Free A Lady of High Regard by Tracie Peterson

but knew she dare not. “Since women give birth to young men and care for them until they’re old enough to care for themselves, I would think it important that they understand male anatomy. Not only do they care for sons, they care for husbands and sometimes for elderly fathers. Why would a woman not desire to be as knowledgeable as possible?”
    “But theirs is for the purpose of caring for total strangers. It isn’t proper and it isn’t decent. Even Pastor Brunswick speaks against it. He believes it will stimulate inappropriate responses.”
    “Be that as it may,” her father cut in, “we needn’t worry about Mia becoming a doctor. What is of concern, however, is that your focus is on this magazine instead of finding a proper mate. If you will not do the job for yourself, Mia, your mother and I believe we must do it for you.”
    “What?” She was appalled. The very idea of her father and mother imposing an arranged marriage on her was beyond words.
    Her father looked at her with great sympathy. “I wouldn’t want to see you unhappy, Mia, but this matter is of great importance.”
    “But why? Why now?”
    He looked to her mother, then back to Mia. “You know we are soon to travel to England. It seems your aunt Elizabeth has in mind to introduce you to an eligible man of considerable means. To see you joined to this man would bode well for the family.”
    “I’m not going to marry an Englishman!” Mia declared in uncharacteristic anger. “You cannot even wish such a thing for me. We are Americans.”
    “The war is long over, Mia,” her mother replied. “You cannot desire to perpetuate a bitterness and hatred that was resolved over fifty years ago.”
    “The burning of Washington and attack on New Orleans was hardly that long ago, but even so, my anger does not burn toward the English. I was merely stating that we are Americans. Our interests and home are here. I would not wish to be parted from the things and people I love in order to take an English husband. Furthermore, I’ve no desire to make this trip with you. Perhaps I could go and stay with Ann or Sally. Surely my sisters would not begrudge me a bed while you are abroad. I might even find hospitality in Mrs. Hale’s home and remain right here in Philadelphia.”
    “I think we’re getting away from the subject at hand,” her father said. He always had a way of firmly reining in a wayward conversation.
    “Which is what?” Mia asked.
    “Your work for Godey’s is undesirable for a woman of means. You need to put an end to it.”
    “Father, that is unfair. You know how much I enjoy what I do. I have done nothing to shame you or to deserve such reproach. I have conducted myself in a ladylike manner. My friends think my interest at Godey’s is marvelous. They admire me for it.”
    “It’s easy to claim such feelings in a private circle,” her mother said, “but I doubt you’d hear them dare such opinions in public.”
    Mia realized she couldn’t win the argument. It would probably be best to let the topic settle for a few days and then approach it again. “Please give me a little time to think about this. I have obligations and cannot simply walk away without giving Mrs. Hale some consideration. It wouldn’t be proper.”
    She pushed her plate back, no longer having an appetite. “As for the idea of finding me a suitor, I assure you there are proper American men I find worthy. I will consider them more seriously. I had no idea I had become such a burden to you.”
    “You are no burden, Mia Elizabeth Stanley, and well you know it.” Her father was not fooled by her self-martyred comment. “Your mother and I wish only the best for you. We want to see you happy, but we also want to see you remember your boundaries. Society will tolerate a great many mistakes made in youth, but that time is quickly passing from you.”
    “And well I know it.” Mia suddenly felt very old. “If I might be excused, I’d like to reflect on this in