Mr. Hockhauser leaned against the high-back chair as he tried to calm his nerves. His jaw was clenched as he stared wide eyed at his daughter. Lady Hockhauser paced the parlor with her hands folded behind her back. Her expensive shoes clicked against the floors as she shook her head in disappointment. Their daughter sat comfortably in the corner of their recently upholstered chaise lounge. Her skirts were tinged with dirt from the stables. She had her head turned slightly so she could stare out the large windows and admire the trees surrounding their summer estate.

Mr. Hockhauser couldn't contain his anger any longer as he shouted, "Do you have no loyalty to this family, Lou Ella Hockhauser!"

"I am sure it was an accident, my love," Lady Hockhauser said as she placed a hand on her husband's shoulder. By her tone and the look on her face it was obvious that she herself was not convinced that was the truth.

"She tied one of the wealthiest men in Elder York to the stable door!" Mr. Hockhauser shouted, waving his hand in the direction of Lou's skirts. "She's covered in dust as if we didn't work hard enough to keep her from that sort of wretched life."

"Oh, God forbid. Of course, Lou is proud of what we have accomplished for her," Lady Hockhauser said as she gave her daughter a pointed look. "Tell your father it was an accident, Lou Ella."

Lou had only been partially paying attention. She had given herself over to a daydream of running through that forest. That is what she used to do when there was no summer estate or groomed garden. Before her mother discovered her noble ancestry. Before her father became a successful merchant. Before they moved from their rickety farmhouse deep in the country to beautiful houses with upholstered furniture.

"Accident," Mr. Hockhauser scoffed. "He tore his trousers on his way down! He could not have sped off in his carriage fast enough. He shall never make her an offer of marriage now!"

"He will," Lady Hockhauser insisted, squeezing her husband's shoulder lightly. She let go and took a step toward her daughter. She clapped her hands loudly, snapping Lou out of her daydream. Once she had her daughter's full attention, she gave Lou a stern look and said, "Lou Ella will write a letter of apology and explain how the whole mishap was simply… an accident."

Lou finally spoke. She said, "If I ever see that man again, I shall tie him to the rear-end of a steer."

"Lou!" Lady Hockhauser gasped in frustration.

Mr. Hockhauser shook his finger in the air as he paced angrily. "Your daughter! As if we are not already looked down upon for our humble upbringings."

Lou frowned. Her father used to be proud of his "humble upbringing." Now he talked the way they used to make fun of people for talking when they sold goods at the market that high society frequented.

Lady Hockhauser sat down in the high-back chair across from her daughter and frowned. "My mama, God rest her soul, always warned us that we allowed her to partake in too much nonsense and unfeminine behaviors."

Lou furrowed her brow and raised her voice. "Do you two hear yourselves? When did we begin to care about nonsense and behavior? We used to name our chickens and get dirt beneath our fingernails and…"

"Ugh," Mr. Hockhauser cut her off. "Must we discuss this every evening, Lou? We have left that life behind. And now you have duties. We all have duties we must accept as part of this new life to protect your future." Her father's harsh look softened as he joined her on the chaise. He gently took her hand in his and said in a loving tone, "All your mama and I have ever wanted was what was best for you. And this life, with the security of wealth, is what will be best for you, dear."

Lady Hockhauser nodded in agreement. She asked calmly, "Tell us, dear, why did you tie the gentleman to the stable door?"

Lou clenched her jaw at the memory. "He said that I needed to be tamed. And that he was prepared to make an offer of marriage to be the one to do so. Tamed! As if I'm cattle!"

Mr. Hockhauser shared an uncomfortable look with Lady Hockhauser. He cleared his throat and shifted slightly on the chaise. He said, "Perhaps… perhaps he misspoke. Yes, a misunderstanding! And he meant no offense to you. Maybe by tame he meant…"

Mr. Hockhauser looked to his wife for help. Lou was already raising an eyebrow at him as if she did not believe what he was saying before he had even completed his explanation.

Lady Hockhauser blinked rapidly as she searched the parlor for an excuse. She jumped slightly in her seat as the words came to her. "Oh, I have got it! Perhaps the baron had meant you needed to be introduced to a more fashionable life. You are not accustomed to the life of a baron's wife, hosting teas and managing a household. And he would like to help you adjust to that life… the way someone may help a wild turkey adjust to…"

"A turkey!" Lou shrieked. "Like I'm an animal! A sheep! A horse!"

"I believe I was quite close but I lost it at the end, my dear," Lady Hockhauser said with an apologetic look to her husband. "But we all know he meant tame because our daughter is so…"

"Insists on whittling, hunting, and dressing in clothes she's made herself," Mr. Hockhauser continued. He let out a tired sigh as he lightly patted his daughter's hand.

Lou snatched away her hand. "Those are not bad qualities! And I shall never marry someone who prefaces an offer of marriage with a list of expectations he has of me as his bride. As if I have no say in the matter!" She stood up from the chaise and stomped around the room. "His bride must not talk back. His bride must not ride a horse. His bride must not ever be happy!"

"Oh, surely he excluded that last one," Lady Hockhauser said.

"It was implied," Lou huffed. She glared at her parents, but it softened when she saw the defeated look on their faces. Her father's eyes were glossier than they had been a moment ago and she could see her mother's chin trembling slightly. Lou's shoulders sagged as the anger in her belly turned to guilt.

"So, a letter is out of the question?" Lady Hockhauser asked but then immediately shook her head. "What am I saying? Forgive me, Lou." Her voice sounded strained with unshed tears as she said, "We are only so insistent because… we must make haste. Before your father is dead in the ground, leaving me sick with grief, and those vultures make their rounds to leave us poor on the streets!"

Mr. Hockhauser stood quickly from the chaise to kneel in front of his wife and hold both her hands in his. He lifted his sad eyes to his daughter and explained, "We want what is best for you, Lou."

Lou wanted to argue that why could she not be what was best for her? Why was it that they could not trust their daughter to take over their business and maintain her mother's inheritance on her own? Not being male or not being raised with connections should not disqualify her from success. She also wanted to argue that her mother had not been so easily shaken before receiving her fancy title or wearing hats with feathers.

"If my condition worsens and or if something happens to your mama… we must make sure you are taken care of by someone who understands the worldly parts of our business. Someone with experience or who comes from an established family. And your mama is right. All that we have worked for could easily fall into the hands of conniving scoundrels that will take advantage of your lack of education. And you will be left without a penny! That terrifies us."

"I know," Lou said with a bitter sadness. She slowly walked up to her mother and kneeled beside her father. She placed her hand over her father's hand as he held tightly to her mother.

"Know you must," Lady Hockhauser replied, looking deeply into her daughter's eyes. "I understand that the baron and some of the other gentlemen that have called on you have been less than… ideal."

"Old as dirt and smellier than moldy cheese," Lou muttered. Her father heard her and chuckled lightly.

Lady Hockhauser rolled her eyes, but her expression looked less saddened. She said, "But it is already difficult to garner interests when we have not been long with connections and when you are nearly an old maid."

"I am but five and twenty next week."

"As I said, an old maid."

Lou sighed in annoyance. She did not need another reminder that she was getting old, especially when she did not agree with that sentiment. She thought it was ridiculous to be considered old when the men that tried to court her were over fifty. She would not have minded an older husband, if they were not all so bossy and ill-tempered. She supposed it had worked out in her favor that the baron had been so old—and short—or she would have had a more difficult time latching him and his coats onto that hook.

There was a knock on the door. Mr. Hockhauser knew he was expecting visitors to discuss business. He gave his wife and his daughter each a kiss on their foreheads. He said, "Worry not, my loves. Next week, we will entertain a number of suitable gentlemen for your birthday celebration, Lou."

"Ah, the rejects of the last marriage season," Lou mumbled as she stood. "I shall thank my lucky stars."

"We can only hope they were met with rejection last season in London. That way they may be more persuaded to overlook your…" Mr. Hockhauser replied honestly.

"Lovely personality," Lady Hockhauser said as she adjusted her feathered hat.

"And my elderly age," Lou added sarcastically with a sour look. "And perhaps the fact that I can read and write even though I am unfamiliar with French or fine art or how to curtsey like there is a broom shoved up my..."

"Enough!" Lady Hockhauser frowned. She said sternly to her daughter, "You shall pick a betrothed this time, Lou Ella."

Mr. Hockhauser gave Lou a look as serious and stern as her mothers, adding, "We mean it. We must not risk your future."

Lou felt a knot in her stomach. She had heard these threats the year prior and the year prior to that, but this time she was certain her parents were more serious than ever.

"So, do not be cruel to your suitors, Lou Ella," Lady Hockhauser demanded. "At least not until an offer is made and printed in the papers."

Seven days had passed by since Lou sent the baron running off spewing curses and insults. She had hoped the baron would have had the decency to warn off her suitors, so she could enjoy her birthday in peace with her beloved parents and cousin. Lou had imagined the baron bursting into the library of a gentlemen's club full of unpleasant men in ostentatious waistcoats and wine on their breath, telling his tale of the old hag, who had hands rough from scrubbing chicken coops and dared to chew with her mouth open during tea. He would declare that she was as untamable as a wild boar and the modest fortune tied to her was not worth the hassle. Unfortunately, it was obvious that her daydream was not a reality when suitors began showing up to the estate three days ago.

Lou had not wished so badly to trade her life now for the life she had been living six years prior. Back then their farmhouse had few rooms and not nearly enough to house multiple guests overnight. Her only consolation now was that the manor was so large that she hardly had to see any of her suitors except for during their arrivals, at tea, and at dinner. And that was only because her parents made her. She would have happily put off meeting the men until her birthday ball in a few days… or indefinitely.

"Lou, I have a handsome young man here to see you."

Lou rolled her eyes at her mother's words. She wondered if she should bother looking up from the book she was reading in the garden. She had yet to meet a man amongst her callers that she would describe as handsome or young. The closest to that description anyone had gotten was Mr. Murphy Cooksman, who had most of his teeth and only a mild fish smell. So, the bar was far from high. But although Lou had been stubborn about the entire ordeal, she knew she had to be respectful to her mother and guests and look up.

"Xander!" Lou cheered when her eyes landed upon her cousin. She threw her book to the ground and hopped up from the bench to wrap her arms around him.

"Missed you too, cousin," Xander laughed as he hugged her tightly.

"Told you he was handsome," Lady Hockhauser joked as she smiled at the two. "I made your cousin promise not to write a word of his visit in his letters to you. I hoped a birthday surprise would cheer your heart."

Lou released her cousin and grinned at her mother. "You know what else would cheer my heart, mama? Skipping tea this afternoon."

"Not a chance," her mother hummed as she patted Xander on the shoulder. She turned slightly, purposely making eye contact with Lou. "You have five minutes. Then I expect to see you both on the veranda for tea. Your guests will be waiting."

"Yes, mama," Lou replied. More disappointment would have been present in her voice if she had not been so thrilled to see her cousin.

"Of course, Aunt," Xander politely agreed, folding his arms behind his back.

The cousins watched and waited until Lady Hockhauser was out of hearing range in the garden. Once clear, Xander unfolded his arms and pretended to be busy inspecting one of the many buttons that adorned his officer's uniform.

"I believe one of your suitors, dear cousin, may have been present at Creation," Xander joked, knowing without looking up that Lou was glaring at him.

"Then you understand why you must put me out of my misery before tea on the veranda."

Xander made a show of checking his uniform. He hunched his shoulders and smirked, "Seems I have forgotten my musket. But worry not, Lou. The gentleman with the jeweled eyeglass and permanent scowl seems promising."

"I will remember your amusement at my expense later at the archery range," Lou said as she crossed her arms. Her eyes became serious. "Why must I make a choice so soon? At all? You believe I could manage and maintain my inheritance on my own, right?"

"Yes," Xander said immediately, taking her hands into his. "I shall always believe in you. We have been friends since birth."

Lou gave her cousin a bright and hopeful smile. She thought maybe her cousin could persuade her parents to reconsider their push for her to pick a betrothed this week. Then her worries could be put to rest of being the property of some ghastly and grotesque man who would ignore her input and force her to be more fashionable and lady-like. She shuddered at the thought of dealing daily with the condescending tone of someone looking down on her for her upbringing and lack of education. Or worse, trying to control her or "tame" her spirit.

"However…" Xander frowned.

And with just that word, Lou's hopes were crushed. She could not mask the disappointment on her face.

"... Your situation is different now, Lou. And, believe me, I understand. It is hard to go from mucking stables to sitting amongst gentlemen," Xander said softly.

Lou nodded as she let go of her cousin's hands. She knew Xander understood. His fate had changed as well when her family became wealthy. After Xander's father became sick and died shortly after, Xander enlisted in the military. His mother had already passed some years prior. Xander's uncle, who was Lou's father, had always had a close relationship with his brother and nephew. So, naturally Mr. Hockhauser paid handsomely to raise Xander to a higher rank in the army with the purchase of commissions.

"You have mentioned in your letters… the manners of your fellow officers," Lou said as she returned to the bench she had been seated on.

"They have not been the kindest men," Xander answered truthfully as he picked up her forgotten book. He sat down beside her and flipped through the pages of her novel. "There are not many days that someone fails to mention the smell of stable muck."

Lou's heart ached for her cousin. He was the kindest and most patient person she had ever known. He did not deserve such harsh treatment. Lou sighed. Was this what she was to expect for the rest of her days? How would a husband that had always been entitled understand what it was like to be looked so down upon in a society that did not want to include her or her cousin simply because they grew up poor and with less access to education and formal manners.

She looked over at her cousin as he quietly flipped through the book. She knew marrying someone who either themselves had or their family had connections would also be beneficial to her cousin. She knew her mother's title had helped as much as the money did in securing Xander's commissions. And a strategic marriage for Lou could possibly boost Xander's standing among his fellow officers or at least secure him a marriage to a lady with a title. She wondered if her cousin had want of such things.

"Your sympathy need not be wasted on me, cousin," Xander smiled as he closed the book with a snap. His usual merry expression made his face more handsome. "It has not been all bad. In fact, I have made a friend."

Lou gasped happily. "Why would you not start with that?" She lightly slapped his arm. "That is wonderful news, Xander. Does he come from a… similar background?"

"You mean poor?" Xander chuckled. Lou rolled her eyes. He shook his head and said, "Not at all. He probably has more wealth than all of the officers in my regiment combined."

"You are joking. Tell me really."

"I swear it, Lou. My treatment was far worse before my friendship with Luke. I would even wager that he would have all of those men groveling at his feet to launder his socks if he had a title and had come from a more traditional family."

"Traditional family?"

Xander stretched his legs and crossed his ankles. "His parents, the Marquess and Marchioness…"

Lou's eyes widened as she leaned forward in interest. "But you said your friend held no title?"

"He and his other two siblings were adopted into the family at young ages. All but his eldest sister are without a title. And their birthplaces are from various countries. But all of them are incredibly wealthy because of their parents fortune."

"However, the non-traditional aspects of their background are why those men that you speak of withhold their groveling and only lessen their harsh manners toward you, I presume?"

Xander nodded as he stood. "Though, it amuses Luke to withhold the knowledge of some of his connections until the most opportune times to cause the most embarrassment to those that wish to embarrass him. And I have seen personally that the connections of the Marquess and Marchioness of Upper York are vast. Their social influence reaches much farther than England. It would give even the most condescending of the officers pause if they were aware. But I would not dare ruin Luke's fun."

"Oh my," Lou said as she stood up. She linked her arm with her cousin as they began to walk through the garden. "That is far more exciting news than I have. The most interesting person I have met was not even a person." Xander raised his eyebrow at her and she explained, "I befriended a goat from the market."

Xander laughed loudly. "That is the sort of thing I have missed from your letters!"

"Well forgive me for excluding the happier details of my life when I am being forced day after day to entertain the calls of irksome old men."

"I accept your apology. And to show my thanks, I will not withhold this vital information any longer," Xander said with a grin.

Lou froze, causing her cousin to stop as well. She looked up at him with questioning eyes and asked with a voice full of curiosity, "What vital information, Xander?"

"I hoped to increase your odds of finding a more suitable match by informing some of the more tolerable officers and their acquaintances of your eligibility. You can expect some guests this week who are not over thirty to forty years your senior."

"Swear you are serious," Lou said, squeezing her cousin's arm. She was not happy about the situation but the prospect of men not born in the same year as her father, and who were hopefully more attractive, was appealing.

"Aunt has already made the arrangements. They are to stay at an Inn in town and will begin their visits at breakfast tomorrow."

For the first time in days, Lou was excited to have guests for breakfast.

It took less than a full day for Lou to realize her error in judgement. It seemed that though the military men that accepted Xander's and Lady Hockhauser's invitation were indeed handsome, they were no better personality wise when compared to her older suitors. In fact, it seemed they all had more in common than not and that was unfavorable news for Lou.

Things began with an unpleasant start at breakfast when one of the so-called gentlemen asked Lou if she wished to consume fewer slices of toast and a more "reasonable" portion of butter. However, the pleasantries did not stop there. There were comments about her age and if she had feared that she was firmly on the shelf as she had not attended any social events in London in years. Oh, and she could not forget the constant reminders of her lacking education! And the promises to mold her into a suitable wife with the help of their dear, concerned mothers, whose criticizing eyes Lou could already feel from their sure place in the future.

By the time another tea and dinner came and went, Lou was certain that her happiness would end at five and twenty. For if any of these men were to be her betrothed then there could only be misery for her in the future. The only bright spot had been her cousin.

"You will be happy to know that Mr. Williamson has taken leave of the estate. He has felt that he has overstayed his welcome and finds no need to stay for your birthday ball as he believes you to have no interests in an offer of marriage from him," Xander informed her as they walked down the hall from the drawing room.

"His feelings are appropriate," Lou said with a nod. "He has been here for nearly a week! Could he not stay at an Inn or wait a few nights until his arrival? And his chewing!"

"Oh, I arrived in time to witness that," Xander laughed. They both stopped in front of a painting of an orchard in the hall. Xander made an exaggerated expression of chewing imaginary food.

Lou giggled. But then she glanced around the hallway and let out a full bellied laugh when it was evident that no one was around. This made Xander laugh even more.

"I wish for them all to be gone! So I can laugh the way I normally laugh and not the way I feel I should laugh so no one reminds me of my lack of manners," she said.

"You shall be happy to hear that my friend has arrived in town with his brother and sister and will be visiting. He will love your laugh because it rivals his own. And he dearly loves to laugh," Xander said gleefully.

"Your friend? The one who has made your time more tolerable? I am happy to hear that, Xander! I look forward to meeting him." Lou thought for a moment. Xander's talk of his friend put the stranger in a very favorable light. She fidgeted with her hands and asked, "Is this friend of yours...Luke… is he eligible?"

Xander gave his cousin a sympathetic frown. He said honestly, "If there were ever a woman capable of being charming and sweet enough to persuade Luke to marry, it would be you, dear cousin. Alas, pigs would sooner sprout wings and fly out of my trousers than Luke would decide to marry."

Lou's heart sank. She felt like that had been her last hope. She had yet to make the acquaintance of Luke, but he already sounded far better than the men she had met over the past several days or several years. Her eyes began to water but she refused to shed any tears.

"Please, do not be disheartened yet, Lou. You deserve only happiness. And I know you will find it," Xander said, his own eyes glossed over with tears.

Lou shook her head. "No. I think not, Xander. But you are kind to hope."

Their moment was interrupted as the door to the library opened and a group of Lou's older suitors and her father walked out into the hall. They muttered their greetings and one of them insisted on taking a walk with Lou through the gardens in the company of her mother and father. Lou frowned at Xander, but accepted the offer when she caught her father's look from the corner of her eye.

When Lou had had enough of walks and drawing room teas for the day, she escaped through the garden and headed straight into the forest. She found it harder to run in the dresses she wore these days compared to the ones of her youth on the farm. But she felt free.

One of her favorite activities was archery. She knew she should have taken her things to the archery field to practice. But she knew some annoying fellow would invite himself to her peaceful activity, making it no longer peaceful. So, instead she shot arrows randomly through the forest like she had not a care in the world except for being aware of any animals as not to shoot them.

She inhaled deeply the aroma of the forest. She exhaled and released her bow.

"Ah!"

Lou's stomach dropped to her toes. Someone had shouted. She threw down her gear and ran toward where she believed the sound had come. Her heart pounded in her chest as did her shoes against the dirt. Beneath a tree budding with leaves of early spring, there lay a young man on the ground with an arrow sticking out of his chest.

"Oh no!" Lou gasped as she dropped to her knees beside him. Tears filled her eyes. "I killed someone…"

The young man groaned and shifted slightly on the ground. It caused Lou to lean back slightly with her hand over her mouth, but she kept her eyes fixed on him.

"No," the young man said in a strained voice. "Not quite."

Lou lowered her hand and blinked. On a second look at her victim, she saw that the arrow was actually wedged in a book in front of his chest. Mesmerized, she poked the arrow. It made the book move slightly as it was firmly wedged in its pages. Her gaze shifted to his jackets. She poked his chest.

"Ow, still sore." He coughed for a few seconds and then exhaled loudly.

Lou waited a moment, as if blood would pool onto his chest if she spoke. She leaned closer, hovering over him. Again, she poked the arrow that was wedged in the book. But this time instead of poking the man in the chest, she gently pressed her palm against it. She could feel that he was warm. His heart beat played a rapid rhythm beneath her hand that awoke her from her stupor. Her gaze lifted to his eyes and she felt her breath catch in her throat.

Her brain was screaming at her to lean away. She may not have been the most feminine or well-mannered young woman, but she knew that being this close to someone was highly improper. Even if she had thought she had killed him.

He placed his hand over her hand that was resting upon his chest. Lou felt like her skin was on fire. She was about to snatch it away when he grasped her hand. Her entire brain function was reduced to only breathing.

"Would you be so kind as to help me up?" he asked. His voice was less strained than before and his eyes were focused on the blue sky above them.

She stared at him like he was something lovely, like strawberry jam or a rare bird.

"Please?" he asked.

"Oh! Oh, yes, of course," Lou stammered as she finally came back to her senses. She lifted the book with its arrow and carefully tossed it aside. She hesitated for a moment when her hands hovered over his shoulders. She clenched her jaw at her strange behavior and focused on lifting him up to a seated posture against the tree.

"There you are," she said. She scooted back slightly, but not as far as would have actually been proper. She figured it only made sense to stay close in case she had indeed injured him.

"My mother always told me keeping a book close to my heart would do me good," he said. His voice sounded calmer now. "But my brother always told me that being an intellectual would very well get me shot. I shall be happy to report that they were both correct."

Lou laughed. She did not giggle. It was not modest or sweet. She laughed. It rose from her belly and filled the forest and did not cease until she snorted. Her eyes widened in horror. What was becoming of her?

"I have only heard such a laugh from my brother," he said with a smile. He glanced around the forest and then lowered his voice to add, "And such a snort from my sister. But do not tell her I have spoken such truths or she will play the queen's role and demand off with my head."

Lou was unsure what to do. She had not expected to laugh and she had certainly not expected to snort. She shifted uncomfortably on the ground with her hands folded on her skirt.

He frowned and apologized, "I hope not to have offended you, archer. It is ill manners to mention the way a woman laughs. Please, I beg your forgiveness."

Lou blinked. She also did not expect an apology. Of all the rude comments made to her over the week, not one man offered an apology when she expressed her offense. And this man had not even actually offended her.

"I am not usually such a horrible archer. I have been preoccupied as of late. The hogs have distracted me during my practice," Lou finally said.

Ravi looked aghast. "Were you aiming for the poor animals?"

"I would be inclined to do so, but my mother will not allow it. Especially after the incident with the stable door. Even if my gentlemen callers are repugnant."

Lou felt her face heat up. She could not fathom why she would say such a thing so freely to a stranger. Stranger. It finally occurred to her that she had no idea who this young man, wandering around reading in her forest, was.

His confused look changed into an amused expression. He chuckled and his eyes brightened. He said, "You must be Miss Hockhauser. I have heard of your dissatisfaction with your current suitors."

She was unsure as to how it was possible, but her face heated more. She messed with the ends of her hair, a bad habit. She stopped and fidgeted with her hands. Her eyes searched the ground for a moment until they landed upon his book. She reached over and grabbed it. Upon a quick inspection she determined it was of no real use.

She handed it to him with a frown. "Perhaps...you can read around the damage?"

He shook his head and said good-naturedly, "Honestly, I have it memorized." He raised his eyebrows at the arrow sticking out of it. "And what a spectacular souvenir." He looked up at her and added in a soft tone, "Thank you."

"For shooting you?" Lou asked in a tone to match his.

She was unable to look away from his lovely gaze. He seemed to be in the same predicament.

"You are right. That is ridiculous. I am unsure why I said it." He lowered his eyes bashfully and added, "However, I do still mean it." He looked back up at her. "I am... Oh, dear. I have forgotten my own name…"

"But you remembered mine?"

"I think I shall always remember you…"

Lou's mouth felt dry. She fiddled with the fabric of her dress. Her mind went from frozen to running with a thousand thoughts. Was it appropriate for her to be out here with him without an escort? Was she not an elder now, so this should be fine? But men were not considered "old" at her age, so should he have an escort? Why was he here? Was he interested in marrying her?

Lou felt herself blush at that final thought. How did it make sense for her to be absolutely against the idea one moment and ready for this stranger to court her the next?

"Miss Hockhauser?" he asked, breaking her out of her thoughts.

"Yes?"

"You are staring," he said as if he felt guilty for pointing it out.

"How could I not," she murmured under her breath.

He gave her a smile so bright that it could rival the sun. Her blush deepened as she realized he had heard her. She tried to stand up, but stumbled over her skirts. She fell forward into him, so that their noses were touching and she had him pressed against the tree.

"Um, uh...I... Your cousin says you are fond of animals. I am as well. My sister has a house full of exotic pets," he said in a nervous rush. "Ravi! That is my name! How do you feel about pets? Wait, I have already been informed that you love them."

"I have only dreamed of filling my house with pets. Though who would agree to a goat in the parlor…"

"I suppose if the goat had manners."

He chuckled at his own joke, once again breaking Lou out of her stupor. She could feel his breath on her face and the longer she stayed, the longer she thought about things she had never before considered. Like learning more about a guest that had visited her this week or embracing someone that was not her relative.

"My apologies!" Lou said quickly as she clumsily stood. She ran away as quickly as possible from the awkward situation.

"You shot him!" Lady Hockhauser exclaimed as she fanned herself in the drawing room. "You swore you would never shoot another potential suitor, Lou Ella!"

"This one was an accident," Lou said, exasperated and embarrassed as she paced the expensive rug.

Mr. Hockhauser and Xander laughed from their place on the sofa. Lou gave them both a hard look to reduce their full bellied laughs to light chuckles.

There were only a few hours until dinner, so Lou had called for a meeting in the drawing room. She made it clear to her parents that it was family only and that any guests that did not comply would be refused a dance at her birthday ball. Or tied to the stable door.

"Lou, I am sure you believed all of my acquaintances to be familiar with weaponry, but you seemed to have fired at the only young man that I know who is strictly a scholar," Xander joked.

"Good for him. Sounds like the book came in handy," Mr. Hockhauser replied with a chuckle and a rib jab at Xander.

Her best friend's words reminded Lou that the young man had mentioned intellect. Her stomach felt sour. He had not made fun of her lack of education or manners, but certainly he must think ill of her. She held her arms as she paced. This was the first time she actually cared about how a man felt about her. Maybe she was coming down with some sort of illness.

"You may win Luke's heart after all. He will find what happened between you and his brother hilarious," Xander said.

Lou froze. She looked at Xander with wide eyes and stammered, "Brother?"

Xander nodded. He smiled at Lady Hockhauser and his uncle and explained, "Ravi Ross is the youngest adopted son of the Marquess and Marchioness. He is three and twenty. He has traveled the world as an escort for his sister, Lady Emma Ross. Luke says his brother went to expand his knowledge and his sister went to expand her wardrobe."

Mr. Hockhauser chuckled good-naturedly and reached for another finger sandwich from the tray near the sofa. Lady Hockhauser continued fanning herself as she raised her eyebrows at her daughter.

"Lou Ella, did the fact that the young man was eligible, rich, and from a well-connected family offend you so much that you shot an arrow at him? Are I or your father next?"

"It was an accident!" Lou said once more.

She had thought three days ago when Baron Edwards proposed to her as he blew his nose in his shirt that there would be no greater time to disappear. She would gladly take awkwardly watching an old man fling his boogers over what had happened in the forest. She had no idea that the very person she had shot was related to the very person she had hoped would save her from an undesirable betrothal. Luke would never accept her pleas to save her from her suitors now.

"Do we know if he is eligible, dear?" Mr. Hockhauser asked as he munched on a cucumber sandwich.

Her father gave her an expectant look and Lou felt her face heat up. Xander had spoken so highly of Luke that Lou was ready to marry him if marriage was her fate. She had not seen him nor met him nor laughed at a joke he had made. But Ravi…

Lou paced again and fussed, "This is ridiculous! It was an accident! And I only brought it up to avoid any awkward or embarrassing conversations at dinner tonight with our guests. Xander's been kind enough to invite his dear friend over and the siblings of that friend. They are Xander's guests and I am certain they have no interest in this entire wretched affair."

"Lou Ella," Lady Hockhauser began as she rested her fan in her palm.

"I am sorry, mama. But for the hundredth time, this entire thing is...is...foolish! There is no man I will marry and no man will marry me! I will fail the family because I was set up for failure and...and…"

Her breathing was heavy from fussing and pacing and waving her hands around. Her shoulders sagged as she dropped down to an armchair and slouched. She was tired. Tired of suitors. Tired of upsetting her parents. Tired of not fitting into her new world.

"...And I am sorry, mama and papa."

Lady Hockhauser and her husband gave each a soft look. They each stood and walked over to their daughter. Her mother leaned over the arm of the chair to wrap her arms around Lou's shoulders. Her father stood behind the back of her chair and gently rested his hand on his daughter's shoulder. He gave her a kiss on the forehead and her mother squeezed her tight. Xander stood to join his family, crouching beside Lou's armchair.

"You are no failure, Lou," her mother said sweetly.

"We will figure things out...together," Xander said with a small smile. He patted his cousin's hand.

"Possibly you could embroider a nice handkerchief for the Booger Baron to encourage another proposal," Mr. Hockhauser joked.

Lou leaned into her mother's embrace and let out a light laugh. Her family's affection warmed her heart, but it also reminded her of her duty to them. As tired as she may be, she would do anything to make them happy and do what they believed was best for the family.

"He was not the most...offensive," Lou said. "And at least I did not shoot him with an arrow. As such, maybe he will not be the...worst choice."

A knock on the door made everyone look up. The butler opened the door and stepped inside. Lady Hockhauser released her daughter and Xander stood up from his crouched position.

"There is a visitor who requests an audience with Miss Hockhauser," the butler announced.

Lou forced her best smile. She refused to sigh now that she had resolved to find a betrothed and do right by her family. However, she had hoped to delay her task until dinner or her birthday dance. She slowly rose from her chair and thought maybe it was best to do this now than suffer through dancing with multiple uninteresting men at the ball.

"Please send him in, but do inform him that I would like my parents and cousin to be in attendance," she said. "If that is okay?"

If she had to do this, she did not want to do it alone. Also, the last two times she was alone with a man she completely ran off one and shot the other. She looked to her parents and they both nodded. Xander gave her a thumbs up.

The butler nodded and stepped out of the room, closing the door behind him. Lou did not bother with smoothing her skirt or fiddling with her hair. Whoever was calling upon her could accept her as she was as she accepted him. Whether that be a crotchety old gentleman or a peevish young officer. Or…

"Good afternoon," Ravi Ross greeted the family as he stepped into the drawing room.

Time stopped for Lou. Her heart slowed down as she gazed at the young man she had shot earlier. He bowed and greeted each member of her family before settling his eyes on her. When their gaze met, Lou's heart rapidly sped up. She had to gasp for air.

"Lou Ella, be polite and respond to Mr. Ross," Lady Hockhauser said as she awkwardly waved her fan and gave her daughter a stern look.

"Um, uh...I…" Lou folded her lips shut. She looked to her cousin for help.

"Sorry, Mr. Ross. But it seems as though my cousin may still be embarrassed about the incident earlier. I hope you will not hold it against her. She assures us it was an accident," Xander said, trying and failing to hide his amused look.

"The fault was entirely my own. I should have been enjoying the tour of the garden that you so graciously gave Luke and Emma, instead of sneaking off to enjoy my book," Ravi said. He folded his hands behind his back and let out a light laugh. "I have always been the oddest of the Rosses. I do beg your pardon, Miss Hockhauser."

"Thanks," Lou said. She winced at her response. Suddenly she remembered that her skirts were probably wrinkled, so she smoothed them down and flashed him a nervous smile.

He smiled back at her and looked so deeply into her eyes that she was certain he could see into her heart. It made her quickly look away and put her hands on her hips in a very unrefined manner. She glanced at her father, who did not seem to notice the difference in her behavior. She did not dare look at her mother.

"We do appreciate you and your siblings' acceptance of our invitation to dinner, Mr. Ross. It will be a lovely evening," Lady Hockhauser said politely as she watched her daughter from the corner of her eye. "Lou had hoped you would take the seat beside her."

"You did?" Ravi asked with hope in his voice.

Lou had never been so confused in her life. What was so special about this person that she forgot how to speak or behave like a normal human being? Her mother cleared her throat for an answer and Lou nodded her head wordlessly. She felt like a fool.

"Well, then I shall look forward to tonight. Not that I have not already been. I am just… looking forward to it," he stumbled over his words. He nervously messed with the ends of his sleeves as his hands were hidden behind his back. "And I shall leave so you have time to prepare. I, um, wanted first to...let it be known that I am… eligible."

"Eligible?" Lou repeated, dumbstruck.

Ravi nodded. "I am but three and twenty. However, I have traveled extensively and learned much about the world. I feel my experience puts me in a position to be a suitable match for Miss Hockhauser, if she so chooses, of course."

"Of course," Mr. Hockhauser said with a bit of shock in his voice. He blinked as he looked from Ravi to Lady Hockhauser.

"And my family is well-connected, which will be beneficial to your business and maintaining your inheritance," Ravi continued, trying to keep the nerves out of his voice.

"We are aware," Lady Hockhauser said with a slight nod of her head.

"And...um… I…" Ravi exhaled and relaxed his arms to unfold them. He took a step forward toward Lou and gave her a lovestruck look. "You are the most interesting person I have ever met, and I have hardly met you."

His words and the honesty in his eyes gave Lou courage. She took a step forward, wishing it could be the same closeness as in the forest. She said, "I feel the same way about you. And I am not even sure why. It has never before happened."

"I understand. Luke mentioned that Mr. McCormick had hoped someone would win over your heart. He spoke highly of your character, Miss Hockhauser. But I myself had never considered marriage."

"You do not wish to marry?"

"I did not consider it as an opportunity that would be awarded to me. Not many consider my or my siblings' upbringing suitable for such a union. Though I hope that..."

"People can be so foolish! I have met challenges over my own upbringing. Even from suitors that are supposed to woo me," Lou answered honestly. She could not understand why she felt so comfortable telling him the truth.

"That may not be the best strategy for wooing, though I am unfamiliar with the concept," he said and his smile made his eyes more mesmerizing.

"Are you sure you are unfamiliar?" Lou said, unable to stop the words from slipping out or taking one more step closer.

Mr. Hockhauser cleared his throat and Lady Hockhauser tried to hit Lou with her fan. Xander pretended to cough in the crook of his elbow when he was really smothering a laugh. Ravi's face heated and Lou realized that she and Ravi were not the only two people in the drawing room.

"I in no way wish to deter you, Mr. Ross. But are you aware that my daughter shot you with an arrow?" Mr. Hockhauser said.

"And Cupid has never been so lovely," Ravi said below a whisper, so that only Lou heard.

"What was that, Mr. Ross?" her father asked, having not heard.

"I, um. I shall leave you to your preparations. I just thought it important to make my intentions clear. I have a feeling that you would be… happy. And if it helps, I own a large acreage in the country where you can be free to shoot as many arrows as you desire."

Lou hardly heard the rest of the conversation before Ravi exited the door. The bit of clarity she had achieved went all fuzzy again at the mention of his intentions. Not one other person had mentioned happiness in their speeches to her. But Lou felt like it would not matter now if they had, because she was sure she could only find happiness with Ravi Ross.

"Well… that was unexpected," Xander said.

"Tell me about it," Lou murmured as she stared at the door in hopes Ravi would come back, so she could get to know him more.

Xander winked at his cousin. "Looks like I helped after all."

"She shot him...and he nearly proposes… He is odd," Mr. Hockhauser mused. He grinned at his daughter. "My dear, I believe you have found a match."

Lady Hockhauser linked her arm with Lou's and slightly shook her daughter, who was still in a lovestruck daze. "He seems too well-mannered and handsome. Are you sure we shall not write the Booger Baron?" her mother joked.

Lou's family laughed, but she had only partially heard what was said. She was too busy looking forward to dinner. And this time, she knew her hopes would not be in vain.