Dearest Lydia,

Please be mindful of your schoolwork, but do not stress too much over it this year, for there is nothing attractive about forehead lines on a girl of eighteen! The Coming Out Ball is like a dream to a new debutante, but you will soon realize that more extravagant events lie in the future. I obviously did not secure my own husband there, so do remember not to measure your future success by one single night! And do not fret - if you cannot secure a husband during the first season, I'm sure my dear Inès will be able to assist you!

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