Mr. Malcolm's List

As Julia Thistlewaite (character) accompanied the affable Mr. Jeremy Malcolm to the opera, her radiant beauty failed to leave a lasting impression on him. In fact, his lukewarm response was later caricatured in a mocking portrayal, leaving Julia feeling deflated and disappointed. Seeking answers, she enlisted the help of her cousin, the hapless Lord Cassidy, who inadvertently revealed to her that Malcolm had a list of non-negotiables for a prospective bride, which she unfortunately failed to meet.

Determined to exact revenge on Malcolm, Julia invited her friend Selina Dalton to London, where she endeavored to transform Selina into the perfect potential partner. Under Julia's tutelage, Selina was schooled in the art of charming Malcolm, and their plan appeared poised for success when they coincidentally crossed paths in the orangery.

As they debated philosophy, an undeniable connection sparked between them, and when formally introduced, Malcolm invited Selina to join him at the museum, where he passionately defended his assertion that his bond with Julia had been tenuous at best. During their stroll, they stumbled upon Captain Ossery, a familiar acquaintance of Selina's from her days as his aunt's companion in Bath.

The following day, Ossery formally extended an invitation to Selina to accompany him on a walk, and he revealed his intention to court her, as his aunt had specifically requested the union. Meanwhile, Malcolm continued to pursue Selina with unwavering dedication, aided by Julia's cunning machinations.

As Selina navigated this treacherous landscape, she inadvertently crossed paths with her crass cousin Gertie Covington, whom Julia claimed as a distant relative. This revelation only fueled Malcolm's ardor for Selina, who was both touched and troubled by his words of appreciation. When the truth finally emerged, Malcolm privately apologized to Selina and extended an invitation to Gertie to join them at his country estate, where he intended to propose to Selina.

Julia, convinced that Malcolm had reached the pinnacle of devotion for Selina, decided it was time for her friend to reject him. However, Selina's perception had shifted; she now believed that Malcolm was an honorable suitor with no intention of hurting Julia, and thus opted not to proceed with their original plan.

As the masquerade ball reached its crescendo, Julia engineered a masterful scheme to sabotage Selina's chances with the unsuspecting Mr. Malcolm. With calculated precision, Julia's loyal maid spirited Selina away, leaving her erstwhile rival isolated and helpless. Meanwhile, Julia herself masqueraded as Selina, accepting Mr. Malcolm's proposal with a calculating smile. However, her ruse was short-lived, as she promptly rejected him, citing a deep-seated hurt stemming from his earlier rejection of her own affections. The revelation sent shockwaves through the assembly, as Selina, Mr. Malcolm, and Ossery discovered Julia's true identity. The ensuing drama culminated in Mr. Malcolm's abrupt rejection of Selina, leaving both parties reeling.

The next day, a chastened Julia attempted to rectify the situation by orchestrating another scheme to reunite the star-crossed couple. However, her plans were foiled once again - this time by Ossery, who confessed his own romantic feelings for Julia, effectively disarming her schemes. As Mr. Malcolm and Selina found themselves alone in the tranquil garden setting, a heated exchange ensued, with Mr. Malcolm accusing Selina of attempting to ensnare him into an engagement. Seething with indignation, Selina wished him good fortune in his quest for a suitable mate.

As Julia apologized for her past transgressions, Selina decided to depart, leaving the would-be lovers to their respective heartaches. Meanwhile, Mr. Malcolm's mother inadvertently revealed her own machinations, having orchestrated the garden encounter that led to Selina's hasty departure. In hot pursuit of his departing love interest, Mr. Malcolm ultimately presented Selina with a revised list of qualities he sought in a future wife - the solitary line reading "Selina Dalton," a poignant testament to his enduring passion.