She would have added considerably to Piers' importance as a landowner, and she knew already how to hold up her head in society.
Also, she led a wholesome, outdoor existence, and was not the sort of girl to play with a man's honour.
No, on the whole Sir Beverley had no serious objection to the prospect of a marriage between them, save that he had no desire to see Piers married for another five years at feast.

But Ina could very well afford to wait five years for such a prize as Piers.

Meanwhile, if they cared to get engaged--it would keep the boy out of mischief, and there would be no harm in it.
So had run Sir Beverley's thoughts prior to the appearance of the mother's help at the Vicarage.

But she--the woman with the resolute mouth and grey, steadfast eyes--had upset all his calculations.

It had not needed Lennox Tudor's hint to put him on his guard.