Dear Ms. Skovgard,

As you no doubt know, my dear brother told us of his intentions not long ago, and I would be altogether remiss if I did not reach out. I wonder if I am the first from my family to write to you. I cannot imagine I have beaten my mother to the punch, but I do think it likely to have snuck my correspondence in before Florence, so that is something, at least! It seems quite miraculous that we are not already acquainted, working as we both do in the healing arts.

It is my intention that you and I should endeavour to become friends. That my brother Faustus is so fond of you is perhaps the highest possible mark in your favour; while he and I have not always seen eye to eye on some matters, he is an excellent judge of character. To this end, I wonder if our (busy, working) schedules might allow for us to meet in the near future? For tea perhaps, or a tour of the Infirmary?

Please do write back at your earliest convenience. My cousin and her daughter are healers, but there are none more closely related who share this vocation. I admit, I'm rather excited at the prospect.

Sincerely,

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Postscript: I must confess, do hope I've spelled your name correctly; the only one I might actually ask would be my brother, and while it is not my intention to deliberately keep this correspondence from him, it would hardly be fair to give him any opportunity to weigh in. Please do not hesitate to correct me as needed!