But her joy was quickly crushed. She had only been a week in her new position before the son of the house began to pursue her. He was an uncouth boy of twenty-two, inordinately spoilt by his mother who loved him with a possessive jealous affection. She believed that nothing he did could possibly be wrong and, when finally she discovered him in the act of trying to kiss Nerina in the corner of the library, she was easily convinced that it was Nerina’s fault and would listen to no other explanation.
Nerina was told to pack her trunk and leave within a few hours. She had gone back to Rowanfield Manor crestfallen, but quite unprepared for the reception she received from her uncle and aunt. They too would not listen to her.
“You must have encouraged the young man,” her uncle said icily and sh
