Samuel Watson is a surgeon in Guildford who works for Mr. Curtis. He is the son of Mr. Watson, the rector of Stanton, and his late wife, Mrs. Watson, making him the brother of Elizabeth, Robert, Penelope, Margaret, and Emma, the youngest of whom he is said to resemble, though his eyes are gray and not brown.
For the last two years, he has been in love with Mary Edwards, but despite his sister Elizabeth's encouragement, nothing may come of it. Her parents disapprove of the match, and she seemingly prefers the attentions of Captain Hunter.