In case you were wondering how to interact with an authoress, this etiquette book from 1839 has some helpful suggestions, including accepting the state of an authoress’s writing desk:
At least I’m not the only authoress with an untidy desk. Make sure to click through for more helpful suggestions.
(via Paul Collins, H/T The Paris Review)
Hehe this reminded me of a time when I did cleaning to earn cash as a teenager. I tidied a giant table of paperwork into a neat pile, really chuffed with my efforts. The owner was not impressed!
Oh no! That must have been so awkward.