A Gentleman and his Lady

It was the early 1700s when fathers had to approve an alliance with their daughters. John Rodman, called Roddy loved the daughter of a gentleman who lived near Roddy's father's estate. Yet when Roddy asked to court her, her father refused without giving a reason. Then circumstances caused him to go to Europe on business for his ailing father. He would be gone almost two years for the businesses were extensive and across the continent. On his return he discovers Mari's family had fallen low in society due to bad financial investments. He still loves Mari but mores ofo the time would not let him offer for her again. If he did and she accepted, would it be out of obligation. For tht would raise the family in society again. He wanted her love and not for any other reason. Will he find a way to overcome society's acceptance and the Devon's dismissal of him years earlier?