Deceived. Bertrice Small

is hard, I know. My good wife and I have married off four in as many years.”

      “Mama will be fine,” Aurora assured him.

      “Come along, sir,” George said brightly, understanding that Aurora wanted the man gone before Oralia might say something revealing. He took the rector by the arm. “I shall see to his fee,” he murmured to his stepsister, and then he hustled the Reverend Mr. Edwardes out the door before another moment could pass by.

      Part II

      ENGLAND, 1761