Spenceworth Bride

To be sold, on the morrow at market, my wife, Rose Ham. She is stout of body, standing firm on her posterns. She is strong and can sow and reap. She stitches a fine seam and can read and do sums. She is headstrong but, if managed properly, will follow meekly any man’s lead.

Rose stood on the auction block, praying to better her life. But as the illegitimate daughter of a nobleman and the wife of a drunken sot, she doubted her prayers would be answered—especially with the louts gathered aroun...