Dear Someone,

You're quite right — the things I collect are exceptionally useful, but some of my siblings think it a waste of my time to have them all the same. Unfortunately even my loved ones can be rather closed minded and old fashioned when it comes to a young women wishing to make herself useful in the world — the expectation, I believe, is that we remain primarily ornamental, but I've never had much of an appetite for that. I did have a chance to visit the auction (you're right, it is exactly my cup of tea), but ultimately I was disappointed; the item I purchased has proven itself to be more of the ornamental variety, which I suppose is what I get for not verifying that it functioned before I bid on it.

I shall not regret your having retained your limbs — it would be difficult to write charming anonymous letters had you lost your quill hand to an overeager fly trap. Though I suppose I wouldn't have missed one of your legs, at least in our relationship's current capacity — should we ever meet up for a real adventure, though, I should prefer to move along at a more steady clip than might be allowed by an amputee with a cane, so all the better that you escaped the greenhouse without incident.

Anywhere in the world I should like to explore — what a delicious question! I have done some traveling — more than the average girl of my age, I am fortunate to boast — but primarily in towards the east. I have little experience of the continent, which of course I should like to remedy (it is a little embarrassing not to have been even to Spain — who will believe me traveled and worldwise without having even been to Spain?). There is some part of me, too, that is intrigued by the possibility of going somewhere truly wild. Where are such places, in the modern era? America, perhaps, if one goes far enough west, or maybe Africa. I'm not sure exactly what I would do in the wilds, were I to reach them, but the idea is intriguingly romantic all the same.

I have yet to encounter any exotic animals (my parents have been utter bores about letting me do anything, lately, lest I be kidnapped), but I am holding out hope. I think it would be rather exciting... to meet an actual exotic animal, that is, not one of the kidnapped people. I hope they're all recovered before I have a chance to encounter them, as goodness knows I would be quite powerless to help them out of their predicament.

Sincerely,
Adventurous