Born 16 minutes before her fraternal twin, Hadria, Alethea is the more introverted and subdued of the two. Where Hadria goes, Alethea follows, but always with a keen eye and a heaping dose of common sense to keep them both on the straight and narrow. Like her twin, Alethea favors pretty things, but enjoys quiet pleasures like art and nature more than parties. Someday, she knows, they two will be split apart by the necessity to marry — But until then she clings to the steadiness of their close relationship and the support of her family.

Born 16 minutes after her fraternal twin sister, Alethea, Hadria has always happily taken on the role of “baby of the family” — Never mind that she has a younger brother. Known for her effervescent personality, Hadria is an extrovert with a particular eye for fashion and all things lovely. She and her twin have been out a few years now, but their mother has made clear they needn’t marry until they are ready — And who would ever want to give up parties and fun to settle down and raise babies?

Clementine is not on the shelf — YET. Raised by a mother who encouraged love matches where possible, Clementine fell head over heels for the third-born son of a wealthy member of the gentry. He wasn’t titled and had his sights set on joining the church and leading a modest life, but this suited Clementine just fine. They had been engaged two years when her betrothed took a fall from his horse and was instantly killed. Clementine mourned and then mourned some more, and has no interest in marrying anyone else. Lately, however, her father has been nudging her to rejoin the marriage mart, and she fears his reasoning is much worse than simply wanting her out of the house.

A renowned beauty, Eleanore Gifford had her pick of bachelors upon her debut. Alton Hornsby-Talbot was titled, wealthy, and a rare love match. Their home has always been comfortable, and Eleanore has raised their four children to be bright and independent. Lately, however, something has shifted in her husband — He is keeping something from her, and she fears he is having an affair. Perhaps two can play at that game.