Sister,

I have just seen the bill for Ani's debut at month's end. It is not, by any measure, small.

Of coruse, I understand that Father wishes it to be a success, giventhe circumstances that saw her enrolled at Pendergast's and in truth, I do not think there is too high a price to place on Ani's future security and happiness. Still if this is going to be a success, I think it important we are all on the same page.

Father may not be the sort to interfere, and I have trusted you (more or less) in your choices, but for Ani's sake I will put my foot down: your husband will be there, and he will be on his best behaviour. I'm sure he has 'matured', or something to the kind, since his election, but he must lend his gravitas (how loathe I am to imply he has any) without sparking any whispers. If he is not there, he will spark whispers. If he brings any of his less reputable friends (MacCoinnich springs to mind), he will spark whispers. If he leaves early, he will spark whispers.

I will admit to you here in modified Discretionary Ink (it will look like overly technical medical speak to anyone else, especially your husband), that I should like to see not only our sister, but myself settled by the Season's end. To that end, if you might indicate one or two appropriate young ladies I should seek to dance with, either at Ani's debut or the myriad other balls on the social calendar, I would be embarrassed, but greatful.

Your long-suffering but affectionate brother,
Stan