“Surprises are foolish things. The pleasure is not enhanced, and the inconvenience is often considerable.”
January 2, 2014 Dear Jane, How can I ever make amends for my prolonged absence from our (well, my) correspondence? I don't believe I can, therefore, I will just have to prove to you that I am still a loyal companion by writing another letter. I must say that I am quite eager to share some rather exciting news with you that I have not, as of yet, announced publicly. However, I must ask you not to get yourself overly excited for it is not as astonishing as announcing an engagement of marriage (for instance), but it is exceedingly agreeable never-the-less. Before my own announcement, I must wish you the happiest of belated birthdays, Jane! Can you believe that you turned two hundred and thirty-eight on the 16th of December in the year of Our Lord, two thousand and thirteen? I certainly cannot. The fact that you continue to make such an impact in the lives of women (and men, I am sure) all over the world after two hundred and thirty eight years, is quite a remarkable feat!