You may not know how many a tortured soul you speak to, for I think not all are so forthright and plain about it as I. But your efforts are promising, and I would bid you continue to write, if you are willing.

I envy your free life to hear you speak of it; I feel as though I have made myself a prison of my own making. But though my life is lonely, I am not lacking in things with which to surround myself. I suppose I should say I take pleasure in collecting: collecting all sorts. I have gardens to roam in too, for that matter, and a collection of plants and flowers in my grasp, though I pretend not to be the expert cultivator that you are. I did know someone who loved the gardens, once.

What is your favourite plant or flower, pray? Perhaps I will go a-hunting; perhaps I have even overlooked the species on my very doorstep.

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