September 11, 1999
Dearest Jane,
I have just arrived home from a major political party - Republicans, I believe. As always, no matter the political party, the politicians are the same. If you whisper a bit flattery in their ears, are appealing to their sense of aesthetic beauty and look like you are actually paying attention when they speak, they will follow you anywhere. They are so easy to manipulate. However, it is always good to remember that a cornered rat does have teeth.
Zacharie seemed to do well. Almost too well. With his brooding good looks and his southern accent, many of the female political groupies found him irresistible. More than once, I had to save him from some yappy female that had cornered him and was talking his ear off. He is such a gentleman that he will suffer through such torture with nothing more than silent sighs. Still, I think it did do Zacharie some good to be out and about.
Over all, it was a good party. I met a very interesting Rabbi. He is a man I intend to look in on. Very intelligent. Very religious - but not blindly, intolerantly so. He has a great interest in Druidic history - something I am a bit of an expert in. We had a most delightful conversation on a scholarly level that left most of the bystanders in a confused state of mind. I guess they are not used to listening to intelligent people speak to one another on such an equal level.
My, that was catty. But true.
I have been pondering adding a small family of humming birds to the greenhouse. Delightful creatures. Though, I am afraid that the owl or the cats will not be able to resist their natural instincts to hunt prey in the enclosed area. I will have to give it more thought. I would not want to introduce them, just to find them dead within a week.
Lately, I have begun to feel a new sense of freedom here. Booker has his rules. Ones that you do not even dare bend. But, beyond that, I do as I please. I work on projects and studies that interest me. I come and go without worry. I am sure Booker does keep tabs on me. Any good Regent would. But, he has his own projects and interests. So, beyond my duties - which are fairly light - my time is my own.
It has not been like this in almost 50 years. First, as the Old Man's servant, I was very busy looking after him and doing his bidding. Then, as his Childe, I did the same but on a much higher level. Now, I answer to just two and they both have their own lives and studies.
Do you realize that I spent last night reading in my garden and watching the stars? That's all I did... the whole night. It was decadently slothful. I loved it! Granted, this is not something I intend to make a habit of. I really do have too much to do. Too much that I want to do. Too much that I will need to do. But, the choice to be busy is mine. Ah, it is absolutely blissful.
Love,
Kayley
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