Learning how to find a husband had seemed beneath her-an enterprise well below the more meaty challenges her intellect demanded…

Recollections of past arrogance-of all the chances to learn the hows and wherefores of husband selection and subsequent snaring at which she’d turned up her nose-fed her aggravation. How galling to discover that her intellect, widely accepted as superior, had not forseen her present state.

The damning truth was she could recite Horace and quote Virgil by the page, yet she had no real idea how to acquire a husband.

Let alone the right one.

She refocused on the distant sea, on the sunlight winking off the waves, constantly vacillating. Just as she was, had been for the past month. That was so unlike her, so at odds with her character-always decisive, never weak or shy-her indecision grated on her temper. Her character wanted, nay demanded, a decision, a firm goal, a plan of action. Her emotions-a side of herself she’d rarely been swayed by-were far less sure. Far less inclined to jump into this latest project with her customary zeal.

She’d revisted the arguments ad infinitum; there were no further aspects to be explored. She’d walked here today determined to use the few hours before the other guests arrived and the house party got under way to formulate a plan.

Lips setting, she narrowed her eyes at the horizon, aware of resistance welling inside, of a shying away from the moment-so aggravating yet so instinctive, so powerful she had to fight to override it and push ahead… but she was not going to leave without a firm commitment.

Grasping the lookout’s railing, she tipped her chin high and firmly stated, “I will use every opportunity the house party provides to learn all I can and make up my mind once and for all.” That was nowhere near decisive enough; determinedly, she added, “Whoever is present of suitable age and station, I swear I will seriously consider him.”