“Lady Elizabeth, I have long been an admirer of your beauty, your elegance and your horsemanship.” “My horsemanship?” “You have an admirable seat and I have no doubt that you would take to country life as a great fat trout takes to a pond,” said Sir John, who was growing increasingly excited, although it was unclear if it was because of Lizzie or the great fat trout. “Never before had I ever dreamed that I might have a chance with you, but when I read your treatise, I realized you have no use for society. You care not a whit for tradition. I know now that a woman as singular as yourself would be my perfect helpmate, providing, of course, that you refrain from speaking of your rather scandalous views in front of my dear mama. They would likely overset her, and I go to great lengths to avoid upsetting her. But I’m sure she would welcome you as the one to marry her esteemed son and to oversee life on the farm.” Lizzie had received a number of proposals over the years, yet this was the first to mention a farm, anyone’s mama or trout. But the young baronet was earnest and sweet, if a bit daft. He deserved a gentle refusal.
