7th April, 1888
Miss Spinster,I am not wholly certain how one responds to advertisements such as your own. It is, in fact, not something I would have seen had I not confiscated the latest edition of Witch Weekly and perused it for a bit of a lark. Though I confess that the bulk of the volume I could not take seriously, the page from your own story that I read struck something of a chord in me and, after some pondering, I have concluded that there is surely nothing to lose in contacting you.
For myself, I have survived multiple wives, a fact that leaves my eldest daughters—both out of school, but neither within sight of a match of their own—without a more feminine role model than I might provide for them. I have always encouraged both to pursue their passions, but I wish also for them to be happy in life; while I should not dare voice as much to them, I worry that ignoring the typical duties of their sex will be something that they may come to regret in their later years.
I am a man of distinguished years who makes a comfortable living, and my profession dictates I spend the bulk of the year elsewhere. I am not fond of entertaining any but close friends or family, and as mentioned, have daughters who have worked alongside me this past half-decade to shore up much of my deficit in that regard. Such limited social engagements would not be a burden upon any who would join my household. I have two small dogs who are my greatest weakness after my children, and hold a deep appreciation for fine tobacco and a good scotch.
Were I to remarry, it would be to a kind-hearted woman who could care for my children, if not as a mother, than at least as an elder sister might. The youngest of my brood is already attending Hogwarts, but all are dear children in want of a more maternal influence in their lives. An interest in chess would be an asset, but not at all a necessity.
Yours sincerely,
Mr. H.
— set by the long-lost bex —
