He was not expected to marry an heiress.

An heiress indeed was prepared for him, and would be there, ready for him at Christmas,--an heiress, beautiful, well-born, fit in every respect,--religious too.

But he was not to be asked to marry Sophie Mellerby.

He might choose for himself.

There were other well-born young women about the world,--duchesses' granddaughters in abundance! But it was imperative that he should marry at least a lady, and at least a Protestant.
Lady Scroope felt very strongly that he should never have been allowed to rejoin his regiment, when a home at Scroope was offered to him.