The Husband Criteria

How can they discover the private man behind the public facade?



London 1817



The primary aim of every young lady embarking on the Spring frenzy that is the Season must be to make a good match. Or must it? And what is a good match? For cousins Cynthia, Chloe and Ann, well aware that the society preux chevalier may prove to be a domestic tyrant, these are vital questions. How can they discover their suitors' true character when all their encounters must be confined to the highly ritualised round of balls, parties and drives in the park?



As they define and refine their Husband Criteria, Cynthia finds herself unwillingly attracted to aloof Rafe Marfield, heir to an earldom, while Chloe is pleased to find that Thomas Musgrave, the vicar's son from home, is also in London. And Ann must decide what is more important to her, music or marriage.



And what of the gentlemen who consider the marriage mart to be their hunting grounds? How will they react if they realise how rigorously they are being assessed?



A light-hearted, entertaining look behind the scenes of a Season that takes a different course with unexpected consequences for all concerned.