Way of the Dog

The Way of the Dog, as Starsight calls it, is the choice expected of most young noblewomen in the mid-eighteenth century - to have unquestioning obedience and loyalty to their families, especially the heads of their families, their husbands and fathers. Its opposite is the Way of the Cat.

If Anthea chose to follow the Way of the Dog, her future prospects would be few; marry for a home, stay with her relations, become a governess, or set up her own establishment. Even if she allowed her uncle to manage her affairs and her money, there are few things she could do with acquired wealth - buy gown after gown to wear only once, attend parties, routs and balls until she choked on warm lemonade and weak champagne. These choices did not appeal at all.

Lady Starsight assured Anthea that if she followed the Way of the Dog, she would be always cared for, and that at one of these parties she would meet a handsome young man who offered for her hand - not for wealth, of which he would have plenty, but for ''her. ''Still, the Way of the Dog was not the sort of life Anthea cared to lead.