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Chloë Darling,

Well done! No doubt it took simply ages for you to open the envelope. I wonder whether you had help with it in the end? Well, here we are, setting off for Wales – perhaps we’ve already arrived. Is it still winter? It should be, I’ve envisaged it that way.

Wales is a heady contradiction of rustic simplicity and rural grandeur, and ‘little lines of sportive wood run wild’ (Wordsworth’s succinct description for hedgerows, darling). Virginia Trapper will make your stay memorable indeed.

You met Gin a couple of times when you were younger – perhaps you remember? She rarely leaves the farm now so I decreed special dispensation for her to miss my funeral. She did want to come, but I was happier for her not to be there. No doubt she’ll want to know all about it so paint a technicolor picture for me, would you? Don’t stint on detail and add a little flurry of brush strokes here and there, they’ll go down a treat.

For all four countries that you will visit, you will see but a tiny corner of each. They are so vastly different – both from each other as well as within each itself. However, though I say so myself, I have picked rather well and assure you that each place will exude the essence of that country.

I so wish I could be there with you.

Really there.

In life, in the flesh.

Alas.

Instead, you must carry me along.

Promise me.

Of course, as I write, I have absolutely no idea whether I will indeed be able to ‘look down’, to watch over you once my number’s up. Just now, I’d love an angel or agent to pop down and give me a clue or two but I shan’t hold my breath. Ha! The consequences if I were to!!

If I find that I can, I will. If I can’t, just keep me close.

Enjoy Wales and chin-wagging with the Gin Trap.

Ireland next, remember.

Fondest, as ever,

Jocelyn.