Explore "Olivia" by Charles Garvice on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
Mr. Vanley was not only Bartley Bradstone's senior, but his superior in looks and status.
The Vanleys had held Hawkwood Grange for centuries, and there was no name better known in Devonshire than that which the squire bore. Twice a baronetage and once a peerage had been offered to the Vanleys; but to a Vanley the old English and old Devonshire title of "Squire" was too dear to be exchanged for any other, though it might be higher rank; and so Squire Vanley, the master of the Grange, refused, and certainly was not the less respected for his refusal of a peerage.