I thank you kindly for your sage advice. So thrilled was I to receive your message that I at once leapt to my feet and dashed to the staircase. I had been supping with my family, and this most dreadful show of rudeness nearly made my soon-to-be mother-in-law tip her soup. I am pleased to report that there are eleven steps to the upper storey, and two to the landing where the bedrooms are. I dare say I feel more observant already, and I believe you do yourself quite wrong in suggesting that your own powers have not developed quite keenly!
Nevertheless, as I was wandering my fiancé's estate rather aimlessly this morning, I came to wondering about music. He has this rather ostentatiously decorated piano, you see. The legs are made of thick, gilded lions and they are so terribly hideous it is difficult to ignore. You have written, of course, of Mr. Sherlock Holmes' affinity for the violin, and of the myriad songs he plays for you so kindly. I wonder if you have any musical inclinations?
I, myself, was practiced in piano, just as any other young lady. I am told, however, that I have such dreadfully clumsy fingers, I make even the sweetest of melodies sound like an army's march.
All the best to you and yours,
(And, yes, any address you wish is quite alright. You are a perfect gentleman for asking!)
Good evening, Miss Violet!
Allow me to congratulate you on your engagement! I hope that you and your fiancé will lead a happy life together.
I am pleased to hear my advice worked for you! It is fascinating, is it not - how many little, seemingly insignificant things we miss while going about our daily lives, and of how much importance they prove to be at a later point in time. I may want to focus on my own powers of deduction, too, instead of only writing about Holmes', as your reports of your success have, I believe, given me a nudge to improve.
As for the topic of music, I fear I must disappoint you. I have never learned an instrument in boyhood, and with my medical education and time in the army, I did not have the chance to do so as an adult. Occasionally, I might be inclined to hum a melody or two, but as I must admit that I consider myself rather timid when it comes to my voice, I have not sung a full song in years unless I was intoxicated after one glass of wine too many. You are right about Holmes' talents on the violin, however - every time his long, thin fingers pick at the instrument's strings, a wonderful piece has more often than not soothed me to sleep after a restless day.
Do not despair regarding the piano. I am certain that if you truly wish to improve, you will be able to accomplish your goal with enough time and practice. Not to mention that an army's march is a most respectable piece of composition itself!
Rest assured that I was delighted to receive your message as much as you were delighted to receive mine. I am growing quite comfortable with this queer platform.
