[pleasantries]

As you may recall, Cassius' betrothed perished, as so many did, during the Laughing Plague. I fear I have been delinquent in making provision for him in the years since, leaving him still rather adrift in that regard. I will not mince words: I have never paid much mind to the whose who of young witches, and so I have decided it is best if I bow to the wisdom of others in that regard. Your stewardship of your dear mother's school, and your prominence within society, makes you an ideal candidate, and so it is with hope that I ask for your assistance.

Craft a short list, conduct interviews, or do whatever it is you might to ensure that only the most suitable candidates cross my path, for this is not something upon which I wish to waste time. You may think that callous, but I consider it pragmatic: I am a busy man who needs to see an important task done well.

I look forward to a swift response.

Yours,

[More pleasantries]

Of course I would be happy to assist you—and my dear cousin—with such an endeavor! I thank you for the trust you have placed in my, my contacts, and my abilities, and am confident that I will find just the young lady. I certainly agree that, without a formal understanding, poor Cassius must be feeling rather adrift, and a gentleman adrift may soon become something less than a gentleman!

I shall begin the search with immediate effect, and shall keep you appraised of my progress.

Sincerely,

Though we are not formally acquainted, my husband, Mr. Elwin Abercrombie, did meet you recently at the Aphrodite Soiree, where he was escorting a cousin. He had gave such an interesting (and positive, rest assured!) report of you that I felt certain that you were just the individual for a delicate and important matter that has been placed in my lap.

My young cousin is in need of a wife, you see—not in the immediate future, but ours is a family that likes to have matters ironed out with a great deal of notice. It is my challenge to find him a suitable young lady for betrothal. He is a dear young man who deserves a good match, and I worry about doing badly by him. To that end, I write in the hopes that you might assist me in finding the best possible companion.

Sincerely,