The
Child Book
of
Etiquette

Lessons learned while reading the ballad collection of Francis James Child.

by David Kessler

     Dear Francis,

     I am happily married and have 2 wonderful daughters, one blonde and one raven-haired.  A knight recently visited our estate and was naturally impressed by their beauty, but I'm afraid that he hasn't expressed interest in only one of them, but in both.  Perhaps this is suitable behavior in court, but here in the country it is considered improper to court one daughter with gold and rings, while yet loving the other above all things.
     My daughters are good young ladies and don't fight with each other, but I can tell that there is tension between them.  My raven-haired daughter, in particular, seems angered.
     I fear that this will not end well.

     Signed,
     Wondering

     Dear Wondering,

     Although this may seem an impossible situation, take heart and trust to the familial bond: "blood is thicker than water" as they say.
     Let your daughters spend some private, unchaperoned time together so that they can speak frankly to each other about their feelings.  A good long walk together along the seaside should be all that's required to solve the problem.  The fresh sea air is often good for clearing the head and making priorities clear.  You might even find that they are able to decide who should have the knight in question.

     Signed,
     Francis J. Child