February 14th, 1888

Dear Mr. Adlard,

I do hope you don't find this incredibly forward of me- a coworker of mine recognized you from the library and gave me your name, but I had to write to extend my most sincere apologies and gratitude. I was terribly unwell last week and not taking good care of myself, but choosing to try and push through it, instead of rest.

I truly appreciate the assistance you provided that afternoon in the library. I do hope I wasn't too much of a burden, nor an embarrassment. I have included some homemade treats for all of the trouble I caused you.

Most Sincerely,
Miss Elsie Beauregard

Included are ginger snaps, shortbreads and pumpkin pasties, wrapped neatly in a little package.

  

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MJ always makes her so pretty

February 16th, 1888

Dear Miss Beauregard,

Thank you very much for the treats, they were a welcome surprise and absolutely delicious. I am quite fond of pumpkin pastries and your's were the perfect treat after a long day at work.

While I do appreciate the sentiment and thank you for the kind gift, it is entirely unnecessary. I assure you, you were neither a burden nor an embarrassment. I will not say I was happy to help, for I never wish to see someone in such a situation as you were that afternoon, but I was glad I was able to assist you. Please do not feel any undue worry over the situation. I only wish to know if you have recovered from your illness? Do not think me too bold, but I have always found a good book the best distraction for being home bound and sick. I have enclosed one of my favorite novels with hopes that it may bring you to better spirits until you are recovered.

Sincerely,
Mr. P. Adlard

  

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Pretties from Lady <3

February 18th, 1888

Dear Mr. Adlard,

I'm relieved to hear you enjoyed the sweets and that I have not left an unfavorable impression on you. I am feeling much better, thank you. A few days rest and my mother's constant worry and attention have sorted me at least so I can go back to work.

Thank you for the book, it was very kind of you. I fear working in the library has made me very transparent in my obvious love of literature. I'm in the middle of a book right now, but I shall endeavor to read yours next. I've never been able to read more than one at once. Thank you again.

Most Sincerely,
Miss Elsie Beauregard

  

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MJ always makes her so pretty

February 21st, 1888

Dear Miss Beauregard,

I am much relieved to hear that you are once again in good health. I am sure you are quite happy to be at work again. As I am a regular visitor of the library I shall hope to see you there on my next visit and see you well for myself.

I entirely understand, I am never able to read more than one book at a time. Being a lover of literature myself I often find my appetite for books larger than my bookshelves. I always bring home too many to read at once when I return from the bookstore. I confess that I often do not have the opportunity to read them until much later.

Please, let me know if you enjoy the novel. I should hope that it would bring a smile to your face regardless of your health.

Sincerely,
Mr. P. Adlard

  

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Pretties from Lady <3

February 24th, 1888

Dear Mr. Adlard,

I'm quite well now, thank you. I was most unfortunately under some undue stress and was not being smart about handling it. That's all past now however. I'm an indeed ecstatic to be at the library once again, I fear that even though I work here, I spend far too much time here than is strictly necessary.

I have worked in both a bookshop and the library, so I can sympathize with your approach to having too many books. My mother makes me get rid of a few before I bring more home. Smart of her, but terribly hard for me! Some day I'll have a library of my own, just rows and rows of books that fill an entire room.

I must admit I haven't gotten a chance to start the novel yet, this one I'm currently reading is quite long, even for my relatively speed when reading. I shall endeavor to let you know what I think as soon as possible.

Most Sincerely,
Miss Elsie Beauregard

  

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MJ always makes her so pretty

February 27, 1888

Dear Miss Beauregard,

I do not believe one can spend too much time in a library. Especially not if it is a place one enjoys. I have always found that libraries calm me when I am stressed. Perhaps, this is a habit I developed at school, but it is one I have held on to in the years that have passed.

Your mother is smart in that regard. I would chafe under such restrictions, however. I suspect my housekeeper would be grateful if I were to employ such a rule. Alas, it is too much like losing a friend rid myself of my books. I admit that this habit has begun quite the library in my own home. You may even find it much like the one you dream about. Perhaps because of my habit of buying too many books I may one day find myself with a library worthy of compliment.

Is the novel you are reading quite good despite its length? I have of late been looking for something to occupy my evening hours and have found myself quite at a loss of what to read next.

Sincerely,
Mr. P. Adlard.

  

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Pretties from Lady <3

March 5th, 1888

Dear Mr. Adlard,

I wholeheartedly agree about spending time in the library. I find it to be incredibly calming. The library at Hogwarts was my favorite place to spend time. It's a wonderful escape if you know where to hide.

I too have trouble parting with some books, but I read so many that I cannot possibly keep them all. That is the beauty of the library itself. I'm currently reading a large collection of short stories, which is why it's taking me so long, I've only a few left however.

If you are in need of something to read, I can certainly help if you advise me on things that you like, that is part of my job after all, and I'd be happy to help.

Most Sincerely,
Miss Elsie Beauregard

  

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MJ always makes her so pretty

March 9th, 1888

Dear Miss Beauregard

Looking back on my school days I do not believe I can count the amount of hours I spent in the library. The number of hidden coves and books that filled the room often dragged me in. I do admit that I was also fond of the animal pens for Care of Magical Creatures, for I've often found that animals and books are two things that are easiest for me to speak to. This is something my sisters find me at great fault for. I do hope you won't think less of me for admitting to such a shortcoming.

Short stories often remind me of my childhood. Like the tales our nanny would tell us when we were little. I almost think libraries are like short stories in themselves. A single place to house such many wonderful thoughts and tales.

Perhaps I may take you up on that offer. My sisters endlessly laud Isolde Bennet's words, and while they do seem feminine in nature I have enjoyed them. Presently, however, I am hoping to find something more filled with adventure than tales of dowries. This may be another fault of mine - indulging in my sisters' requests and whims as soon as they are asked or suggested of me.

Sincerely,
Mr. P. Adlard.

  

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Pretties from Lady <3

March 11th, 1888

Dear Mr. Adlard,

I can certainly empathize with the desire to talk to books and animals, I am not the most social of people myself. Admittedly the collection I was reading was of fairy tales from around the world, probably not unlike the ones you mentioned being told to you. I've finished it now and started the book you sent me, I quite like it so far! Thank you again.

Your sisters' tastes sound entirely like my own, however I've got an entire library at my disposal. I've always been a fan of Mark Twain's work if you haven't ready any of his novels. Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island was very adventurous as well. There's a newer author coming out as well by the name of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. He's published a novella called A Study in Scarlet that I also enjoyed and the characters are quite fascinating. Please let me know if there's anything I can send out for you if none of those sound to your liking, I can keep looking.

Most Sincerely,
Miss Elsie Beauregard

  

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MJ always makes her so pretty

March 18th, 1888

Dear Miss Beauregard,

I admit I am glad to find I am not the only one of this disposition. My sisters often chastise me for what they find in lacking in my skills. I, however, believe there is something to be said for observation and not words all the time.

Was there any particular tale in your book that had captured your attention? I am familiar with tales from my childhood, but not those from around the world.I am glad to hear that you are enjoying the book. It was the least I could do to help.

Recently I read something by Mark Twain, it was quite enjoyable, especially as I have had little experience with the world across the Pond. It made me wonder what it might be like over there as opposed to here. Perhaps one day I shall be adventurous enough to venture there myself.

Upon your recommendation I have begun A Study in Scarlet. So far I have hardly been able to put it down and suspect that I shall soon have finished it and will be on the hunt for a new book all too soon. Perhaps I shall have to employ a collection of short stories once I have finished it.

Sincerely
Mr. P. Adlard

  

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Pretties from Lady <3

April 1st, 1888

Dear Mr. Adlard,

I must apologize for the length of my response, I've fallen unwell again and this time took better precautions to take care of myself. I don't often fare well with the switching of the seasons, I'm afraid.

I am however very glad to hear that you enjoyed Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. I expect we'll be seeing more of his work sooner rather than later. His popularity is growing quickly. As I'm sure you've finished it already and you mentioned a collection of short stories, I'd be more than happy to share the fairy tales I was reading, if you have any interest. To answer your question, my favorite of that anthology was Little Thumbelina, though there are several I cherished. I'd be interested to hear of which ones you enjoyed.

Please let me know if you'd like the anthology or anything else from the library, if you are in need of something else to read.

Most Sincerely,
Miss Elsie Beauregard

  

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MJ always makes her so pretty

April 5th, 1888

Dear Miss Beauregard,

I am sorry to hear you have been well. I hope you have been resting in the meantime and are feeling much better by now. Hopefully we shall have spring like weather to keep you feeling well for the next few months. I admit, I rather hate hearing when you are unwell.

Doyle was quite a good read and I suspect I will join the crowds crowing his popularity as I do look forward to his next work. I have started a rather dry work on the care of magical creatures in America, however, I could use something to pair with it. There is always that one book that needs a friend to be read at the same time to simply get through it. I rather think a collection of fairy tales is just the thing to keep me alternating between the two and would be more than obliged to accept your offer. I shall keep an eye out specially for Miss Thumblina and her stories. As there anything in particular that made those your favorite?

As much as I love your offer, Miss Beauregard, I shall soon find myself with little to no reason to visit the library. I shall have to visit when I take you up on your next offer, for I feel rather remiss in my own visits to such a calming location.

Sincerely
Mr. P. Adlard

  

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Pretties from Lady <3

April 10th, 1888

Dear Mr. Adlard,

Thank you for your concern, I'm feeling much more myself the last few days. Spring weather will certainly be a welcome change. I always enjoy the warmer months. When I worked at the bookstore in Hogsmeade I used to walk to work, simply to enjoy a little sunshine. The floo network does not hold quite the same charm as an evening stroll after a long day.

I've included the anthology for you to enjoy, though I had to place a charm on it so it was small and light enough for my owl to carry, a simple reversal with right it. It's quite large, be wary when you change it back. I hope it pairs well with your creatures book. I must say I never took a class on it myself, but find it to be a fascinating subject. Is it something you read a lot about?

As for Thumbelina, I think the allure for me was the ease of sympathizing with her situations at some points, but also her determination to never settle for less than what she wanted. I do hope you enjoy the book and please hold onto it as long as you like.

Most Sincerely,
Miss Elsie Beauregard

  

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MJ always makes her so pretty

April 15th, 1888

Dear Miss Beauregard,

You are quite right, there are few things that can be cherished more than an evening stroll. As I also find myself using the floo network to get to the Ministry, I find myself missing the outdoors. Weather charms inside a building quite lack the authenticity and charm of the real thing. I have been known to spend the last lighted evening hours strolling, a fact for which my dog is quite happy with. You would think her the most spoiled of dogs for the amount of walks I indulge her. Although, if I am being truly honest, I feel she may be indulging me.

I followed your instructions when I unwrapped your book, you are quite right it is a daunting size. However, I have already begun reading it and have found it quite charming. It is a nice juxtaposition to my beasts book.

I do read a lot of magical creatures, then again it is almost as if I am working at home when I do. I took the course when I was in school knowing that I found animals comforting and easier to speak to than people. It was only natural then that I would take a position in the Beast Division of the Department for the Regulation and Care of Magical Creatures. There are days when my own stories from work seem more entertaining than the texts on beasts that I read. For instance the day someone set loose a cage full of fire breathing chickens in the middle of the office. It took us the whole day to collect all the chickens, only to realize the next day that one had escaped and made its way into the atrium of the ministry. Days later we realized they had laid eggs around the office. It was quite the adventure. We had singed hands and clothes for weeks. It is not uncommon to still find files with burned edges from that day.

I can see the appeal you have for Miss Thumbelina, as I have read several of her stories. It is a worthy goal to never settle for less than you hope for. A goal that I have often enforced in myself.

I hope this letter finds you well.

Most Sincerely,
Mr. P. Adlard

  

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Pretties from Lady <3