Olivia hadn’t thought Aunt Hester liked her, but then she’d chanced to overhear a conversation between her father and his sister.
She was passing Father’s study when she heard her name.
“You must permit Olivia to attend school,” Aunt Hester said.
That was Olivia’s fondest wish. Mother had taught her to read and write and tally sums, but there were so many more things she wanted to learn.
“There’s no need for a woman to have an education.” Father sounded his usual impatient self.
Aunt Hester sighed. “Julius, if you intend for her to make more than a tolerable match, she must know how to run a household.”
“That’s what I brought you here for.”
“I can only teach her so much. If she goes to a finishing school, she’ll also make the necessary connections that will secure an excellent marri
