Chapter EightNow that I was without a fiancé, I faced a solitary future, unless I managed to snare a marriageable man. I was only 22, still relatively young, and although Father spoke about his perilous financial position, he remained a man of some standing. As his only relative, I stood to inherit his property when he died. Looking out of my window at the Pentland Ridge, I planned my next move, for I had no intention of allowing fate to decide my life for me. I would organise, scheme and manoeuvre myself into the most advantageous position for a favourable marriage with the best possible man I could find.
Unfortunately, the choice was limited, and some men might view me with wariness now I had removed myself from the trap of engagement to an unsuitable suitor.
Although the prospect was
