“Violet?”

Hearing Cattleya call out her name caused Violet to look up from where she sat in front of her typewriter, alone in her workspace. “Yes?” 

“Claudia has your next assignment, could you come to his office with me, please?”

Another assignment? One that required a discussion with President Hodgins? So, it would be more involved than her typical work, either taking her far away or she would be writing for someone with a higher profile. Violet hoped it was the latter so her letters to Amy wouldn’t be interrupted.  

“Yes, certainly.” Violet stood and brushed her skirt flat before stepping out and moving to the door. 

Iris spared her a glance as she passed but she otherwise continued writing. Once they were through, Cattleya turned and headed down the hall to the President’s office. After making their way inside, he looked up from his work and smiled in greeting. “Good afternoon, Violet. How are you? Any letters from Isabella today?”

Violet came to a stop a few feet in front of the desk and nodded. “I’m fine, thank you. I did receive a letter today. It seems that her fiancé and his family arrived and are staying for a few days. She sounds less than impressed with him so far.” The realization of her true feelings for her friend, as well as the news of her engagement, still brewed a storm in Violet’s mind. At least she managed to keep herself together at work. Well, after that first day.  

“I see,” President Hodgins nodded and then rose from the desk. “I’m sure that isn’t easy to hear but I know Isabella is glad to have a friend to confide in. You’re very brave, Violet.”

Violet didn’t know about that but nodded her thanks anyway. Especially since she wanted to be more than that and still hadn’t told Amy as much. She’d tried to put the words to paper but worry gripped her heart and her hands froze above the keys. Still, at the end of the day, if she could at least be of some help, then that would be enough, right? It had to be. “I will always be a friend to her.”

“Of course.” President Hodgins nodded and then turned to pick up a piece of paper from his desk. “Speaking of friends and help, I have a request here for your services.” His eyes scanned the paper over one more time before extending it in her direction. Violet took it but otherwise continued to listen to the explanation that was sure to follow.

“That’s from Peony Becker…” The President indicated the letter in her hands with an extended finger for emphasis. “She’s asking for you to visit and help compose two letters. Luckily, she lives just outside the city so you won’t have to go far.”

Peony Becker.

“That name, it sounds familiar…” Violet’s eyebrows subtly knit together and her mind raced to place it. Where did she hear that name? And why did it feel like it had been years since she heard it?

“I imagine it would. Though, you might know her by the nickname she earned in the war. The Black Duchess.”

“Heiress to the Becker Aircraft company to boot,” Cattleya added from off to the side.

Violet’s eyes opened in recognition before she nodded her understanding. “She was one of our best pilots but…I thought she was shot down?”

“She was, actually,” President Hodgins confirmed. “However, she was eventually found safe in a small town as the army gained ground. The war was over not long after that and rumor has it, she hasn’t flown since.”

“I see. And she wants me specifically?”

“She does. I have no doubt your reputation has preceded you, both from your time as a soldier and your work here.”

Violet had written for a few veterans and soldiers up to this point but this was by far the highest profile one. Who was Peony writing to? What did she need to say? These were only the tip of the iceberg as far as questions went but this wasn’t the time or the audience. “When do I start?” She finally asked.

President Hodgins smiled and then moved to sit on the edge of his desk before crossing his arms. “Tomorrow. The paper has the address and the directions. I’m not sure how long your services will be required but please, take all the time you need.” However, his soft expression faded somewhat and his shoulders drooped a little more. “And remember, the fire comes for all of us, Violet. Even thousands of feet in the air.”

Obviously, she didn’t know the woman’s past but the President was right. No one lived through the whole war unscathed. She didn’t doubt for a moment that Peony was any different because she was above the battlefield instead of in a trench. Was this another soldier left without a purpose? Had Peony adjusted to her new life easier than Violet had? “I understand. I will head out tomorrow to meet her.”

“Good. I’ll send a note along telling her to expect you. If you don’t have anything else to work on, feel free to go home and get ready. Make sure to get plenty of rest and clear your head.”

Violet wasn’t exactly sure why he felt the need to reinforce that. She always tried to do so before any job. No matter how small. Perhaps it was the topic of this particular one that worried him? Because it was someone else who fought in the war? “Thank you, I will.”

President Hodgins took in a deep breath and then grunted his agreement before standing tall and walking back behind his desk. Violet let the paper drop to her side and turned to see Cattleya standing and smiling at her. “Let us know if you need anything, Violet. Beyond the assignment, as well.”

“Of course.” As she walked past the older woman, Cattleya reached up and gave her shoulder a squeeze. Which brought out a small, warm smile.

Outside his office, Violet brought the letter up and scanned over the contents. It wasn’t very long and cut straight to the heart of it. Peony had heard of Violet’s reputation and was requesting she come write for her. The address and directions looked like they were most of the letter and seemed easy enough to follow. Violet would have to make sure she woke up a little early to get out of the apartment on time. She better finish up here and pack up her things for travel. Maybe something extra in case she didn’t make it back tomorrow night. She still needed to write Amy and would have to warn her that she may miss a day just so she didn’t worry.

—

True to her intention, Violet woke early the next morning and hastily readied herself. A trolley took her to the edge of Leiden and just over an hour of walking brought her to a long driveway that was blocked by a gate that had clearly seen better days. The letter mentioned as much and told her simply to let herself in and close it once more.

Violet could barely make out the house from the road and it took her walking around a slight bend to get a proper view of the little cottage. It was much smaller than she initially imagined, especially for someone with Miss Becker’s reputation and wealth. The house was made of stone and it looked like slate shingles covered the top. A faint wisp of smoke rose from the fireplace at one end and ivy grew over at least a third of the face, partially blocking one of the two windows on either side of the door. In a word, it was very cozy.

Violet eventually stopped at the door and wasted no time bringing her hand up to knock.

A moment later, she heard movement inside and a muffled voice reached her through the wooden door. “Just a second!”

Violet took a step back in response and brought the case that housed the typewriter around to her front so she could grip it with two hands. Not even a minute later, she heard the door handle click and it eventually swung open to reveal a surprisingly tall woman staring back at her with light, brown eyes. Unobstructed due to the ponytail she kept her dark, black hair in. She wore a long-sleeved white blouse with its sleeves rolled up nearly to her elbows and strangely, she also wore a pair of pants that eventually tucked away into brown, leather boots.

“You must be Violet, right?” Peony asked after running her eyes over her guest. “I don’t imagine many other people are out this early.”

In response, Violet set her bag down and then grabbed the sides of her dress to perform a small curtsey. “It is a pleasure to meet you. If it is your wish, I will travel anywhere to meet your request. I am Auto Memories Doll, Violet Evergarden, at your service.” As she rose, her hands folded in front of her dress again as she waited for a reply.

Peony’s eyes widened for a moment before she smiled wide. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Violet. I am Peony Becker and I am most excited for you to be here.” She turned to the side and backed up a step to keep the door held open and create enough room for Violet to pass. “Please, come in and make yourself comfortable. If you head straight back, I’m making bread for breakfast and have water boiling for tea.”

Violet nodded and bent to retrieve her bag before stepping inside. As she made her way to the back, she couldn’t help but notice the inside was adorned with an eclectic mix of décor. Everything from potted plants to aircraft parts littered the inside. In addition to what looked like multiple bookshelves full of novels.

Peony shut the door soon after and followed behind her to the kitchen, her head similarly turning to look over the interior. “Sorry for the clutter. It seems I have a hard time letting go of things lately.”

The little house might be full of things, but it was still tidy in its own way. It appeared that everything had a place and it wasn’t as though the house was dirty. Quite the opposite, in fact. Well, except for the dining room table. Violet caught a glimpse of it as she went and it appeared to have numerous maps and open books littered atop it. “I don’t mind. Your home seems very inviting.”

Violet heard a light chuckle escape from Peony but didn’t turn to observe the amusement. “I like to think so, though I rarely invite anyone out here. I would rather travel nowhere, to fulfill no one’s request. Well, except one person but we’ll get to that.”

Whatever Peony alluded to must be why Violet was here and it wasn’t wholly surprising to hear that she had become somewhat of a recluse following the war. She certainly wouldn’t be the first to do such a thing. Still, from the first impression, Peony seemed in high spirits overall.

Once they entered the kitchen proper, her host came alongside her and indicated a circular table set off to one side. It was much smaller and probably used to eat her actual meals instead of the large one in the dining room. “Have a seat, Violet. Would you like some tea?”

“I would, thank you.” Violet subsequently moved to the table and set her case down by a chair before pulling it out and sitting. Once she was down, her eyes continued to roam in curiosity. Sure enough, a large dough ball sat atop another, narrower table by the kitchen’s cabinets and sink.

“Excellent.” Peony moved to the stove and retrieved a kettle that was already lightly steaming. Most likely warmed already and waiting for Violet to arrive. She moved a few steps down the counter and poured the boiling water into two cups that must have been similarly prepared. It seemed Peony liked to plan ahead. “I’ve heard a lot about you, you know,” she said while she worked.

“You have?” It wasn’t necessarily surprising given Violet’s growing popularity in both parts of her life. She only wondered which reputation Peony was referring to.

“Mhm. The ‘Soldier Maiden of Leidenschaflich.’ An impressive title. And…” Now that she was done pouring the water, Peony returned the kettle to the stove before moving across the kitchen. “Now a famous Auto Memories Doll.” She finished the words in time to grab a blue apron from where it hung on a hook. Once it was on and tied, Peony finally turned to look upon Violet again. “*Very* impressive.”

“I’ve had a lot of help along the way,” Violet admitted. The Major, President Hodgins, Cattleya, and all her friends.

“I’m sure you have. I think we both know we can’t do what we’ve done alone. I’m assuming you know who I am?”

“The Black Duchess,” Violet responded. Surely, that’s what Peony was referring to seeing as she had used the nickname given to Violet when she was a soldier. One that had begun to make her stomach turn whenever she heard it in recent years.

“Yes, that’s what they call me.” Peony laughed then. An abrupt, low laugh that betrayed a hint of sarcasm. “It seems that’s the reputation that has stuck and no other noble pursuit has found me just yet to erase it.” 

“Are you not involved in your father’s company?”

Peony shook her head and moved to the table with the dough. Her eyes dropped to it and she resumed wherever she was in the kneading process before Violet arrived. “No. I have no stomach for business. I belong in the sky, not a board room. Of course, I haven’t flown in years either so I guess I’m not much of a use to anyone at the moment.” Following the words, Violet couldn’t help but notice Peony’s movements increased their pace. 

“I’m sure your father is happy you’re back home. Whether or not you are involved with his work.” 

Mention of her father seemed to slow Peony’s hands somewhat and a reserved smile took the place of the somewhat sour expression that had begun to appear. “He is. He’s a good man and I’m very lucky to have him.” Now that she had the dough how she wanted, she looked up at Violet where she sat. “It seems you have found others to support you in this new life, right?”

“I have, yes. I have many friends that have helped me settle and grow.” And well, someone else that was something so much more. 

“Only friends?” Peony asked.

Violet moved to open her mouth but paused and closed it again. That was quite a personal question after having just met, wasn’t it?

“Sorry, I don’t mean to pry,” Peony offered once it was clear Violet hesitated in answering. “I’m happy that you have found others to rely on. It’s so important.” Following the apology, Peony turned again and retrieved a baking stone before setting the dough ball atop it.

“What about you? Have you found others to help you in your new life?” Violet couldn’t help but wonder. After all, it seemed like the woman at least knew how important it was.

“Not really, my father is kind but he’s very busy. I mostly spend my time here alone with my hobbies.” 

“I see.” It saddened Violet to hear that but perhaps that was the way Peony preferred it?

“However, I was hoping that might change. Which is why you’re here, Violet.” Without further explanation, Peony turned and placed the bread in the oven to bake. Subsequently, she scooped up the two cups of tea and brought them to the table. She slid one to Violet after sitting and brought hers to her mouth for a quick sip. “I need you to write two letters for me. Both to friends, both very important.”

Violet accepted her drink with a nod and similarly brought it up to sample. There was ginger aplenty with a nice hint of lemon. Plus a few spices she couldn’t name but were equally as delicious. “Thank you for the tea. Would you tell me about the recipients? It will help me when crafting what to say.” 

Peony inhaled and exhaled slowly before nodding her head. “I figured as much. Though I must warn you, they are both somewhat sad tales.”

“I am quite used to sad things,” Violet replied. “Please, tell me everything you can, Miss Becker.” 

Peony seemed to consider the answer for a moment before shrugging and taking another sip. “As you wish. Better make yourself comfortable, then. It all begins with my sweet Sophia.”