Dear mother,

Silly me! In my last letter, I was so taken by your sad news regarding grandmamma’s health that I completely forgot to inform you of my everyday life, as Father insists I do in my letters. So, here it goes.

On Monday, I went to school. It was not an interesting school day, though. Our teacher, Mr. Harrington, tried to teach us arithmetic. I already knew everything, of course. You and my tutors have prepared me well, mama. But some of my dear classmates do not even understand simple multiplication! It surprises me and makes me feel better about myself. I know what you will say, of course. Not every person has enjoyed the same privileges in life, you have said this a million times, and I know it is bad to feel better about someone else’s misfortune. But rest assured, I always try to help them! I am not being arrogant with them, especially Harriet, whom you remember, I am certain. Well, Harriet is really bad at school now. And I try to help her; honestly, I do. But she seems determined to fail. I do not know how to convince her otherwise, mama. I would greatly appreciate your advice in your next letter regarding Harriet. Her dream is to simply marry the rich, but I disagree. I feel every woman should be her own person.

On Tuesday, we went on a lovely trip to the Botanical Gardens. There was so much flora there. The girls ran to the flowers. Their beauty surpassed excellence. I wish you had come with us! I found a little bee, too. It hovered next to a chrysanthemum, and it reminded me of you, mama. You always seemed to hover around them, too.

Wednesday and Thursday passed in an uneventful manner, I suppose. I studied for school, and read some poetry, and ate with Father and Ms. Keyes again. I am starting to get weary of her company, but I will not say anything, I promise. I know she means well.

On Friday, Father took me to the horses after school. It was a very long and tiring day. But I liked the horses. Father insists that I should learn to ride properly now that I am nearly a young woman, but I am so afeared, mama! What if I should fall and break my neck?

I hope you have been having such a good week, too, mama, although I know it is hard for you now.

Anxiously waiting for your reply (especially regarding Harriet),

Your little bear.