Her chances of a decent marriage were about to be dashed-and all because of a ferret.

After a universal silence, Leo was the first to speak. "Did anyone else notice" —"Yes," Catherine said. "What do you make of it?""I haven't decided yet." Leo frowned and took a sip of port. "He's not someone I would pair Bea with.""Whom would you pair her with?""Hanged if I know," Leo said. "Someone with similar interests. The local veterinarian, perhaps?""He's eighty-three years old and deaf," Catherine said."They would never argue," Leo pointed out.

Christopher heard a pair of women gossiping nearby, whispering in disapproving undertones. ... Ramsey was found flirting in a corner with a woman. They had to drag him away from her. Who was it? His own wife. Oh, dear.

Of all the Hathaway sisters,— Cam said equably, "Beatrix is the one most suited to choose her own husband. I trust her judgment."Beatrix gave him a brilliant smile. "Thank you, Cam.""What are you thinking?" Leo demanded of his brother-in-law. "You can't trust Beatrix's judgment.""Why not?""She's too young," Leo said."I'm twenty-three," Beatrix protested. —In dog years I'd be dead.