There was something nice about the idea of doing what was best for ones family because you liked ones family and not because the disdain and indifference of your only family made you desperate for their approval and love despite the fact they had been dead for the best part of 15 years. The responsibility she could understand, it was why she had written into the lonely hearts- find a pragmatic man looking for a mate and do that very English thing that they liked to call 'duty'. However, the prospect that one might actually find a wider family worth being part of. She was an orphan, aware of all of the vulnerabilities that that posed for a single woman in possession of a large fortune and no family. One elderly spinster did not count as much of a family, especially when she made it clear rather often that she did not like Suki all that much and felt her guardianship responsibilities to be a burden.

'That is gratifying to hear.' Suki said with a small and almost shy smile. An expression she did not often convey publically, but it was nice to think that someone's family life might be improved by your presence.

'So how would you suggest we meet?' she asked, 'I don't believe I've made his acquaintance before so we might need you to act as meeting intermediary.'

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