From Johannes, Summer 1222

> To the respected Mathieus of House Jerbiton, Johannes Roth sends greetings and good wishes:
>
> My friend Alexios has spoken much of your wisdom and understanding, and thus, being 
> unsure where else I might turn, I am venturing to contact you in this matter, and hope 
> that you will not take it amiss that I have done so, whether you are able or willing
> to help, or not.
>
> I have reached that age wherein a man begins to consider marriage and the continuation 
> of his line. Sadly, owing to the strain in my relationship with my father, Baron Roth, 
> the origin of which lies in the irregularity of my conception, I find myself unable, 
> to seek his advice - or at least unwilling to do so and reopen old wounds.
>
> I know you have many claims on your time, but I am hoping nonetheless that you might 
> be able to offer me some advice on how I might proceed; I would be most grateful no
> matter how much or how little.
>
> Yours with respect,
>
> Johannes ex Guernicus

-------------------------------

From Mathieus, Summer 1222

> To Johannes Roth, Quaesitor of Stonehenge,
>
> I am, of course, willing to offer my advice.  This question is one
>that I have been asked about on many an occasion, although few of
>those who ask seem to go on to fulfil their course of action.
>
> The problem is complicated, of course, because there's no commonly
>accepted status for an Hermetic Magus.  Many of my charges are in
>fact full members of the nobility; and for them I recommend that they
>proceed in exactly the way they would if they were any other younger
>son or daughter.
>
> In your case as one outside of the supporting structure of the
>nobility I suspect you're going to have to make some kind of
>compromise.
>
> Potential options might be, firstly a Maga of the Order; secondly
>the younger daughter of an impoverished nobleman; thirdly the
>daughter of a prosperous merchant or craftsman hoping to rise in the
>world; fourthly the daughter of one of your Academic compatriots at
>Cambridge or Oxford; or fifthly abandon any concept of your correct
>place in the world and court anyone you please and submit yourselfs
>to the arrows of public opinion.
>
> In the first or second case I might be able to arrange
>introductions.  Or indeed in the fourth case in respect of Paris.
>
> I hope that this overview has been helpful; do please feel free to
>consult me further.
>
> Mathieus.

-------------------------------

From Johannes, Autumn 1222

> To the respected Mathieus of House Jerbiton, Johannes Roth sends greetings 
> and thanks:
>
> I have received your kind reply, and much appreciate the helpful overview.
> which you included. 
> 
> I am surprised to hear that few Mages fulfil their aim in this regard; 
> perhaps it bodes ill for my own prospects?
>
> Were you aware of a Maga of the Order or a noble daughter who might find
> my suit welcome, I would be glad indeed of an introduction, if such could
> be arranged.
>
> Yours in gratitude,
>
> Johannes ex Guernicus

-------------------------------

From Mathieus, Winter 1222

> To Johannes Roth, Quaesitor of Stonehenge,
> 
>  I think the primary reason that many young Mages do not succeed in
> marrying is that they get distracted by their Arcane and Academic
> studies to the extent that they ignore this other goal.
>
>  If you are wishing to court a daughter of the French court then I
> would suggest that you visit here for a season whilst the King is in
> residence in the Louvre and I can arrange for you to be invited to
> major court functions.  Alternatively the Duchy of Burgundy hosts
> the most cultured court in Europe.
>
>  Alternatively were you to wish to meet eligible Magae then I could
> be persuaded to organise, say, a week of social events here in
> Paris; culminating in a Ball of course.  There are a number of
> recently gauntleted Magi and older apprentices whom I would invite.
>
> Yours,
>
> Mathieus.
>
> *[Attached is a short summary of some eligible Magae]*

-------------------------------

From Johannes, Winter 1222

> To the respected Mathieus of House Jerbiton, Johannes Roth sends greetings 
> and thanks:
>
> I can certainly understand that the pressures of time are an obstacle; between
> mundane and magical studies it often feels like there will never be enough time
> in the day!
>
> I would be very interested in meeting several of the young Magae you mention,
> and a week of social events in Paris would be a most welcome break from my
> usual regime of study. If it were not too much trouble for you to arrange it,
> I would be delighted to attend such an event, and I pray you tell me what I 
> might do to facilitate it.
>
>
> Yours in gratitude,
>
> Johannes ex Guernicus