Preference

"Preference" is a very classic comedy of manners work from the romantic period, similar in style to Austen. The novel's importance lies in it being written by a female author and many of these works have been lost over time. It is a story of several young upper class friends who have paired off in love. Unfortunately, their parents and guardians have other plans and other pairings in mind which sets off diverse schemes before all is settled.

British Author Selina Davenport (27 June 1779 – 14 July 1859) was separated from her husband, writer Richard Davenport, and took to writing in order to support her two daughters. She wrote 11 novels between 1818 and 1832. "Preference", a novel in two volumes, is from 1824. This edition includes both volumes.

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Here is an excerpt:

"To which of the sisters would you give the preference, Frederic?"

"I? sir! upon my word I cannot say--they are both so amiable, so kind-hearted, and so grateful." St. Clair felt and looked embarrassed.

"And so you have no preference. Umph! At your age, and with your feelings, this is rather extraordinary. No preference--which do you think the prettiest girl?"

"They are equally handsome," replied St. Clair, his colour deepening as he spoke.

"What, no preference there either!" cried the admiral. "Why, you young dog, if they are both equally handsome, yet as their cast of countenance differs as much as the colour of their eyes and I may add their dispositions, you must surely have a preference in these things."

"Very little, sir, when either of the Miss Maitlands are in question."

"We shall see," continued the admiral, looking archly at the varying face of his favourite.--"Pray, sir, do you like blue or black eyes best?"

"Blue, sir, unless the expression of the black eyes--"

"Pshaw!" exclaimed the admiral--"what fault have you to find with the expression of Helen's eyes? What if the expression, as you term it, is not so mild and dove-like as those of her sister, yet are they not often more beautiful, when this natural brilliancy gives place to the endearing tenderness of her grateful heart?--What do you colour for, you puppy! are you afraid to acknowledge to Frederic Boscawen that your heart is as susceptible to the graces of female loveliness as his own? But come, since that heart has no preference, write to lady Glencairn, in my name, and ease her solicitude with regard to her expected mortification. Tell her--But no, no; I wish to surprise her ladyship, therefore merely say, that her request has met with immediate attention."

"Am I to intimate to her ladyship the pain you will suffer, sir, in losing the attentions of her nieces?"

"Yes; and at the same time tell her that my amanuensis is a silly young dog, who though very dear to me, is such a complete simpleton, as to have lived nearly two months in the same house with her lovely nieces, without feeling any thing like a preference for either of them."