Mrs. Dashwood's inquries into suitable living arrangements seem to have been limited to those situated near to Norland. From Chapter 3: ... she was ...indefatigable in her inquiries for a suitable dwelling in the neighbourhood of Norland; for to remove far from that beloved spot was impossible. But we do not know for sure that she has or has not been in correspondence with her relations - near or far - one of whom may have been Sir John, or, as you say, one who shared the news with him. A gentleman of consequence and property in Devonshire who kindly invited his cousin and her daughters to his own estate to check out the cottage before they committed to it. Very agreeable, and of course, Sir John's proposal was particularly well timed!