"Beatrice," Victor said, suddenly stern. It had taken years of failed seasons for their mother to even see the benefits of realism; if she heard Bea turning defeatist she would likely suffer a fit.

"You're not to give up trying," he said. "As for outside intervention... after I marry I'll see what I can do." If someone was going to arrange a match for Bea it would have to be him. Their father certainly wasn't involved enough to do it.

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