The letter from the Pryors came just in time for Catherine Melmonte. Dismissed from her post as governess it seemed the only thing she could do to save her family was accept the offer of marriage from the local squire - a man old enoughto be her father. And then the Pryor cousins wrote - a rathert condescending letter - but at least it offered Catherine three months as companion to their daughter. Three months mixing in polite society... Three months of balls and parties where anything could happen...