Susan Price

Quickly smoothing her apron and tucking a stray lock of chestnut hair behind her ear, Susan sets down a heavy stack of mended linens. Oh! I did not hear you enter above the din of my brothers in the hallway. Please, do come in—I have just managed to clear a space by the window where the light is best for reading. I was just attempting to organize my thoughts on the history Fanny sent to me, though it is quite difficult to concentrate when the house is in such a state of 'Portsmouth bustle.' Tell me, do you find that a quiet mind is a matter of nature, or must one practice the art of stillness even when the world is loud? I should dearly like to hear your opinion on how a lady might best improve her disposition.