notice a flask on my lips and a liquid in my mouth which I did spit out into the face of my assailant.. It did screech at this and throw the flask on me which did break and with words that im sure would have meaning to a wizztch. Twood seem I bee a cursed most foul.

I am not myself anymore the liquid did affect me my upper body is now that of a woman while my lower is most definatly not fffff fffff male. I find myself unable to refer to myself or you in former terms.

I was quite distraught when I tried to gain entry to mmmilaaddys. And judging from the curse upon my clothing seen as a madwoman.

I beseech thee to listen to my tale and if possible give me a warm place to sleep and eat till I can manage to gain employment somehow. I am a feared greatly.

Everett,

though I admit to using drink as balm to my soul I implore you to abstain. At least moderate your indulgence. I understand the need. I miss my son grievously but we do not have that luxury. Clear heads are needed at this portentous moment. I will bring you some of that excellent vintage you requested but we must indulge sparingly.

I see from your letter I need not I remind you of how our mother chastened us for insulting the girls in their first corsets? It was long ago when we were in our eight summer but I remember it still, do not you, Everett? I have long looked up to you as my better yet I hear you have all but fallen into the bottle pulling in the cork behind you. Act as the gentleman and king's ambassador you are.

Do you desire once more the gentle caress of a corset or be a woman the rest of your existence? Mother is vexed with us for not informing her of our son's calamity. The scrolls appearing out of the ether is proof of her displeasure. You know how dearly she loves our sons now her granddaughters. As they cannot be restored to men can you envisage what will become of us? Do you wish to be your daughter's younger sister or her twin? Dare we provoke her wroth?

I fear what she might do in her displeasure with us, I heartily admit. Pray, brother, do you know of any man or woman more qualified to bring a triumphant resolution to this emergency? I urge we be scrupulously honest with mother as she can smell deceit as readily as the hounds uncover the fox and with equally dangerous results.

We must ignore the vanity of our pride, be as honest as saints if we are not to suffer the foxes fate.
I shall instruct my servants to keep a wary eye and a keen ear regarding your missing servant Charles. I know him well and he is not one to fail in his duty. His disappearance under ordinary times would be strange. Under current circumstance this is ominous.

A last word of advice, my brother. Do not abandon your child. She needs your stern determination and fatherly love if she is to prosper. I reflect on my treatment of young Francis and am ashamed. I have failed her.

If mother judges me lacking I will endeavor to be the best ladies maid and faithful friend to my daughter as I am capable. My pride will be stung but I will survive. I care not for my own fate but despair of the harm this would do to my wife. She is blameless in every respect.

Your loving brother, for now.

Francis

* * * *

Colleen,

I have the most distressing news. Tis not about myself. I am fine or a fine as a young man now a young woman with frequent bouts of mating fever, if I may be so blunt.

You know me, well knew me. I was a calm and rational man. I'm nit sure if I know myself anymore but my maid brought me a strange note from that young woman she wanted me to meet. She said it was important I read it first . I include it with this note.

I observed from the note the person writing this was educated but under great distress, perhaps some compulsion she struggled to control. Her missive follows immediately.

* * * *
Milady Francis

You Maid did beseech me to write this letter.

It tis I Charl...otte Milo...ady's mannaaaaid to Carleeen. I was a chatting with the haaaannndsoom men down on the docks about the rumors of strange bodies. I was on my way to a rumored cottage of beautiful women on the edge of the forbidden forest of mists. When I was wailaid from behind.

I woke to a strange shadowy figure as my eyesight was fussy, not fuzzy enough to fail to notice a flask on my lips and a liquid in my mouth which I did spit out into the face of my assailant.. It did screech at this and throw the flask on me which did break and with words that im sure would have meaning to a wizztch. Twood seem I bee a cursed most foul.

I am not myself anymore the liquid did affect me my upper body is now that of a woman while my lower is most definatly not fffff fffff male. I find myself unable to refer to myself or you in former terms.

I was quite distraught when I tried to gain entry to mmmilaaddys. And judging from the curse upon my clothing seen as a madwoman
I beseech thee to listen to my tale and if possible give me a warm place to sleep and eat till I can manage to gain employment somehow. I am a feared greatly.
* * * *

You know well the regard I have for my maid. I met with this strange young woman and ...

I will have to tell you in person as I do not trust our letters to be safe from interception. Understand this at least. Your servant Charles is alive if not wholly well. I am keeping him safe with us though none know he is here sans my loyal maid and one of the wizards you gave me the letter of introduction to. He is tending to Charles as I write.

As to the matter of my vexious bouts of animal desires I am informed there is no easy remedy. Too much time has passed and whatever the foul magic used on my is bound to my very being. Pray for me that there is hope. The magical traces are too old and faint to determine precisely the curse upon me. If he could but determine what was done then a counter spell might be efficacious. Not knowing the cause of my bouts any spells cast to ease my burden might have disastrous consequences for my mind and life. The slim hope I have is that I have lasted this long without succumbing to the compulsion. It is possible with time and with due diligence on my part these urges will recede and become manageable. Uncomfortable, inconvenient but manageable.

It is possible this compulsion might be altered by training much like a person trains a horse to pull a plow or a dog to retrieve game. There is a chance the sacraments of the holy church might bring me some succor but likely only in the form of marriage. I have confused you, my cousin. Put simply if I can but focus upon one good and honorable man at my times of weakness I could use the curse against itself. It may be possible to alter the curse to compel me to love my husband thus making the curse a blessing.

I find as the days pass the thought of living as a wife of giving myself to a man as a woman is not so repugnant. I find myself thinking of it pleasurably when not under the compulsion. Is the spell weakening or am I becoming accepting of my fate? I am told I am most pleasant to gaze upon, a rare beauty and I must admit I like feeling attractive. This is a fortuitous sign for would not our tormentor want us to remain tortured by our transformations? I will tell you this, cousin to cousin; I Lady Francis will NOT let this miscreant have victory. I WILL find the strength to live as a woman in every way. I WILL not but accept my fate but revel in it. I may be female but I will by MY female, just as determined to succeed as I was as a man.

What was done to us angers me. If it was meant to make us cowards it has failed. But what has been done to others enrages me. You poor servant Charles.... I promise if it is within my power to aid him I shall.

Cousin Colleen. I propose we meet me at the place where that delightful chambermaid's daughter inducted us into manhood. You know the place. At noon two days hence. Let no one follow you there except your trusted maid as I have a great secret to tell.

As ever your devoted cousin.

Francis

* * * *

( John in Wauwatosa and tels )

Dearest csin.

I am tying to wrte to u, need in as I m ut.

Dearest Cousin.

I must apologize for my last note to you and the long wait for this one. My maid conveyed that you did faint at the sight of my rather short note.

As you know ink is not as easy to get at the moment with the colonies being difficult. As such it took entirely too long for a new supply to come in.

The ink I am constrained to use is not the best. I had tried to send the short note so that you would not worry. It seems to have done the opposite for that I am truly sorry.

I have recieved a letter addressed to me with a most unusual seal on it, however father seems to have kept it instead. I do not know the contents of the letter.

Also father is being entirely unreasonable. I should have just taken my maid and gone to that rather seedy inn. However I did mention this to Mother to my misfortune. She conveyed it to father who was most unreasonable. He has expressly forbidden me to leave the house as it is not proper for a young lady to visit such places. He further continues to refer to me as Carl. I swear I am ready to scream most unladylike.

Indeed his has used his sway with the academy and had two of the lady magess to accompany me to the dressmakers for a fitting.

Speaking of dressmakers, father did surprise me, he ordered two travel gowns and a dock gown to be made for me. He spoke of the cuts and cloth to a very high detail. I was truly shocked he would know so much about ladies garments. It is just a dock dress and not a ship dress so it would seem I am to meet someone on the docks in Queenstown. He has been further annoying to the secret of such a meeting. I must admit, the cuts and style of the dresses will be most fine and flattering.

Father has refused to have the sword removed from the door. It is most embarrassing when people doth call for tea. Indeed just two days agone the Queen and her niece did pay a call again. It was evident she was most displeased with the sword in door.

I have told no one that you know the whereabouts of Charles. I do hope he is ok. I find it most distressing to not know more. I do wish we could meet but as father seems most adamant to keep me protected, like some fancy piece of delicate glass, there is very little I can do.

I do understand your feelings in regard to men. It doth seem that as the days pass I am become more and more of a young lady. At times it seems like our former male days were but a dream. I do continue to hold out hope that this can be reversed.

I must report something most strange to you. You do remember the roses my mother keeps in the garden. The ones that never seem to bloom unless Grandmama has visited to tend them. I had been a helping her in the garden as she continues to teach me that which a young lady of quality should know. I dare say one of those blasted flowers did injure my gloved finger. A few days later my maid did enter my bedchamber with a vase of bloomed roses. She claims they are picked from that bed of flowers.

I hoped perhaps that I could redo that test we did try in our youth. It tis suppose to be a simple chant and the candle will light. I did try most hard but alas the candle would not light. Indeed I worked so hard and diligently at it that I doth perspire from it. Without grandmama to advise me I may have misdone the spell.

I cannot believe I am to write this but I would be honored to attend your wedding should you have one.

Fathers drinking seems to have slowed.

Love Lady Colleen.

Dear brother.

I have most definitely not forgotten of that absurd summer. I will most assuredly fall upon my sword if that were to pass again. I refuse to be anyones maid again.

You may have an open mind in that regard but I most definitely did not enjoy of that.

I did write a suitable, and calm note, explaining what we know thus far to mother. She did send a letter to my daughter with one of her seals on it. I do not know if the seal is magicked or not. It looks to be plain wax but with mother you can never be to careful. As such I have the letter in my drawer till I get a reply as to the nature of the seal.

I am trying to accept that my Carl is now a young lady. It is most hard. I have not had the time to accept this as you have.

As per mothers letter if she doth return in a fortnight it would undoubtedly be at the Queenstown docks. I have ordered suitable garmets for my daughter made. I fear I may have expressed far to much intimate a knowledge when I did so.

To my vexation that blasted sword refused to move from the door. For now I am portraying the appearance of a vexed father over his daughter.

I fear I may also get a note from King George about that sword as the Queen was most displeased with my apparent refusal to remove it.

I do not know if you were informed of such but my daughter did try to sneak away to meet with someone in a seedy place of the city. If your daughter had a hand in this I suggest you take a hand in preventing them from causing more trouble or finding it.

Of note my wife did find the tale of our summer when we were eight most amusing. Indeed she never did suspect that her young maid at the time was I.
Rest assured she doth claim nobody would believe her anyways.

I gather mother did not explain the spell to you that was used on us. It is not a true transformation spell. It was mostly a compulsion to behave as a young maid. I am told it is referred to as a glamour and such spells cannot last long. What has been done to our sons is different. No one in the academy seems to have any clue as to how it was accomplished.

I do seek your advice on one subject. Young Lord Mathis is besotted with my daughter and doth find all manner of excuses to hound me for permission to court her. I do not know what to do with the boy to discourage his behavior.

I am tired so I will wax this and send it on with the mornings post.

Your brother Everett.

Colleen,

your most recent note alarms me. The meaning confounds me. Were you interrupted and sent this fragment off in error? Or are you in danger, some delayed apoplectic fit from that foul magic?
I will make every effort to see you this day if I can but escape confinement.

Since the inexplicable arrival of a scroll and your father's latest missive father has treated the house as if a castle preparing for a siege. I am under constant watch and save for moments during my daily ablutions am forever in the company of a maid and no less than one of fathers most loyal servants, often more. I shall do my utmost to break away and come to you but it is most difficult. I send this via a stable boy, the younger to my ladies maid.

Your cousin and friend forever,

Francis

P.S. Have courage, my cousin. I received but moments ago a sealed letter from our Grandmother. Perchance she will have some favorable news for us. She always treated us kindly even when rebuking us when we were unruly. I will read it then come to you post haste.

*****

I am so relieved you are unharmed and well, dearest Colleen,

I know this is an improper way to open a communication but you will admit your note was most confusing and alarming.

As to ink, if needs be the galls of certain plants, golden rod I think and the bark from certain trees, black walnut is another, anything with tannin in it can be steeped in boiling water, filtered then boiled down into a substitute for purchased ink. Not as fine as the India we are used to but quite serviceable. Tea or coffee that is not destined for the table or has gone bad can also be boiled to make an ink. I recall how tealeaves may be used in a police to heal a minor wound. I remember all manner of uses for plants and the renderings of animal to heal, invigorate, rejuvenate and conversely to do harm, nay kill.
I don't remember where I learned this but there are so many strange and exciting thoughts in my mind now. Upon opening grandmother's most soothing letter I have felt odd. Odd yet better in some way. I feel like some impediment to my wellbeing has been rendered asunder and my abilities are unrestrained. I no longer feel a week and frail female. Oh I am assuredly a woman but I KNOW the power within my grasp. It is as if the I was blind and now the World was open to me in all the Maker's glory.
The fits of lust that near brought me to me ruin remain but they no longer disturb me. I saw one of fathers coachmen, a young and most virile of men and though I desired him greatly I was in full control of my faculties. I found myself debating if he was worthy of my *charms* and how I could bend him to my every whim. I knew exactly how to do that and nearly did so!

I had the most wicked of thoughts of late but was able to restrain myself.

What has happened to me?

I wondered if it was something to do with the magic used upon us. I endeavored to repeat the candle lighting spell Grandmother tried to teach us as boys but that we could never quite manage.

I placed a night stand candle in a fireplace to be safe. I spoke, more I *thought* the incantation. I managed to light it in a way. n the very insytan I complted the spell the candle burst into a ball of flame and smoke and was gone. Nothing remained of it except soot and smoke.

What has become of me?

I cannot get out of the house as father has servants watching every exit.

I pray Grandmother arrival will being us succor.

Francis.

*******

Everett,

you are my brother yet in this matter of our daughters you behave at times as a stranger.

I understand your caution in inspecting, even quarantining your dearest Colleen's mail. I well know a simple letter could hide within a spell or command more delirious to her. I refer to my niece Colleen as Colleen because that is who see is, my brother. Your son is gone my son is gone but we have two fine young daughters in their place. Your Colleen and my Francis are everything our sons. Their being women is a trifle vs their being dead.

To the core of this missive; give Colleen our mothers letter post haste. You know the danger of tampering with her seals, most assuredly she has used some charm or spell to ensure only her granddaughter may break it with impunity. What our mother wants we must as good sons accept. I can but surmise from my own experience that the effect of the letter upon your Colleen will be most beneficial.

As to my Francis, she opened her letter before I learned of it. The effects were all but miraculous. I know not what mother wrote or if the letter carried some spell or charm of hers. I know only my Francis was imbued with a confidence, a purposefulness I have not seen since her transformation, nay before so far as a father can know these things. The fear and uncertainly have been replaced with a stead resolve and a strength of will. It takes all of my servants to keep her safe in my home, so determined is she to meet with your Colleen and solve this mystery.

Tis not only her will but her mind is clear of thought, sharper, brighter than before. Perchance it is her renewed confidence that makes it so yet I feel certain she has grown more beautiful. This foul spell made my son a most comely young woman. Following the arrival of mother's letter, my Francis has become a great beauty, surpassing my own beloved wife in her prime. It is painful to gaze upon her. She is beauty distilled and concentrated.

I agree, we must meet with mother as her wisdom and skill in the mystical arts are our last hope to save our children and to stop this foul curse from being perpetrated upon others. I shall make certain my Francis has suitable travel garments and will join with you and Lady Colleen in greeting our dear mother home.

Your brother,

Francis.

* * * *

Colleen,

I have been quite naughty and spied on father's letters from my uncle, your father, and even a scroll from Grandmamma to my father.

I have wondrous news, Grandmamma is coming and you will be greeting her at the dock in a fortnight. I understand your father is procuring appropriate travel clothes for you. Do not let him know that I know. I shall move Heaven and Earth to accompany you, I promise.

I am certain Grandmamma ensorcelled the letter to me as I have been wondrously invigorated ever hence. She remains fond of us and sympathetic to our fate. I am certain she loved us as boys though I infer from her writing she is pleased at our becoming ladies. Please inform me of what she wrote to you and what *gifts* she included.

I feel most wicked in spying upon fathers messages. Grandmamma is greatly vexed at our father's actions or lack of them in informing her concerning our transformations. I long believed grandmamma capable of near anything yet she has surpassed my wildest imaginings. On opening her scroll to father a second letter to us, to her granddaughters, appeared written between the original's lines.

"To my talented and beautiful granddaughter, Francis, who I knew would spy upon her father.

You are MY granddaughter which is why I included this message as I was certain you would find it. Bravo my brave and clever girl. You and your equally magnificent cousin Colleen are the future of the family. I have waited long for this day."

These are Grandmamma's exact words, Colleen. Grandmamma loves us there can be no doubt. She said she would arrive no later than a fortnight from the sending of the scroll and that she was overjoyed at having us to tutor in "the arcane arts", again I quote from her message.

Do not fear, she will not punish our fathers... much. She intends to take them to task so if your father speaks of Grandmamma coming act afraid. Grandmamma is deliciously devious in this and we are not to "spoil her fun", her words. I can nar contain my glee knowing her plans. Would you mind, dear cousin, having a young oriental maid for some months? Or perchance a younger sister beginning her bloom? Grandmamma is not decided upon which course is best.

I pity my father and uncle, steadfast gentlemen that they are. Such a change though short in time would weigh heavy on their pride. Yet would you agree being a woman is more good than ill? I no longer am angry of my change, my dearest cousin. I pray you are content in yours.

I woke this day to a frightful discovery. My night clothes and bed linens were covered in blood. I was terrified the foul magic had damaged me and I was to die. Mother assured me it was proof I am a woman and soon may carry a child. This womanly thing, the menses I am told is the term a physician uses, is most inconvenient and distressing. I am told to expect this for a few more days and for a recurrence once every cycle of the moon. My admiration for other women expanded many fold today. Yet the thought of cradling a babe as it suckles upon my teat is a pleasant thought. It makes this but an inconsequential monthly annoyance.

That I am not in an asylum the evening tis further proof of Grandmamma's beneficence upon me. This menses would have unhinged my faculties if not for her blessing. I am certain of this. As I was I doubt my mother could have calmed me from my fit upon seeing my bloody self this morn.

Dear Colleen, the man I was becoming, his desires, his concerns are fast fading, replaced by MY feelings and concerns. Lady Francis is who I am and shall evermore be and I am happy, deliriously happy. I wish you the same.

As to our being women, eligible, desirable women. I am informed the two wizards that expressed interest in us are looked upon with favor by Grandmamma, though she will not impose her will on us. I am please to pronounce she is an adherent to letting love bring a couple together above arranged marriage. She said not to rush headless into matrimony but to take the time we need to mature as women. We are to use our wit yet let our hearts guide us. She is confident we will choose well. She gave her solemn oath she will not pressure us. I believe we have a season perhaps two before she asks why she has no great grandchildren.

Colleen, forgive me. Grandmamma said no such thing. She will wait until we are ready to be mothers.

I heard of the sword in your door that refuses to be extracted. Grandmamma's work I'll wager. Why not but change the door if the sword is so stuck. Seems the logical solution. But then our fathers are quite willful, are they not.

Tell me what your travel clothes will look like as I wish to dress in a complementary fashion so we might impress Grandmamma. I wish to thank her for easing my fits of wantonness. I fear I might have killed myself if I had give in to the curse. Grandmamma's ministrations gave me mastery or should it be make me the mistress over my urges. They remain most intense but do not rule me. I can gaze upon a handsome man and need not battle to keep from prostrating myself at his feet. Though I must admit I do theorize what it would be like to let my passions loose. My wizard friend Charles features prominently in my musings. Commoner or not you will agree he is most manly if you should chance to meet him.

Colleen, there is a secret I am bursting to tell. You must swear an oath not to let anyone know. You must not hint of it, not to your mamma, not anyone. Remember what it was like as a young man to view a pretty young woman? That most pleasant diversion of our late boyhoods has returned. I thought I was doomed to be a proper lady, soon married and birthing a dozen or more babies until I am worn out, old, unattractive and my husband leaves me to plow the garden of some younger woman. Yet the seeds of being scandalous are sprouting in the garden of my mind. Not that I would leap into the land of Lesbos but that I have the choice is a comfort. I will likely chose to obey convention but that I have free will to do so is a gift. Sorry if I shock you, Colleen but you know I speak my mind freely with you and you may do so with me.

Your cousin and servant,

Francis.

* * * *

( John in Wauwatosa)

Dearest Lady Francis-Elizabeth Lane-Stewart

I have only your most recent letter to go by as Coleen has hidden the others from me. She has not read this one nor the letter from your grandmother as of yet. I would have requested help from your grandmother but as you know a magess is almost incapacitated when traveling by ship.

I request your assistance as soon as possible. Lady Coleen and I had been having tea with Lord Mathis, Ladies Petra and Rachel of Westholm, and the Pastor of Queens street North when the most unfortunate circumstances happened.

My beloved daughter got up to help pour tea when I noticed the large red stain on the couch and the back of her dress. I pushed her down onto the couch to save her virtue and then gently dismissed our guests as fast of decency would allow. By the time I returned to the parlor to Coleen she had noticed the blood and was ashen.

I did try to console her that tis a normal blessing for a woman to go through but I do not think she heard me. Indeed she stood up suddenly and left the room. I Informed her maid and my own to soak the cloth of the chair and get the spare from the attic to replace it.

When I came to my daughters rooms I found her clothes on the floor around her. She just stood there unmoving and I feared unbreathing. When I doth try to sooth her she spun around and accused me of doing this to her. She did so vehemently as well. She made many confusing statements and then to my surprise she did start to throw fireballs at me or anyone in the room. They did not hit anyone but much of the woodwork around the door in her room is a bit charred.

For the past few days she has been demanding her clothes returned to her. Each time we refer to her clothes in the closet she yells that she is not a woman and has a few times held her hand as if she is holding something infront of her womanhood. She then asks us what we think this is. I am at a loss. I have cried and begged Coleen, who refuses to be called that, to clam down and tried to explain everything.

It is almost like the past few months have not happened and it is my late son that is attacking us. I fear the shock of what happened may have reverted her memory somewhat or at least that is what the good pastor said.

I have had the two magess to help shield us from her tantrums. They are terrified of her. They claim her aura is huge. I do not know what this ment so I sought an explanation from Lord Mathis when he came to call. This is something a wizard or witch projects when or just after using magic. The bigger the aura the more powerful the mage.

I did ask if this may be due to her grandmother Princess Esmerelda. They seemed to be in quite the state of surprise so much so that I am afraid the tea stain on my favorite Persian rug may not come out. When I mentioned that you were her cousin they did suggest you may have better luck getting near her than we have.

So far it is only when she is asleep that we can bathe her and put her into a nightshift before putting her in bed. She takes it off upon waking and unleashes a new torrent of foul language and fireballs. My beloved did try to console her but alas he took one look at her naked form and rushed from the room.

I emplore thee to come to my daughter Coleen's aid as soon as possible. I do apologize for any remark I have ever said upon your personage.

Lady Margrette Ansbach-Stewart

Sorry for the delay but john and myself have been trying, and totally failing, to chat via internet. I have decided another approach.

Lady Margrette Ansbach-Stewart.

Dearest Aunty Marge,

Your letter worries me grievously. I hoped the unease Colleen had expressed in our recent correspondences was fleeting. I shall endeavor, nay, I WILL come to you this day. Father can burn in Hades if he thinks he can stop me from my duty to you and my suffering cousin. Your words confirm the confusing feelings of alarm and violation I sensed in the ether. The feelings and vague images now form a coherent whole. It is Colleen's pain I am discerning.

I knew that some skilled in magic can when fortune smiles *know* what is happening at a great distance. It appears I have that talent. Another skill to practice added to my long list for Grandmamma.

If you can, please give Colleen any letter my uncle has in his confusion withheld from her. By all means possible, I beseech you to get Grandmamma's letter into her hand even if you must put it in her hand as she sleeps. She MUST touch the letter. I know this with certainty, dear Aunty.

I do not fully understand what Grandmamma is doing but there is powerful magic in the letter specific for Colleen. It will calm her fevered mind and unite her body and soul. Once she is in possession of her faculties I am confident Colleen will discover the blessing this unwanted transformation can be.

There was similar spells contained in my letter from Grandmamma and they proved wondrous to my benefit. Though my menses upset my calm demeanor -- to be truthful, Aunty, I acted abominably -- I quickly recovered my wits and good humor. I do not know why Colleen's experience became so discordant. My instinct, my gift perhaps, tells me she lacked whatever *balm* it was in Grandmamma's letter. I do not fault you in any manner. No one save a practitioner of the magocal arts as skillful as Grandmamma could have understood our condition. I was blessed in receiving Grandmama's letter at a propitious moment where as Colleen has not of yet.

If you cannot get Grandmamma's missive to her, I shall do so. I owe my cousin my life many times over for that which she has done for me, things doubtless she kept from you and Uncle so as not to distress you.

My appearance may shock you as I will be dressed as a common cook's apprentice, soot and flour upon my face and clothes to deceive father's "guards". I will leave minutes after this letter is on its way. If I must climb out a window like a thief in the night I will not stop until I get to my cousin's side. You have Lady Francis Elizabeth's oath, Aunty Marge.

Aunty! I received a vision -- I believe vision is the term used by the wizardly profession for a vivid waking dream -- but moments ago. Grandmamma is not as disposed by a sea voyage as we were informed. She somehow divined Colleen's distress and instructed me via this *vision* on ways to effect a cure. My appearance on arrival will not be near the shock as what I must do for my dear cousin, my Aunty. Blast propriety, I will do what I must! Do not fear. I am but a frail and delicate thing in men's eyes but to you and my Colleen, I would fight the Gorgon.

I will need the use of one of Colleen's new lady's outfits as I will not be in proper apparel as you must realize. Nothing elaborate, simply something that will display a young woman to her advantage. If Colleen is deluded into believing she is a man, my appearing most comely may distract HIM whist by sleight of hand I slip Grandmamma's magic to HER.

This will not be a trivial endeavor if Colleen's magic gifts are as munificent as my own. I do not boast. Grandmamma says though she is many leagues away she senses the power of our gifts. Gifts that will in time exceed her own. You know Grandmamma is not one to prevaricate.

Your loving and devote niece,

Francis.

*****

From the Journal of Lord Carl Steward III

I have not the foggest idea how I find myself in such a position as I am currently in. I woke it seems in my, well what should be but is not, my bedroom.

I have somehow been tricked or magicked somehow it would seem into believe I am female. I can assure you as I look down at myself I am still fully male.

The last day or so have been very troubling. My mother seems to insist on calling me Colleen as if I am a girl, I have stood naked infront of her to prove I am most defiantly not. This did not seem to work too well. She does keep trying to get me wear ladies clothing which as a man I absolutely refuse.

I am ashamed to admit but I have found myself with little choice but to attempt escape to perhaps find my grandmother who I believe is in France somewhere. I have found some old clothing of my manservant under the trunk that will be temporarily suitable at least.

I did notice some soot covered lady outside the window as I tried to unstick it enough to sneak outside, Thankfully she did not notice me.

I pray I can find grandmother as she would seem to be my only hope of restoring my families senses. I am male and very proud to be such.

I will note in the 2 days since I have awaken my manservant has not once paid visit to me. I just hope that father does not hear about this mess when he returns from the Americas.

I will try to post more in this journal as I travel abroad to find Grandmother.

Lord Carl Steward III

Note: Mother did try to hand me some letter with some force before I chased her from my room earlier. I think that letter is magicked and may be the source of my troubles. Ill have to endeavor to not touch such things in the future.

Lady Margrette Ansbach-Stewart,

I regret the haste and poor quality of this note written with a pencil upon scrap paper but needs as must be.

Read this as far away from Coleen as fortune permits. If Coleen's talents are anything like mine she might be able to see though you eyes or overhear you read it out loud if you are at all near her room.

I am on the grounds of your estate endeavoring to gain entry via the servant's portal but am momentarily vexed by your daughter Coleen and some desperate attempt by her to escape. 'Twas, likely to seek out our grandmother's help no doubt. She has found some male clothing, ill fitting as it must be upon her womanly frame and has attempted to exit through an unsecured window. I must admire her for her ingenuity whilst in the throes of her madness. Fully in possession of her facilities she would be unstoppable. My father could not thwart my escape this day and Coleen has long been my equal and often my better.

I am confident *Carl* believes the soot and flour covered maid -- my disguise -- did not see his attempt to flee out that window as he soon tried again.

I *happened* to wander into view at an inopportune moment and spoiled that attempt. Coleen will soon suspect if she has not already. Even in her madness she retains her keen scenes. I can tell this is true, a *gift* from Grandmama to aid me no doubt.

To my plan. I have had intercourse with some of your staff and they have redoubled their vigilance so for the moment *Carl* remains safe in your home. Once night descends I fear she will have little difficulty eluding us. Time is fleeting. As this note reaches you I am doffing my guise as a maid and wearing that of a young woman of dubious virtue. Do not be shocked at my appearance. As Coleen believes she is Carl again then any distraction I might gain from flaunting propriety will be worth the censure. To speak plain, I doubt any prostitute plying her trade would dare expose her charms as blatantly as I must.

A servant will slip me into Coleen's room. A bell will ring three times in swift secession. I will burst into *Carl's* chambers and ... offer myself to him on the pretext of gift from his cousin Francis, his male cousin. Whilst *he* is distracted, get Grandmama's letter in his hand. I have prepared a ribbon you must tie around it. It will obscure the magic within the letter for some precious seconds, enough to get it in her hands I pray. I followed grandmother's instructions scrupulously so it will work.

Should this plan fail I have prepared a handful of letters that fair mimic grandmamma's in their magical *flavor* that may be used to confuse her in any latter attempt to get the true missive to her.

Please forgive any rude or unseemly thing I do in the immediate crisis but know I will do anything to save my dear Coleen. If I am harmed or his worship forbid, perish, tell her I forgive her unreservedly.

You loving niece,

Francis.

From the Journal of Lord Carl Steward III

I do not know who that vexxing girl is, she does look familiar, however she is really getting on my nerves. She has tried various ways of preventing me from escaping. I believe she is in league with my mother to turn me into a girl somehow. I must escape.

I have managed to at least it seems jam the door to my room. I slammed it shut after the last person tried to address me as Coleen. When I did so I noticed that the door latch fell away from the door. I think I broke it. I also heard what sounded like wood fallng from the other side of door. Then strangely they pounded on the walls of my room but not the door. Tis most strange.

Anyways night approached as it usually did with no more people bursting into my room. They continue to pound on the walls they cannot seem to find the door. I used my time to prepare for my nightime journey. I am sure grandmother can bring some sanity to my house as I believe this girl has in some way cast a magic spell over my family to make me a girl. I am concerned for my cousin, who I cannot remember if they are male or female. How strange. The spell that was cast on me before may have had more effect on me than I thought.

I managed to make my escape at last. I almost got caught by that witch of a girl but it seems as though her eyes did not spot me. Indeed the entire time I walked the streets people did not see me. The passage must have been more nerve wracking that I had thought it would be. Although I have not really gone very far I am exhausted beyond words. I think I may be getting a cold as my chest is also very sore. I have found some shelter not far from the dockside where I hope to book passage on the next ship to France to find grandmother.

I know I should have left this journal behind but I feel it is better to keep it for now. I will not disclose my place of hiding at this time even in daylight it will be in total darkness but at least is free of rodents and I am confident that nobody will be able to find me while I must sleep.

Lord Carl Steward III

Dear Brother Francis

I am now in a quandry. It would seem my wife and your new daughter have kept information from me.

I found out my new daughter Coleen has suffered a mental relapse and is in very bad straights.

I am beside myself with worry so if this letter does not make much sense I do apologize.

She has been behaving irrationally and at some point it would seem has come into her magic powers. Woe be us, as she seems to be as powerful as Mother. I suspect my new niece may be of similar straights.

She slammed her door after ejecting everyone from her room, it would seem that harmless note from Mother had upset her greatly when 3 maids, my wife, and a scullery maid dressed as a tramp did try to force her to grab the letter.

I do not know how but when she slammed the door the door framing and latch fell off and now it would seem the door is gone only flat wallboard remains with no sigh of a door to her room. Against my better judgement this morning they managed to knock a hole in the wall and discovered her completely missing.

I fear she has run off. The scullery maid claims it was impossible for her to leave and she was watching outside the whole time. Yet my daughter is not in my house anymore.

I am worried to no end as a young girl of her age alone out in the streets could be attacked, though if what I understand is happening the attacker would not walk away.

I could really use a drinking partner. Should you get this missive today be assured I am in my study and am well on my way to a good buzz.

Your brother Everett

From the diary of Lady Francis.

Lady Margrette,

Forgive my breach of etiquette at the crudeness of this message but time is precious. Colleen has escaped as you must now know.

Once darkness fell it was as I feared and she did slip out as if a shadow.

Do not blame your servants. I kept vigil as well yet to no avail.

In her delusional mind she somehow tapped into the magical either and became all but invisible. I know not how I know this but is truth I swear.

It is only using a silly *game* Grandma taught us as boys that I located her trail at all. By looking away then back towards your home in rapid succession I perused a faint trace of her image and where she had been. I am following this ghostly trail as if born a purebred hunting dog. An unladylike turn of phrase but it must do for now.

Her powerful magics that concealed her left a discernible residue I yet follow.

I send this crude message by the last of the servants assisting me. How I will get further word you I know not. Perhaps via a hastily hired message boy? Twixt my purse and my female charms I WILL do as I must.

All traces to now point to one of the Channel ports and Grandma as *Carl's* destination.

Dressed as a man believing she is one places my cousin at great risk. And in her confused faculties I fear she may lash out with unfathomable magics. I get but ephemeral flashes of her location and her mind. She remains convinced she is Carl. If it were true, if he was my dashing male cousin once more I would weep for joy. As this is not, she is in peril.

I will send further word as fate permits.

Your loving niece,

Francis.

P.S. Please convey my apologies to my father and your honored husband, my uncle. I have not been as forthcoming in this affair as I might have been. If anything I have done or failed to do causes Colleen any harm I shall be besides myself with shame. Should she perish...

Let us not consider that any longer. Know that I continue to seek out Colleen.

I shall attempt to call to her and Grandma with my mind. Grandmamma once demonstrated this sorcery to us when we were but five years of age. I recall the essence of that experience and endeavor to reproduce it. I nearly succeeded, I believe, moments before *Carls* escape. I will be bereft if in my naivety regarding my new found magical gifts I in any way precipitated Colleen's flight!

Until later

Lady Margrette Ansbach-Stewart

My dearest father,

Forgive the improprieties of this note but brevity is a necessity.

I remain mortified at the ease which Colleen slipped past my guard. Her magic craft though untrained would gladden my heart if not for the danger she is in. Colleen is a will-o-whisp. It is most vexing to follow her trail.

At odd intervals I receive dreamlike visions of Colleen's location. Doubtless grandmama has a formal term for such visions. Though of infuriating brevity I am convinced in those moments I am with her mind. I see, hear, smell and taste what Colleen hears, feels, smells and tastes. I remain firm in my conviction she is destined for Queenstown and the docks where grandmama's ship is expected.

I feel too her emotions. My dear cousin perceives herself a rat near surrounded by dogs. She is cold, hungry and alone. I fair swooned from the intensity of her despair but did not permit myself that soothing indulgence.

I am infuriated that I can discern her direction but not her location.

I send this via a mail courier who fancies my smile. Strange that his gaze places my smile upon my bosom. I did not admonish him in this I must confess. How men can govern this world when a pretty girl can so befuddle their minds amazes me. I may make use of this new talent in future. I have received two meals, drink and the offer of a nights logging from several men with but an innocent's countenance and a glimpse of my creamy flesh. I am most wicked at this newfound flirting. It is not that I do this consciously... not most of the time.

I confess I still have bouts of the *mating fever* as I now call it but rest assured I have not given into it. I shall reserve that capitulation for whomever wins my heart. Force me into an arranged marriage at your peril, father.

I tease you unfairly, father, but know I do love you. These days have been trying for all. I love my cousin and will bring her safe home to you, auntie.

Respectfully,

Lady Francis

P.S. I fear the magistrate may have words with you, dear father. In my haste to rescue Lady Colleen I may have ... I stole a horse. I tried to leave generous payment in gold coin but the stable man hid it and called me a thief as I rode off. My unladylike gallop gave truth to his vile lies. He said the most abominable things and cursed worse than the drunkest sailor. My ears are fair burning still.

His curses roused the populous to action. I led a party of horsemen a merry chase for some while. I know not how I escaped them. If it had not been for the sudden collapse of a high bridge but moments after my passage I would now be in chains. They were less than a minute's hard riding behind and closing. Perhaps my wild gallop exacerbated some weakness yet the bridge seemed firm under hoof. I will admit to being panicked and wishing my pursuers could not follow me across. It was but moments later I heard a cacophony of snapping and crashing timbers ... NO! I could not have done THAT!

I will consult grandmama about this incident. I must add no one was hurt. I would not have you think me a heartless woman. A determined one but never heartless.

If must be I willingly will pay this scoundrel again for the animal. I would not sully your good name, father. Know that I respect you and would never tarnish the family name. Other than needs must for Colleens sake. I would proudly stroll past His Royal Majesty's palace naked for all to see if that would restore my dear cousin to her family.

From the Diary of Lady Francis.

I send this via a most kind young boy, not yet a man.

Please see he is fed and well compensated for his troubles.

Colleen is in mortal peril! I sensed her awakening, her sanity returned at last. In her madness she has taken refuge in some storehouse on the dockside. By chance or malice she has become entrapped within some box or crate.

She has not taken sustenance or drank anything of consequence since eluding us at her home. I can feel her spirit diminishing. I fear she will not survive long in her state of terror and fatigue.

I have paid the coach driver to make all haste to the dockside.

They are shifting cargo within the warehouse. Her crate is being lifted in the air. She can hear the seabirds and smell the waters.

The crate is shifting violently. God, she is in pain!

Wait, I cannot feel her mind. She is lost to me. Pray I am in time.

Lady Francis.

From the Diary of Lady Colleen

I awoke this morning, or sometime later as I cannot tell the time in this place, to the wooden boxes where I am being shifted about by some rather ill suited men of lower class. They had placed a box that covered the spot where I am apparently hiding.

I have vague thoughts of being confused as to who I was. I am most embarrassed by my apparent return to being Carl, at least in mind but not body, and my rather brusk actions.

I find myself wearing rather ill fitting and rough clothing that is most uncormfortable on my young breasts. Though part of me is glad to be rid of those torture devices many women must wear I do in part miss the softer cloth.

As the light moves slowly through the crack in this box. It is a box as I can now tell as the light has made its way across. The lid came down on this box. I have found some cheese in a plain wrapper and some heavily salted ham so I can survive for now I guess. There is no water to quench my thirst though and doing my duty through the floor was less than comfortable. Though I must admit it is far easier to do so that balanced over a chamber pot. Mayhap should I escape and make my way home I can come up with a way to sit to do our business.

My nails are a horrid mess now. I do not have the strength necessary to move myself out of here even in a panic. I do not wish to cry out and attract the wrong attention. I am well aware of how desirable a young woman of my age can be to men such as, what I must assume, is around such a dock.

I do say dock as I can smell the sea and hear the bells of the dockmaster hailing the ships and directing them to port.

In my insanity, doubtlessly brought on by the shock of having my menses start while having tea, I seem to have had the idea of reaching my grandmother in france. This was a foolhardy idea. I have little doubt I will be in very much trouble with mother and father upon my return.

I do find the idea of adventure to be somewhat exciting though. When I was male my cousin and I would go on many an adventure, usually in the small forest outside of town. I do miss those days and must indeed find a way to accomplish such things now as a woman. I will never be happy confined to the house at all times as my mother seems happy to do.

It is unfortunate that women in our modern times are seen as less than men, unless they are a mage, this I feel is wrong. I do not know why I feel that way as I was perfectly happy with it before as a man.

The light is shifting away from allowing me the read and write in this diary as I have so far from time to time to keep the fear from overwhelming me. I must say though, that at times, it almost feels like my cousin is here with me. I have found myself whispering to her as if she is here. I do fear for my sanity at such times.

Lady Colleen

P.S. The crate I am in, which I believe is the proper term, has suddenly shifted and is being carried. I am trying to keep as quiet as possible to not give myself away. These men are very rough in handling such boxes and I would never ship any delicate items in such a crate as they would surely be broken before long.

I have just been tossed into the air....

Lady Margrette Ansbach-Stewart,

from your devoted niece Francis.

I need assistance at once from whatever quarter you can raise it. Please pass this onto my father. I have paid the messenger well and he is instructed to carry any note from you or this letter to him at your request.

Colleen is injured. From her moments of consciousness I believe she is trapped within some packing case, one loaded most violently into a ship's hold, canal barge or even a freight wagon. It is nighttime so I cannot tell.

I have tried repeatedly to contact Colleen's mind with mine. I believe I have succeeded for a few moments on several occasions but fear I have terrified her instead of bringing her solace. Ever since her projection of great pain then her silence the few times I have managed to sense her she is in intense discomfort. I fear she has broken or inured a limb and sustained a frightful blow to the head.

She is definitely Colleen again. She was bemoaning the sorry state of her nails at one instance of my attempted mental *visits. This was moments before her box began moving and the violent calamity near overcame her..

I have ceased my attempts for now as they fatigue me and cause me great pain. I believe this pain to be from Colleen's injuries. If her beauty is marred I shall be bereft!

I have tried to contact grandmama and urge her to make haste to port but with equally limited success. Were it not for my difficulties with Colleen I would imagine grandmamma does not wish to be disturbed and had blocked my attempts.

I succeeded but once. I perceived a momentary image of a handsome man half out of a uniform in a small room, the sounds and smells of the sea were strong. I had feeling much like I have during one of my lust filled *attacks* moments before an intense surge of embarrassed outrage and our *connection* was broken.

I owe grandmama an apology and do NOT tell her I wrote about... I rely upon your discretion.

To the heart of things. In my naiveté I thought Queenstown docks a simple place to search. I have my magical gifts as does Colleen. It would be no more difficult than calling across a street to greet an acquaintance. I was mortified to see a multiplicity of docks, wharfs, mooring buoys, store houses, barges , ships of every description and condition. There were more wagons with wooden boxes upon them than I could scarce count.

I am doing everything my constitution allows but I am a frail thing. If I had the strength of Hercules I might just manage to find fair Colleen but I admit I am not he.

Send any assistance you can. I have all but exhausted my funds paying for assistance, for information, to bribe officials so I might examine areas *unsuitable for the fairer sex such as yourself.* Some spoke in cruder, unsavory words. They believed me a woman of loose virtue and queried as to my price!

I will not lower myself to tell of the outrages the less than gentlemanly types have accosted me with. I am wonderstruck i have not been bludgeoned and awoke pinned to a filthy bed as some common whore.

If not for the courtly manners I have been drilled in since a babe I would have beaten such men with any weapon at hand. I feared for my safety more than once. I was compelled to striking one most cruelly in a place a single woman dare not touch upon a man. It was not cricket but then I am not a man am I? Neither are they anymore if I struck well and true.

These magical gifts are not so welcome when one can read the vile thoughts in the minds of denizens of the unsavory parts of the town.

I have found a quiet corner of the Harbor Master's building in which to rest for some moments. I should be secure until the morning. The brace of pistols I *liberated* from a less than gentlemanly officer of one ship do instill some confidence I will remain a *virtuous woman*.

How I liberated those pistols I do not care to retell. I suspect the officer though one could not honestly call him THAT will recall the incident with false bravado claiming to have broken a naive virgin. He did not and his purse paid for the swift and determined messenger I sent your way along with the temporary assistance of the few trustworthy men I could find among the drunken uncouth rabble lurking here. This is a fearful place I will be glad to be rid of.

Please make haste. The tide will favor ships departure but scant hours after sunrise . If Colleen should be on a vessel I have not searched we might never... I refuse to contemplate such a fate.

Do hurry. If not for my duty to my cousin I would be in tears and quite useless.

Your faithful niece,

Francis as I do not feel worthy of the honorific Lady at this juncture.

I awoke to a very sharp pain in my left side. I think something is seriously wrong. I have tried to stay awake but I seem to be very sleepy.

Sorry I fell asleep again. My dreams are troubled I seem to see my cousin Francis and he seems to be shouting at me while wearing a dress. It is most confusing.

I woke this time to find my crate moving it is hard to tell how it is moving or mayhap why. I should know this but the pain is making it very hard to concentrate.

I managed to drink some rainwater to quench my thirst and to force some of that awful cheese and ham down my throat. Peeing as a lady through a crate is not easy when you are in pain and do not want to move. I feel faint.

I woke to find myself rather wet down below these trousers are rather useless now as they are covered with blood and I have had little choice but to remove them. I find myself wishing for the ease of my skirts right now.

This last small dream was funny I could see throw some girls eyes and I hope prevented her from debasing herself. It was a small thing but maybe I have some sort of ability with magic. If I had more energy I could...

I think that some of the blood I have been letting go is not only from my ...belly. Some seems to come from the side of my hip. It is really painful when I try to touch it.

I do not wish to try that again I screamed with everything I had. Well silently and in my mind anyways it would not do for some ruffian to find me in such a state.

I must have shifted or my crate has as there tis now not any rocking motion anymore I do not seem to be near the water as such anymore either. I smell horses though and if I didn't know better I could swear I hear the bells from the college in the distance.

I must sleep again after my small meal with more rainwater. I do hope I end up somewhere friendly and that they can help me. I am much more weary and I am afraid that I may be dying. If I should pass whoever you are please let father and mother know I love them.

Lady Coleen.