Roxana, The Fortunate Mistress Section 16

In which the heroine reflects upon a tender and perplexing parting from a virtuous gentleman who sought to marry her and ensure her child’s welfare, while she, captivated by her own notions of liberty and ambition, declines his offer and prepares to navigate life independently with considerable fortune. She then resolves to secure her wealth with prudence, fending off opportunistic suitors, and embarks on a careful strategy to establish herself in London society, guided by the advice of a wise merchant and the hopes of maintaining both her freedom and her estate.