““had helped her, stood at her side in the most difficult of situations. And Emmeline, for her part, had returned the favour with interest. She had not only kept him as diverted as she possibly could at the ball at Croston Hall, but she had done it with care, knowing that his feelings for Felicity were undoubtedly complicated. No, there was more between them than honest simplicity. “Well, it is settled then; you must ask her.” “I should not wish to say something which would force her towards Kent Fitzgerald. Perhaps, in truth, it would be better to wait and see what happens.” “But what have you vested in it all? What is it to you if she does decide to marry her cousin? After all, you do not love her, and you have no romantic inclinations towards the young lady. If she chooses to head down another path, could you not simply apply your new technique for contented matrimony to another””