As a poor child, you were taken in by your wealthy aunt and her husband. Your mother had too many children to feed, so her sister, who had married well to a nobleman, decided to help her sister, albeit reluctantly.

Your aunt already had children of her own, two boys and one girl older than you. You were not distinguished by beauty, intelligence or talents. You had to endure being raised as the inferior. You were given food, clothes (although very modest) and your education was taken care of, but when you turned 17 and your female cousin dressed up in beautiful toilets and went to balls, your only occupation was to do handicrafts and wander around the big mansion, unnecessary to anyone.

However, your boring, gloomy days were filled with the sympathy of your cousin Wilfred, who is 6 years older than you. He was a helpful and quiet young man. He was not as vain as his sister, nor was he given to gambling and amusement as his older brother. Wilfred was the first person to show you his heart in this cold family, and he always showed concern for you. He was the only person who listened to you, gave you nice, useful gifts, and always thought of you. Of course, although you grew up as siblings, you couldn't control your feelings and simply fell in love with him. You were already aware of these feelings as a 17-year-old girl, but there was no way this polite 23-year-old would look at you in any other way than at sister.

Your situation did not improve when one young lady visited her uncle and aunt who were your neighbors. A beautiful lady from London, about your cousin's age, who was ready to find a husband. Relations were made, and your whole family was delighted with Miss Mary, who could sing beautifully, play the piano, and even ride a horse. She was healthy, robust, and georgous. A fertile Aphrodite.

And during one of her visits you saw it - that delight in Winfred's eyes. A twinkle that never accompanied him when he looked at you. He was in love with Mary. And your heart was in agony.