That's the trouble with bringing company along when you go out, of course. You never know who you might run into, but you know precisely what you will talk about, because it has all been decided beforehand. What is appropriate and what one ought to say to strangers, the ways one ought to look, even down to how one holds one's fan. It's much more freeing to go out alone whenever you can.

Did you get the book I sent? Poor Gertrude wasn't up for the task of delivering it, I could tell, so I had the shop owl it straight to you but I've been anxious that it might not have gotten there (only because I so seldom use those delivery services in shops, so I'm not sure how reliable they are).

(Oh, and if you did get the book — don't tell my brother I was out shopping somewhere else, or I shan't hear the end of it).

How has your art been coming along? You mustn't be too hard on yourself, you know; I always think the things you paint are splendid and I'm sure if you had any inclination to sell them, you certainly could.

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