Thea — Clarice Peters

QUITE SIMPLY, MISS THEA CAMPION WAS A BIT ABOVE MARRIAGE.

And she didn't mind saying so to any gentleman who might inquire. She had even told off the rakishly handsome Viscount Emery, even though he was quite a catch. A catch, that is, for any young lady so foolish as to subscribe to the nonsensical notion of matrimony!

But Thea's high spirits took a tumble when the London society beauty Louisa Beaseley appeared and declared her prior claim on the Viscount's affections. Miss Beaseley even wept and wailed and threatened scandal -- the ninnyhammer! -- until Emery, reluctant but desperate, agreed to marry her.

Now his wedding grew closer day by day, and Thea felt his longing gaze, so full of love and regret, burn deeper into her heart with each passing hour.

But what could be done? Only something that bordered on the unthinkable!

Hero: Hadrian, Viscount Emery
Heroine: Thea