‘I do not suggest you rush into the street and grab the first single man you meet, regardless of his character, Henrietta. It is most advisable that both parties like each other, to some degree. Antipathy from the outset is, I agree, a recipe for misery. Many couples who do merely respect and have a fondness for each other at betrothal come to feel something of the more tender emotions as their life together progresses. Indeed, “passion” as a basis for a union is a very poor reason, since such an emotion is most often transient.’ She looked closely at her niece. ‘Now, I have given you much to think about, I can tell, and I must return to your uncle and give him your answer.’ Lady Elstead rose, and smoothed the skirts of her gown.

‘Aunt, may I tell Caroline?’ Henrietta burst out.

‘You may tell your cousin, but privily, mind you.’

‘Yes, ma’am.’

Henrietta sat for some time before she felt that she could write without her hand shaking. It was, as her aunt had said, ‘a feather in her cap’ to have received an offer, but of all the gentlemen of her closer acquaintance, and Sir Lawrence just about qualified in that category, he was the most unsuitable to her feelings. She took a deep breath. Of course in some ways that made it easier. Refusing him required no hand-wringing or dithering of thought. Better by far it was him than a gentleman whom she could only refuse upon the grounds that they were not … She tried to insert ‘someone she might love’ but her treacherous heart provided something, or rather someone, far more specific.

‘No,’ she admonished herself, out loud. ‘I am deluding myself. This must stop.’

She picked up the pen with an air of determination, and dipped it in the ink.

I have, dearest Papa, just had a great surprise. My aunt came into the room where I am writing this, and told me that Sir Lawrence Coleford is closeted with my uncle, trying to ascertain whether he might be permitted to pay me his addresses. Lest you think that the gentleman will arrive upon your doorstep in the next few days, let me assure you that I have made it clear that I would most certainly not wish to receive such addresses. I think my aunt feels that he has been so precipitate, upon but a short acquaintance, that he does not deserve a positive response, so she has put no pressure upon me to accept. He is not a bad person, but his manner is leaden, and he lives in Lincolnshire.

Henrietta chewed thoughtfully at her lip. Papa was the best papa in the world, and very understanding.