Chapters 4-5 Summary

The mention of Ian Thornton's name causes Elizabeth to reflect back on her disastrous debut. Elizabeth and her half brother Robert were orphaned when Elizabeth was a small child. Elizabeth grew up at Havenhurst, raised mostly by the servants although her brother is her legal guardian. Their father left them with a large number of debts due to his love of gambling. Robert shares the same love of gambling, therefore their debts are so huge that they might lose their house. However, Robert decided to make a good marriage for Elizabeth to a man with a title and wealth, not only to help relieve their debts but to insure Elizabeth's future happiness. A duenna is hired and Elizabeth is trained in the traditions of society. Elizabeth's debut is marked by a record number of proposals. One of these proposals is from...