Mason is an unmarried Duke, hasn’t considered it until he met Ava. His own parents died years ago and he has lived alone since. He came to stay with his old friend, Mr. Chilwell for some company but has ended up falling in love with his eldest daughter. They spend the evenings together now. He has also been discussing marriage with her father.

Ava is polite, respectful, pretty, kind. She is the perfect marrying sort and has dreamed of it for years. She herself has fallen in love with Mason’s kindness and handsome looks. She finds herself desperate for him.