26 JANUARY 2008, Page 71

A. Thank you for your consideration.

Q. I have an intense dislike of writing letters with anything other than an ink pen, including the address on the envelope. However, with the constantly changing weather, I am never quite sure that the letter has reached its destination — surely the rain will wash away the ink on the front of the envelope? Mary, how can I make sure that the letter reaches its destination, while retaining the elegance of ink?

M.W., RAC Club, London SW1 A. Seal the ink on the envelope by pasting on gum arabic, available from art shops. Alternatively, protect it with upmarket Sellotape of the invisible type.