Last night, the esteemed Lady Mackin invited myself and several other persons of Quality to her family estate, Castle Evans, for an evening of merriment before departure for our respective winter residences. I was one of the earliest to arrive, and had the honor of joining Lady Rose Buckingham as we entered the Castle. She was quite cold, on account of doing some charity work just prior: making a bonfire and chocolate-graham-cracker confections with some young acquaintances.

After all the guests had arrived, I discussed matters of finance with the Viscount Burgandy, and learned of his families misfortune in recent years. I have no doubt, however, that such a venerable family as his will have no difficulty in weathering whatever vagaries of fate may come their way.

Then I made the acquaintance of a rather eager young gentleman--of French decent, but don't let that deceive you--Mr. Adrian d'Artagnan, of D'Artagnan Dirigibles. He proudly informed me of his expansive dreams for a world filled with airships, soaring from continent to continent faster than any sailing vessel or steamship. I, having made some modest gains investing in the astounding and modern of industrial developments, was most excited to hear of his companies success. I plan to make an sizable investment in his company--provided, of course, its financial records and projections are satisfactorily in order.