Post by Elena Sandoval on Nov 3, 2014 12:06:56 GMT -5
Conversations with her sister, with Elisabeth, with Joanna and with Niccolo had opened Elena's eyes more than somewhat regarding Caterina's demeanor and why their initial interactions had proven so disasterous. She had gone in more aggressively and defensively than she ought to, and failed to adequately take into account the reasons behind Caterina's behavior. Though both likely held a measure of responsibility in that false start, Elena knew she could only seek to amend her own behavior and seek to make a true beginning with a more open mind and greater compassion towards the position in which Caterina stood.
She had obviously appointed herself a guardian over the last surviving Montefiore brother, a position which Elena could understand. Had she not done so herself more than once over Agustin, though her brother - like Niccolo - was utterly capable of fending for himself? That was not the point, Elena reminded herself. The point was that loss led to a tighter hold, greater caution and more suspicion when it came to those who remained. Caterina was behaving as a loving sister strongly affected by the significant grief involved in losing two brothers tragically. Elena had to keep that in mind.
Deciding to approach this almost formally on the advice received, she took a little time after the first meeting of the feuding families to peruse the rustic marketplace in search of a few items with which she intended to seek a new beginning with the Lady Caterina. War was not what Elena desired, especially in a household where she was still so very new, nor did she wish to put Niccolo in the difficult position, caught between his wife and his sister. Therefore, she put a careful plan into action to seek that new, true start with Caterina, taking advantage of the family at dinner to begin through Caterina's maid and her own.
When Caterina returned to her chamber in the inn occupied by the Montefiore family, she would find a pretty bouquet of summer flower along with a dress length of rich red silk and a skein of fine gold lace. Atop the bundle, tied with embroidered ribbon, was a note addressed to Lady Caterina, written in Elena's hand.
Lady Caterina -
The meeting of the Montefiores and the Deliambres marks a new page where fresh starts can be made. In that spirit, I wronged you on our first interaction, for which I humbly apologize and request a chance to begin again between us. We do not know each other, something that only time spent together will change. From there, perhaps trust and a real friendship may be forged. As we are to become family, I wish that above all things - to be friends, and with time, sisters who share a common goal - the protection and the promotion of the Montefiore family.
Please accept these gifts with my compliments; I saw the flowers and was reminded that even in tragedy, there is hope. The red silk spoke of the fire that burns within you, one that warms and not just scorches. It is my hope that we may put what happened behind as a false start and begin again, and that we may craft this silk together as a tangible effort to craft a new family.
With respect,
Elena
Caterina Montefiore
She had obviously appointed herself a guardian over the last surviving Montefiore brother, a position which Elena could understand. Had she not done so herself more than once over Agustin, though her brother - like Niccolo - was utterly capable of fending for himself? That was not the point, Elena reminded herself. The point was that loss led to a tighter hold, greater caution and more suspicion when it came to those who remained. Caterina was behaving as a loving sister strongly affected by the significant grief involved in losing two brothers tragically. Elena had to keep that in mind.
Deciding to approach this almost formally on the advice received, she took a little time after the first meeting of the feuding families to peruse the rustic marketplace in search of a few items with which she intended to seek a new beginning with the Lady Caterina. War was not what Elena desired, especially in a household where she was still so very new, nor did she wish to put Niccolo in the difficult position, caught between his wife and his sister. Therefore, she put a careful plan into action to seek that new, true start with Caterina, taking advantage of the family at dinner to begin through Caterina's maid and her own.
When Caterina returned to her chamber in the inn occupied by the Montefiore family, she would find a pretty bouquet of summer flower along with a dress length of rich red silk and a skein of fine gold lace. Atop the bundle, tied with embroidered ribbon, was a note addressed to Lady Caterina, written in Elena's hand.
Lady Caterina -
The meeting of the Montefiores and the Deliambres marks a new page where fresh starts can be made. In that spirit, I wronged you on our first interaction, for which I humbly apologize and request a chance to begin again between us. We do not know each other, something that only time spent together will change. From there, perhaps trust and a real friendship may be forged. As we are to become family, I wish that above all things - to be friends, and with time, sisters who share a common goal - the protection and the promotion of the Montefiore family.
Please accept these gifts with my compliments; I saw the flowers and was reminded that even in tragedy, there is hope. The red silk spoke of the fire that burns within you, one that warms and not just scorches. It is my hope that we may put what happened behind as a false start and begin again, and that we may craft this silk together as a tangible effort to craft a new family.
With respect,
Elena
Caterina Montefiore