Searching for Susan

Brother James Fletcher's letter continues to report on Miss Smith.

Boston May 12, 1866 Dear Brother Edwin,

I have just read your letter left at Earle's and as I have a few leisure moments I will write a few lines in reply.

Miss Smith did not intimate to me that she had seen you the previous week or that she had ever met you. She keeps dark presuming I judge that it would not be in good taste for her to open first upon the subject, especially as the decision has not been reached by either party. I think she would be quite free if I should introduce the matter, but I have held back not wishing to get abreast of the times.

I notice she complains of being tired and I can easily account for her fatigue as there are several things on her mind beside the school which is enough of itself to tire a common woman. I should infer she had taken the subject of your attentions into serious consideration and see nothing to indicate an unfavorable response. She seems cordial and like herself when we see her. She knows how to keep a secret as well as anybody and has a nice sense of propriety on all matters of delicacy, especially where her own interests are involved. She is obliged to decide very soon whether she will take the position at the High School at Lynn and if she was settled in her decision towards you, and you towards her, it might affect her plan of taking the school.

Mr. Hills, the principal, of course is interested to know what her plan is. She cannot decide against it while uncertain what her relations to you may be and even if you should agree upon something she might go into the High School for a season. She ought not to keep school any more till she has time to rest. Mr. Hills asked me in case you should decide to take her if willing, whether you would wish to take her at once. He was hoping she might even remain in his school awhile. If you decide in her favor, I should recommend she should not go into the school at all but rest immediately and make needful preparations for the future. I have no doubt this would be for her health and comfort and also for your accommodation. I can see no reason why she will not make you a choice companion.This brotherly correspondence seems a tad chauvinistic, as if the decision to further this relationship is solely in Edwin's hands! James sounds as if he's recommending the purchase of a new wagon, not a potential wife for his brother. His investigations and the intrigue continue.

I have no misgiving in any direction except her health, and I do not see why she may not with a change of duties and have good health. She must have had considerable vigor to do what she has done in school teaching.Susan's health is important as Edwin's first wife and young daughter died unexpectedly from sickness.