Letters sent between The Institute of Reanimation of People Dead in Their Prime and Maximillian Rocheford of London University. Dated August 24, 1789 to October 9, 1800
Maximillian Rocheford, August 24, 1789.
Addressed to Adam Franciscus, salesperson and benefactor to The Institute of Reanimation of People Dead in Their Prime;
It is with humbleness that I impart to you the news regarding your work on my beloved wife. I was admittedly unconvinced at my initial visit, despite how fascinating I found your living automatons to be, as well as the walking bodies of the apparently dead— my dearest Angelica's body was as beautiful as she were alive, yes, but between tuberculosis and hysteria, I was unsure if what was left within her had been intact enough to return her to her prime. She was nothing less than perfect, and until her death, she always had been. But just a bit less full than she was, stricken by disease. How she came back after the positively agonizing three week tenure alleviated all of these doubts, however; coming back on her own two feet like she always had— I commend your artists on even perfecting how she moved as she ran up the porch steps. Exceedingly perfect, despite the fact that many of her insides were ones that you, my dearest Adam, showed me upon rows and rows of glass boxes in clear liquid. She has been replaced, some parts, but I believe perhaps made whole again in that bizarre way— full of people that are nothing more than strangers, and yet somehow more herself than she had ever been.
A review on how close she resembles Angelica is very much in order. Of course, her outer body is her own, and her face so perfectly encased in your film and thread, as alive and plump as she were breathing. Preserved so well, without a single trace of rot after your workers’ ministrations. Some parts already gone, as her fingers were, and as her toes, were given new ones— they look exactly like hers, and I now see why there is more in the way of cost asked for to recreate these delicate little morsels as precisely as you have. The sutures are barely visible— and I recall you say that they will heal in due time? Why, it's simply a marvel that that's even possible, and I await darlingly for that day to arrive so I may bring her hiking to her favourite creek up north with little fear of something breaking.
Await as well further letters from me, perhaps sent with a few pastries from the kitchens if that would be to your liking.
Your truly grateful client,
Max Rocheford
Adam Franciscus, August 28, 1789
To my dear patron, Max Rocheford, it is with equal humbleness that I read and re-read your letter to me stating your fondness regarding my work. I do trust that my lead made your lovely wife’s body move with the best perfection I could give you, but I also owe it to my dear workers in the stitcher’s halls as well as those lovely university boys that learn under my care. An institute stands not alone, after all, and as much as I drink in the appraisal I let myself stray from vanity stemming from my projects’ successes. Should this letter be favourable in your heart, I would like if your succeeding progress reports tell more of Angelica herself, who you must duly cherish to hand me such a donation in her name.
Although I do not take the praise in your letter with vanity, I will allow myself indulgence in praise done by the sweets you so proudly offer. Be it a childlike proclivity to crave sugars, I surely would never refuse if you gave me those pastries freely. Perhaps in return, I will as well gift you with things to adorn the lovely woman you hold so dear. Accessory shopping is no stranger to us in order to be accurate to one’s visage, after all. I recall in one description as we spoke, that she was partial to amethysts? I will make quick work of this fact and give you this lovely brooch upfront, enclosed within this letter to further our working relationship.
I await what comes next in our partnership.
Best,
Adam Franciscus.
To the darling man whose work makes me ever-pleased,
She looks more herself than before, which is surprising. She is fresher with a gait to her step, and was peppy enough despite warnings to go run up the flower hill on the estate grounds.