«Baron Frederick Wharton was reading a letter from his good friend Thomas Crawford, which recounted his worries about his son James, a captain in His Majesty's Army. Meanwhile, his five daughters, half-sister and wife intensely debated whether it was better to go to London on Saturday or wait until the following Tuesday to make sure they were not the first to arrive in the city. »

Katherine is the second daughter of the baron and has grown up hearing praise about her extraordinary beauty but not a mention of her intelligence, culture or good character, so she has drawn the conclusion that beauty is her only gift, and she must make the most of it. After a statement from her father about her inheritance and possibilities, Katherine will gather her sisters in her bedroom to share her plan with them.

«'You have to help me draw up a list of candidates.'

'Candidates for what?' Harriet asked.

'What do you think it will be for?' Elinor looked at her sister in disbelief. 'To get married, you fool.'»

Katherine's preferences are very clear: The candidate must have more than five thousand pounds a year and must be very handsome. Alexander Greenwood ticks both boxes in spades, but he won't be on her list.

«'I remember him very well,' Caroline continued. 'He was better looking than Finley, though not as fine as Lovelace.' 'And wealthy?' 'I suppose he is much richer, of course; one has only to hear what is said of his parents' estate at Whitefield. Even King George has praised that property. And so close to London!' Do we rule him out? 'Katherine Wharton, Duchess Greenwood... Think carefully...'»