The Ecstasy of Sister Amata

1.Some Practicalities (May-June 2018)

London, 4th May 2018

Dear Ella,

Forgive this quick note, and I know it might be too late – have you booked anywhere for Sister Francesca's retirement function on 21st July yet? I know you said in your Easter card that you and Susie were looking at getting somewhere nearby for the night, and I'm sorry I never got back to you one way or the other about joining you. However, if it's not too late to change your plans, I may have an option which will save you money (and be nice in itself).

In some ways this feels a bit strange, and I'm still coming to terms with it myself, but I heard yesterday that I've been offered a job at St Benedicta's (teaching some French and German, and helping with the music), which comes with a little cottage in the grounds – would you like to come and stay with me? I'm moving in about a fortnight before the day itself, so it might not be as homely as it could be, but there'll be enough room for all three of us and it'll be a nice opportunity to catch up – and it would only be a short walk back after the formalities, rather than having to arrange a designated driver or taxi.

I don't have a contact for Susie, but I know you're in touch – do you want to consider it between you and let me know? I'm here until 24th June, then spending a week or two at my parents' before taking the cottage.

I hope everything's fine with work and so on. It'll be strange to be back at the old place again after ten years, but I'm quite looking forward to seeing you both and catching up properly.

Best wishes,

Bea

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Leicester, 11th May 2018

Hi Bea,

Thanks for the card the other day. Congratulations on the job! I assume you're not having to become a nun to join the staff...

Thanks also for the offer of a bed for the night after Sister Francesca's do. Susie and I hadn't got further than looking at a few possibilities, and neither of us have been organised enough to actually book somewhere. So, good offer, thank you! Susie says thanks and congrats, too.

If you're sure it won't be too much having us both so soon after moving in, we'd both love to come and stay with you. It'll be so nice to see you again after so long, and even if we all have to sit on crates it'll be a load more fun than some chintzy old lady's B-and-B.

I'll make sure I bring a bottle or two of something exciting so we can have a house-warming at the same time. I'm sure Susie would normally (she's always liked a glass, as you know) but she's said to warn you that she's pregnant (four months already!) so will be strictly on the fruit juice.

Lovely as it is to get actual post that isn't bills or admin (and you always manage to find such pretty cards!), do you have email? It might be easier as we get nearer the time, in case anything changes at the last minute. Mine's below, along with my mobile number. Do you want Susie's too?

Hope all's well with you too? Have you finished your course now (I want to say, Royal College of Organists??)? What are you up to, work-wise? I see you're still in London, anyway. For my part, things are OK here although busy with the end of the playing season coming up and I can't believe I'm almost at the end of the first year of this PhD already! My supervisor is relaxed about it, though, and making positive noises about what I've done so far. I'm hoping to catch up and get moving on some research over the summer, after the season comes to an end.

Take care,

Ella x

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To: raphaela_neville90