Chapter Text
16 March 18XX
Sir,
It is at the great recommendation of a mutual associate of ours that I seek your services. The Dewitt's, of whom my family have been strong and faithful patrons since my great grandfather’s wedding day, have agreed to a commission for a family portrait to be taken. However, it is to my dismay that not all of the living Waynes are able to attend the sessions for these portraits to be done.
It is for this reason that I contact you at Ms. Dewitt’s recommendation. My son, Jason P. Todd Wayne, lives in New York City and is unable to make the journey to our estate in Buffalo where Ms. Dewitt is commissioned to take our portraits. It is my understanding that you are based in the City and with the high praise that your previous portraits have garnered, I would like for you to paint a portrait of my son.
I admit that my son, whom I love dearly with his stubborn soul and all, is a particular man. He is a gentleman known to keep his own schedule and does not take well to this compromise. Nevertheless he is a man of his word who has agreed to it and should not prove to be a difficult subject.
If you are interested in the work, I would ask for your rates for such a portrait and any accompanying costs.
Yours Respectfully,
Bruce Wayne
22 March 18XX
My Dearest Alexandra,
I come to bring my pen to this paper in baffled elation. Not only does my heart beat as though it contains the very wings of every migratory bird traveling back north this spring, but my smile stretches the same distance at the thought of myself in your own thoughts. Of course you are too impressive of a character to allow me to know this fact simply in our usual correspondence, but instead it is reiterated by a peculiar commission request that landed in my mailbox just now.
Did you, my dear, connect me to the lauded gentry of the Waynes?
Of course you did because you are as you always have been far more than I deserve! Know that I’ve always held you dear to my heart. And the life of the city here sings with opportunities both missed and grabbed, but now my rumbling stomach joins the song in an ode to you.
May the world defer to your greatness and grant you the best of health and happiness.
Your deeply grateful no-longer-starving artist,
Kyle
P.S. have you ever met this “particular” son of Wayne’s? How particular can a man be that I am already being advised on him?
P.P.S. My response to your previous correspondence should follow this one. Gratitude led me to finishing this letter first.
22 March 18XX
Dear Mr. Wayne,
I am humbled by the regard that I am held in and would be glad to accept your commission.
In order to properly gauge the price of the work, I would require additional information as to the nature of the portrait that you desire. I have included a chart of dimensions and their general price comparisons.
If I were able to coordinate with Mr. Todd Wayne on session dates, I could provide an estimate on the project’s duration.
…
I look forward to making your son’s acquaintance and creating a work to hang in your halls.
Very Truly,
K. Rayner