The Ardent Suitor

I ALWAYS HOPED THAT THE MAN I WOULD MARRY WOULD BE PASSIONATELY IN LOVE WITH ME--THE KIND WHO MIGHT FIGHTA DUEL FOR OR CARRY ME OFF IN THE DEAD OF NIGHT. I CAN'T IMAGINE VICTOR DOING ANYTHING THAT MIGHT CREASE HIS CLOTHES OR SPOIL THE LINE OF HIS CRAVAT.

Joanna was convinced that she was in love with her stepbrother Bart. It nearly shattered her when he came home from the wars with a beautiful, albeit scheming, young bride-to-be.

Of course there was always Victor. He was intelligent--and rich. He was also very argumentative. Joanna did not want to marry Victor. She thought he was dull. It was Bart she wanted and she would not give him up. Maybe he would suddenly see his beloved for what she truly was and Joanna would win his heart at last....

Hero: Bartholomew "Bart" Proudfoot
Heroine: Joanna