I know that one is meant to find a husband in the course of the Season, but in truth, Papa, I find the thought weighs heavily upon me. I do not wish to leave the people I love, the places I know best, for anyone who has been introduced to me in London. The gentlemen who pay court to me are generally nice, some witty, some clever, some kind, but I have formed no attachment to any of them beyond a light friendship, and none have touched my heart. Yet if I return to you unbetrothed I know that my aunt will be sorely disappointed in me, and society will mark me as a failure. You may say that the latter is of no consequence, since I do not intend to return to society, but I know that my aunt has put considerable effort into making this Season a success for me as much as for Cousin Caroline, and it is not easy to contemplate disobeying her. Sir Lawrence did not meet with her approval, but it is not at all inconceivable that another gentleman whom she sees as a ‘catch’ may wish to offer for me, and then I am not sure how I can answer her.

Please do not think that I am miserable, darling Papa, for I am enjoying all the ‘gadding about’ as Caroline termed it this morning, but I long to be sat opposite you at home, telling you of all the things that have happened.

Your loving daughter,
Henrietta

She folded the letter and wrote his direction upon it. She wondered whether he might respond with advice, or simply with sympathy. She thought that in some ways it was a difficult situation for a man to understand, and, what was worse, the only man who would truly understand, and yet must not know, was Charles.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN