My Dear Sophy

Sophy Wentworth loves her life in sleepy Milverton...

Twenty-three year old Sophia Wentworth lives a quiet life in the small country

town of Milverton. Here she helps her Papa, the town doctor, visits with her

friends, and attempts – usually unsuccessfully – to keep her younger brothers

Edward and Frederick out of trouble. When the opportunity to marry the

handsome and attentive young curate who's just moved into the next town

presents itself, Sophy is tempted by a life of pleasant repetitions and

obligations, a life that will keep her at the center of the town and the

community she loves so much.

Until a stranger arrives...

Captain Conrad Croft grew up in Milverton, where his father is the rector. He

has spent the past fourteen years traveling the world with the British Navy.

On a surprise visit home, Conrad meets Sophia – who was just eight years old

when he left. He becomes intrigued by this woman, the silent core of strength

for the entire town. When his attempts to draw her out succeed, Conrad

discovers an intelligent, witty, strong woman who might just be his perfect

match. He only has to convince her of it before he sails away again.

Fifteen years before the events of Jane Austen's Persuasion, this is the story

of how the Admiral and Mrs. Croft first meet.