The Scarlet Spinster

At twenty-four Miss Polly Rice was commonly held to be on the shelf. So it came as quite a surprise to her neighbors to hear that Sir Frederick Moresby, the so eligible and yet so elusive bachelor, had offered for her. Wasn't he aware of that racy past of hers -- all those years spent gallivanting around America? And what about those scandalous paintings she indulged in -- wildflowers and American Indians, and other such nonsense? It was simply too shocking! Moresby had been surprised to discover that the little country spinster his parents had been talking about was not exactly plain and dowdy. In fact she was rather striking, if you didn't let that disconcerting stare of hers keep you from looking her over. Not that it made any difference, of course. Moresby had decided it was time to sire an heir, and Miss Polly Rice seemed just the type to be suitably grateful for the honor. In any case, gratitude was one thing Moresby knew just how to make a woman feel...

Hero: Sir Frederick Moresby
Heroine: Miss Polly Rice