About this story
Preparation becomes its own occupation: your mother, aunt, and sisters build a trousseau from advice that contradicts itself on climate, cloth, and courage, since most correspondents know a hill station and none know Calcutta. You settle for packing a year's worth and trusting experience for the rest. On departure morning the ship pulls away, and your assigned chaperone drifts to other friends, leaving you alone among strangers.
How it opens
I came home intending Switzerland and found your tennis more persuasive than mountains.
He played badly, served tea to older ladies, and grew miserable whenever his mistakes cost you a set.
I hope next Wednesday provides you a partner equal to your game.
I hope so too, though I meant better luck for both of us rather than your replacement.
A week after the misunderstanding cleared, your engagement surprised nobody except its participants.
Choose
Describe your household before relatives furnish an imaginary one.
Tell me what you cannot promise about climate and distance.