Without Any Amazement

the long version

Jacynth was eighteen, and literally just out of the schoolroom, when Jonathan Branksome, married her. He hardly knew her, but drastic measures were necessary to protect her from being exploited by a heartless wastrel, and Jonathan knew he was the right man to guard her interests. Love did not come into it; Jacynth regarded the whole thing as an adventure, and Jonathan, having experienced one bitter disappointment, was quite prepared to bide his time until she was more mature. This unusual marriage might well have succeeded if lovely and unscrupulous Cynthia, whom Jonathan had once loved, had not come back on the scene. Could Jacynth, in her inexperience, hope to compete with her?