Marie did not really know how it had happened. She was so inexperienced she did not see the warning signs.

"Miss Cartwright, you are a very extraordinary woman!"

"I wish you'd call me Marie. And I'm not extraordinary. I'm pretty ordinary, actually."

"No, you're unusual. And very beautiful."

They were on the dark side of the barn, facing away from the house. They could still hear the guests but they were fifty yards away. Night had fallen as they looked across the meadow to the stream. Suddenly she felt less than comfortable.

"Well, we ought to get back now."

"Why? There's no rush." He leant his arm against the wall, preventing her from leaving.

"The others'll be missing us. We ought to get back to the party." She froze as he stepped up close to her – too close. He was much taller than her and she had to crane her neck to look at him. "Please, Harry. I want to go back."

"I'd like to kiss you."

"Get lost!"

She pushed his arm away and he pushed her roughly against the wall, trapping her with his body. His lips were on hers, they smelt of alcohol. She screwed up her face and turned her head quickly. "Get off me!" she cried.

"Ah, come on, Marie!" He swooped again and she slapped him.

He let go for a moment and she ran to the edge of the wall so she could be back in sight of the house again. He grabbed her by the hair, his fist clenched in her curls and pushed her head back so it banged into the wood hard. She cried out and gouged his face with her nails. This time he really did let go and she tore back across the yard, crying.

He pursued her but the crowd had heard Marie's cries and were surrounding her. He cursed under his breath. He dabbed his bleeding, stinging cheek with his handkerchief. Some of the guests were starting to hurry across to him. He quickly ran to his horse, mounted and rode out.

Marie was sobbing although she was trying not to make a scene. She felt embarrassed and ashamed.

"Please!" she wept as the ladies fussed over her. "Please! I'm alright! Leave me alone!"

It was then that a few of the younger girls broke away and hurried into the house to get her father.