Lady Ophelia and the" beautiful creatures"

Darcy's Postcard Challenge for 2012/ week 4# CHINA

Spring of 1895 was a time that changed the world. The Qing Dynasty went to war with Japan over who was to control Korea. Japan was assisted as an emerging nation by the British Empire and Germany in the building and training of it's armed forces(British naval skills combined with the German regimental system, making a force to be reckoned with). The Chinese on the other-hand were still recovering from the Sino-French war and two Opium wars with the British. Eventually, in February 1895 the Qing Dynasty agreed to leave Korea to the Japanese, a defeat that the Chinese Empire never really recovered from.

"Dear Miss Lillian,

for the first time since leaving the safety of home, I would say I am a little afraid. Richard is taking great care of me, but being met mid-ocean by a Japanese Warship, in the middle of the night,was very unsettling.

We were treated with the utmost respect, and taken to a port on mainland China. I found this most baffling, but Richard seemed totally relaxed about the whole situation.

I was escorted to the Ladies quarters of a most palacious house, and didn't see Richard for two whole days.

The Ladies that kept me company were the most beautiful creatures I have ever seen, dressed in the finest silks, and moving with so much grace that I found them positively hypnotising.

yours affectionately

Effie XXX

p.s. Richard says if you send a man to the Embassy in London once a month, he can collect each plant that I have drawn for you x
(oops, took this pic before adding p.s.)

"My Darling Effie,

I barely know where to begin. What on earth does your husband think he is doing, putting you in such peril? I know that the Japanese have all but chased the Chinese out of Korea, but to take you to mainland China? When we have been of such assistance in training the Japanese Imperial Navy! Not to mention that it is not so long ago that we ourselves were at war with these people!

I feel positively faint with fear for your safety.

I am certain that the Ladies of the court were most attentive, as one could never fault the manners of the oriental nations, and for this reason I must chide you for your choice of phrase "beautiful creatures". Do not EVER refer to Ladies of any nation in this manner again. The word "creature" should be used only when referring to God's lesser creations.

your ever-loving(though slightly cross) Governess

Miss Lillian xxx

p.s. The house was "palatial" . I look forward to receiving this lovely tree peony. They are quite the thing amongst gardening enthusiasts, my neighbours will be terribly jealous.

:D XXX