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Twenty year old Diana Forester, a country bred young woman fears that her inexperience and uncertainties has driven Mr. John Richfield away. On arriving back home from London, she learns that he is already there, ready to continue their acquaintance. If Diana thought that it was difficult in London, courting takes on a whole new aspect when Diana's younger siblings become involved. She finds herself dealing with her own feelings, her sister, her younger brother, jealous members of a house party, a jilted suitor, and a highwayman as she falls in love with the charming Mr. Richfield.
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Snippet:
“You recall I met a Mr. Richfield in
London, shortly after I first arrived?”
“Yes, you mentioned him several
times in your letters.”
Her tone was matter of fact, giving
absolutely nothing away.
“Well...” I hesitated as I sought
the right words. I rubbed my palms against my skirt. “At Aunt Forester’s last
dinner party, Mr. Richfield asked for my permission to come speak to Father.”
For a moment, there was silence.
“What was your answer?” Mother asked, as calm as ever.
I bit my lip and found I could no
longer meet her gaze. “I fear I may have spoken without thinking.” Back when I
had said the words, I had been surprised. Now though, I realized just how
mistaken I had been. “I said it’s always pleasant to have someone new visit.”
“I see. Do you like him?”
Ah, there was the question. “I think
so.” I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “He is respectable, at least
as far as Uncle Forester could discover. No one ever had a word to say against
him. I think he is a good man.”
“And yet, you don’t seem
enthusiastic about marrying him.”
“I have only known him for a few
weeks.” It felt good to be able to talk this out with my mother, now that the
awkwardness of saying the words had passed. If anyone could help me untangle my
feelings, it was her. “Is that enough time to know a person? You knew Papa your
whole life before he proposed.”
Mother’s hand came over mine.
“Diana, look at me.” I lifted my eyes to hers. “You are the only one who can
make this decision. It is your right to refuse an offer you find distasteful.
However, you need to understand it is not likely you will have the opportunity
to travel again and meet other people.”
“I don’t find the offer distasteful.
I just don’t think I know him well enough to accept his hand in marriage.” I
sighed. “I wish I had had the time to know more of him.”
“Perhaps you will.”
I shook my head. That seemed an
impossibility. “Mama, you didn’t see the look on his face when I pretended I
didn’t understand. He was so disappointed. I acted as if I were a senseless,
empty-headed child! What kind of man would pursue me in the face of that?”
“A man who would be understanding.
Someone who would realize your shy nature.”
As soon as I pulled my hand away, I
reached to pour myself some much-needed tea. “There are other, much prettier
girls with better dowries than I,” I remarked, adding just the right amount of
cream and sugar. “I doubt I will ever see him again.”
Of that I was quite certain. I’d had
hours to consider the whole mess. I sipped my tea as I watched my mother’s
face. Her smile was one I couldn’t quite understand. Why did she look so
amused?
“Mr. Richfield is already here.”
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