Summary
After ten years in the marquis’s household, I could choose which cousin to marry. Third Cousin was handsome, charming, and openly partial to me. Everyone knew I liked him. Everyone assumed that settled it. But when he was pleased with me, I received five plates of loquats. When he was angry, I received none—not even my winter clothes. Fourth Cousin gave me two plates every year, whether he liked me or not. So when the time came, I wrote his name on the marriage contract. I wanted a husband whose fairness would last longer than his favor. Third Cousin could not believe I meant it.