The bright morning sun stole through the windows, stretched itself across the shining floor and rested warmly on the man still asleep in his bed. He stirred and opened his eyes and tried to remember the dream. So real it had seemed. So vivid were the images of his subconscious. He had dreamt of the future; of stability and companionship and a deep-abiding love that had never waned and never would. He had moved unhurriedly through cosy rooms and fragrant gardens hand in hand with another, and with the knowledge that it would always be this way. He tried to recapture the images but they were gone. Nothing remained of the dream except a sense of completeness and warmth. The man stretched his limbs and let the sun caress his toes. He had no desire to get up. Returning to the dream and all it foretold he passed a pleasant half hour in gentle contemplation, and he smiled at the thought that this one would come true.

Oh, just get it over with, why don't I? What's the worst that could happen? Me, of all people, wrought with nerves at the idea of a simple declaration. Have I not lived my life on my own terms all these years? Even if she did object it would not alter my plans. Why, that woman can object all she wants. Although frankly, I've never seen her once wag an admonitory finger. No, by all accounts she's a pretty fair and open-minded old girl. At least, she always has been. But what if this is the one thing that she simply cannot endure? Well, too bad for her, is all I can say. It'll be her loss. How dare she judge me and dictate the way I live my life! At my age! If she thinks I'll be cowed by her old-fashioned predjudices, she's got another think coming...

- 'Hello dear, how are you? That's good. Good. Look, I've been meaning to phone for ages, but with one thing or another... I tell you, it never ends. Me? Oh, fine. Everything's fine. Couldn't be better, in fact Mother, that's why I called. You see, what I wanted to tell you is... Well... Here's the thing... I've fallen in love with the most wonderful man and he with me and we intend to spend the rest of our lives together'.

- 'Oh really? That's nice, dear.'

1. Have your plain anorak lined in fur.
Mink, sable, what you will. J. Mendel of New York will do this for you. The most casual days will still be chic and even the bitterest winters will seem as nothing.

2. Serve winter pears steeped in wine.
Peel 6 firm pears and stand them upright in a saucepan with a little lemon juice squeezed over each. Pour in 1 cup of red wine and sprinkle some sugar over them. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Serve with gorgonzola.

3. Get a cashmere cover for your hot water bottle.
A stylish improvement on Grandmother's charming custom; Oyuna of London has a lovely selection.

4. Wear one piece of signature jewellery and never let yourself been seen without it.

February 2006

9 February 2006

To: Seventh On Sixth, Public Relations
re: RSVP Fashion Week Gala
Hi Kate,

This is me responding, horribly late I know, to your invitation to tomorrow night's party. I have no excuse worth the name for my negligence. Would you believe that Fashion Week has come and gone without my even noticing? We may lay the blame quite comfortably at the feet of that man I've told you so much about who keeps me thoroughly distracted. No need to list me as plus one, I shall come on my own and we can have a nice chat in a cosy corner somewhere.

big kiss
John

To: Costume National, Director
re: a request
Dear Mary,

Mad rush today and as usual I come to you to ask for the impossible. I'd like to have that charcoal blazer with the hidden button placket after all. Naturally I'll need it altered to my specifications which you have on file. But the sting is in the tail, and I shall need it at my door by end of day tomorrow. If anyone grumbles please tell them that it's for an event tomorrow night and yes, there'll be press. Let me know if you can do this and if so, I'll send a courrier.

My thanks as always,
JHP

To: JHP
re: re: a request
Dear John,

Antonio is confident that your jacket will be ready by the time you specify. He's already started on the alterations and it should be finished and steamed by tomorrow at 2PM. You may send your courrier at that time. Also, Ennio wonders if you are going to wear a tie. We have just received the new ones for the Spring 2006 collection and I'll take the liberty of adding a few for your consideration.

Mary

To: Lisa Stafford
re: birthday panic
Dear Lisa,

Just got your message and trust your brother to have the very thing. It's the perfect dish for your husband's birthday dinner and your guests will love it. Brush 2 tenderloins lightly with honey. Crush 1 tablespoon of fennel seeds (easier for you as you have a food processor), add them to 1 tablespoon of finely chopped rosemary, salt, pepper and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Spread this mixture on the pork. Place in a shallow, oiled pan. Roast in the oven at 400F until the pork is faintly pink in the middle, about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, cut 2 fennel bulbs in 1/2 inch slices. Toss out the tough root end. Steam for about 10 minutes, until cooked but not soft. Puree until smooth, then add 1/4 cup of white wine, 1/2 cup of grated parmaggiano, and 1/2 cup of mascarpone (or if you can't get that in your backwater, use sour cream). Place tenderloins into a buttered dish and pour sauce over; top with buttered bread crumbs. Cook at 350F for about 10 minutes. Then eat. It will easily serve four people. And why not wind up that meal with pears steeped in wine? Mmm. Oh yes, I learned a lot in Milan. Good luck!

Affectionately,
John

To: Speedy Courrier Service
re: pick up
Hector,

Please pick up tomorrow at 3PM one garment bag at Costume National 108 Wooster St, and deliver to my home address. I can be reached on my mobile should you have any questions.

Thank you
JHP

To: Paul Boyd
re: Murder Most Probably
My love,

I laugh my head off at every installment. When you told me that one day soon I'd be able to read this masterpiece in its entirety, I (for some reason) expected a bound copy that I could hold in my hands and pore over. This is so much better as I can imagine others out there giggling along with me. I don't for a moment believe that you're doing this just for me, but I nevertheless accept the tribute. Lady Bea Goode is hysterical and I know I won't be able to contain myself once Cardigan Fitzbadly makes his entrance.

I've decided to go to that party after all. I only wish you could be there with me. I give you fair warning, since Kate mentioned there'll be an open bar, to expect a drunken phone call about 5AM your time.

X

To: Maria Prieto
re: opening
Dear Maria,

Unfortunately, I will be unable to attend your opening tonight. It has been an unusually trying day with all sorts of business demands raining incessantly down upon me, and the result is a splitting headache. There's nothing for it I'm afraid but a quiet lie-down for a few hours. I look forward to peeking in at your collection early next week. Until then, weak though I may be, I send you my heartiest congratulations.

With kind regards,
JHP