I think I have just accidentally let one of my longest running and most beloved characters die. I didn't mean to. I was just writing about Alec's party, you see, and it kind of slipped out, and then he kind of slipped off. I am quite distraught, both because of my depth of feeling and the suprise nature of his passing - which was mercifully peaceful to the last, and he departs in hope of a better world. His death, which has yet to be discovered, is likely to cause great distress when it is found to at least one other character of my aquaintance; and great embarassment to the host of the party in question, who intended the event mainly to be a twilight house to mark the end of the Flame, with lots of questions asked but not answered, and lots of hints half acted on - suggesting at futures, but not confirming them.

So you see, this all comes as a bit of a shock. I'm going to see what I can throw together as mourning garb - none of the regency websites I have found so far have a section detailing the protocol following the death of a character, even one as close as Nathaniel was to me.

No funeral will be held, at his request; but cards and flowers are greatfully appreciated in memoram.