The soldier added, "This was Miss Maria's idea."

Having just experienced a near kidnapping, Maria used the incident as an excuse to decline some invitations, hiding away at home, busy with reading and drafting new plans. Simon wasn’t as lucky; he had to attend various banquets daily, and without his fiancée by his side, he also had to fend off girls who were even more enthusiastic than before. In the end, he had to bring Eleanor along as his dance partner, effectively introducing her to the social scene earlier than expected.

The young girl proved herself, truly believing that Maria had been frightened, and seeing so many people trying to...