[color= #0E6251] I hardly contemplate such notions anymore. As a boy, I suppose, it was a deep green. The color of the trees of Blackwood Manor. Now, I tend to find myself donning various shades of black throughout the year whether through mourning or personal choice I cannot say. I suppose, it has shifted to an inkish black color. Similar to my writings or the scrawlings on my maps. It is a color that puts me at ease. I find a great deal of peace and beauty in the endlessness of black. [/color]
[color= #0E6251] I hold no issue with the concept of marriage. However, I myself am not currently seeking such engagement. [/color]
[color= #0E6251] I suppose every man has want of an heir. Although, I am afraid the desire does not extend beyond necessity. My travels and disinterest in further familial attachments, however, might render me less suitable for the role of a father. [/color]
[color= #0E6251] A cherished friend, of course. We had many great years together as youths. Alas, I confess that since our last meeting, our paths have diverged considerably, and we have grown into very different men. Nevertheless, his company remains one of the rare reasons that brought me joy in revisiting England. [/color]
[color= #0E6251] I have heard little but whispers of the woman since arriving in England, and have not yet made her acquaintance on my own. However, the word spreading of her accident does make one wonder how much of herself is left…the poor girl. [/color]
[color= #0E6251] Again, he is not someone of whom I have been acquainted. Although, I hear he is quite respectable. Not too dissimilar to myself, he became head of his house early on and runs his family’s endeavors. Not a small task for a young man. I hear he also owns land in Scotland, a region I have yet to venture to despite its proximity. I am sure we would get along quite well, and I would love to discuss his business ventures sometime. [/color]
[color= #0E6251] Miss Belle Rose has quite earned her thorny nickname. I am not a man to disparage a lady, but if I were, she would undoubtedly be the sole focus of my distain. I would caution any gentleman considering her as an object of courtship to ponder twice. I have found if you play too often with roses, you tend to bleed. [/color]
[color= #0E6251] Thoughts of ones own introspection should often stay in times of self-reflection, should they not? My thoughts of myself are my own. As for what others perceive of me, my only wish is that I am thought of as a well-respected man of business. As for personal ideals, I care not for what they say. [/color]
[color= #0E6251] I quite resent repeating myself. [/color]
[color= #0E6251] Despite my vehement objections, my uncle and my younger cousin, Elias, hold the conviction that immersing myself in the realm of high society shall yield some form of advantage for me. Being close to my family during times of sorrow, and assuming the role of mentor to my cousin, whose elder brother passed away, constitute additional motives for my decision to remain. I shall like to ensure Elias receives a proper match this season. [/color]
[color= #0E6251] Even crowns made of flowers carry their own weight. It is not one I give out lightly. My apologies, for I must decline your request. [/color]
[color= #0E6251] I am not sure I quite understand your question. If you are asking for traits a woman might possess that would interest me, I suppose there are a few. I would appreciate a person of culture, someone well-read with their own ideas of the world, and someone with the upmost kindness and patience. A woman pleasing to the eyes would be nice as well, I suppose. [/color]
[color= #0E6251] I would sooner pass my earnings to my younger cousins and die a bachelor than engage with a woman who did not steal my breath in both beauty and intellect. [/color]