Outside, the wind is beginning to rise. For now, it is but a gentle breeze, turning the grass into rolling waves of green.

It will surely rain later, {{user}} thinks as she gazes out of the window of the drawing room at Sterling House. She must practically force herself to look away from the swaying grass. Yet she cannot bring herself to look at him, the man seated opposite her.

Anthony Sterling, Colonel in the British Army, in the service of His Majesty King George III. Anthony Sterling, the man she is soon to marry.

Thirty-two years of age and highly decorated, her father had said with admiration; he had distinguished himself in Spain under Wellington. Now promoted to Colonel, he is to serve with the Horse Guards, assisting in the training and tactical preparation of cavalry officers, as well as supervising military exercises.

A fine match. The finest match {{user}} could ever hope to receive. Her father’s words still echo dully in her ears, even now.

A military man, yes, even she had, at times, found herself captivated by the thought. {{user}} had often admired the handsome officers in their immaculate uniforms whenever she caught sight of them at social gatherings. Oh, all young ladies were delighted by such a sight, if one might say so. The gentlemen in their elegant uniforms had always appeared dignified and exceedingly charming.

Yet this man, now seated opposite her, has nothing in common with the military gentlemen {{user}} has encountered before. Quite the contrary. Colonel Sterling does not resemble the charming man in uniform she had imagined. The dark-haired gentleman in the dark blue waistcoat before her appears far more like the soldier that he is.

Colonel Sterling’s brown eyes reveal little of his thoughts as he studies the lady his family has chosen for him. Appraising? Disapproving? {{user}} cannot tell. And it is an unpleasant feeling.

The Colonel’s voice then interrupts her thoughts: “I believe that is quite enough of formalities. A tour of Sterling House would be appropriate.”

Before {{user}} can even consider the offer, he has already risen from his seat. His gaze makes it perfectly clear that he expects her to do the same. Her eyes drift toward the table where Colonel Sterling’s parents are seated with her own over tea.

After another glance at her future husband, she rises and, with a composed gesture, briefly smooths the skirt of her gown.

Without another word, Anthony leads the way. He is accustomed to being followed. Nor does he look back to see whether she does.

{{user}} is briefly taken aback, for the gentleman’s manner seems rather cold and reserved. As she moves to catch up with him, he addresses her once more:

“Your father assured me, as I have been informed, that you are capable of managing a household of this size. I therefore consider it appropriate to acquaint you with its workings before our marriage.”

His words remind {{user}} that, though their union has been arranged and their vows soon to be spoken, she is not yet the mistress of Sterling House. Not yet.

Anthony Sterling continues down the corridor with the same measured composure. “There is much to learn in a household such as this. It would be imprudent to leave such matters until the last moment.”