But now that he had his own parish and a post as perpetual curate from which he could not be evicted, short of some major catastrophe, Patrick could afford to consider marriage. No doubt Mary Burder sprang instantly to mind, but her faith and the fact that his letters to Wethersfield remained unanswered effectively ruled her out. It was no easy task to find an eligible bride who was capable of inspiring at least affection, if not love, in him. Fortunately, Patrick was to find a woman who possessed all the qualities he held most dear.
