Owl from Emily Chattox to Priscilla Chattox-Kyteler, dated 23 August 1942...
Very well warded:
Dear Priscilla,
I’m not sure what’s wrong between the two of us, but it seems that I’ve been letting research and meetings and other foolishness take up far too much of my time, and that you must be angrier with me than I thought for the flippant way I’ve behaved all summer. Surely you know I’m going to help Rosier. She’s one of my students. And you know how I feel about that sort of thing. Ever since…well.
If you had actually told me what was wrong, you know I’d have been there in heartbeats. I had no idea what was going on. None at all. Not until her sister came and told me. I found out about it from her sister. (If she’s anything like her sister, Ned’s not only a cad, he’s gone spare, and the country’s in danger.) Do you have any idea how that feels? Not that it’s your problem, but Pris, what have I done that you feel you can’t tell me things like this?
Are you all right? How are Susie and Addie and Hadrian taking it?
I hope that child of his does not sort Slytherin. I shall of course be perfectly fair to her, as I am to everyone else, but it will be difficult and it will be awkward. As for her mother, what I wouldn’t give for five minutes alone with that traitorous article!
I’m half tempted to bring this letter to you in person, except I don’t know how I’d be received, and that’s scary, Pris. If you don’t want to talk about it, I suppose that’s fine too, but will you please drop me a line so I know you’re not angry with me and you’re not suicidal? I never understood what you saw in that horrible man, but I know you loved him, and it’s got to be hard for you. I hope you take him for every Knut he’s worth.
All my love,
Emily