Bald Head Island: Chapter 10
My Dear Cousin Chauncey,
I can deeply sympathize with your dismay at being placed under house arrest at Good Providence. At the same time I cannot disguise my delight that I will be reunited with you and dear Cousin Marie very soon. How I miss you both! I understand that my father, the Rear Admiral, will escort the two of you to Bald Head Island as passengers on one of the intrepid ironclads under his command.
It pleases me much to report that the ruthless monster, Madam Philomene, met a fate she deserved, although not through my plan, but through Divine Intervention, for she was found drowned in a sanitation ditch. Sgt. Teach tells me she slipped on wet pavement, and far be it from me to even suggest that she had any outside assistance departing on her journey to Hell where she undoubtedly will be reunited with her accomplice, Andy Montague.
This evening I saw the splendid Mrs. Spencer on the Promenade walking her little ocelot on a leash. She didn’t recognize me, or perhaps pretended not to, which is a good thing since we must all be prepared to put the past behind us. I trust you will keep my piquant admissions regarding my rousing dalliance with her in strict confidence after you arrive on the island.
I have wonderful news to report: I am now engaged to get married! It was my dear Tante Marguerite who introduced my bride to be. She may not be as comely as some ladies I’ve met in the past, but she stems from a well renowned Philadelphia family. Her father runs one of the larger insurance companies in that city, and he is not the slightest put off by my gambling past. Indeed he is pleased that his future son-in-law intimately understands the odds and probabilities that are the cornerstones of his trade.
My only regret is that you will not get to meet Emily McBroom. She preceded me into matrimony, marrying a cattle rancher from the West. Being a slightly older widower and still childless he had no problems overlooking the events of her past, and I understand she is already in the blessed state and very content with her new life.
Should you harbor any apprehensions regarding the operation itself, rest assured you need not. The insertion procedure is entirely painless and I can tell you that you will not even notice the device once it is in place.
Reminding you that every sinner has a future just like every saint has a past, I remain yours etc. etc. etc.
Charles B. Beauregard