A Lady of Fortune — Blanche Chenier

"IF ONLY MEN WERE HONEST WHEN THEY PROPOSED TO ME!" HARRIET CRIED. "IF ONLY ONE OF THEM WOULD SAY 'MISS ASHLEY I ADORE YOUR FORTUNE. MAY I MARRY IT?'"

Harriet Ashley found it galling that so many men who didn't care a jot for her were proposing marriage. She knew only too well that she was plain. The truth was very clear: they were after her sizable fortune. Even the elderly men overseeing her estate seemed to regard the idea of her marriage as little more than a business transaction. Well, she would show them.

Harriet hit on a scheme. She would go to a place where she was not known and live as though she were poor. Thus proving she could manage her own life, she would marry only if she wished -- and only for love...