By 1826, Landon's reputation began to suffer as rumours circulated that she had had affairs or secretly borne children. She continued to publish poetry, and in 1831 her first novel, "Romance and Reality". She became engaged to John Forster. Forster became aware of the rumours regarding Landon's sexual activity, and asked her to refute them. Landon responded that Forster should "make every inquiry in power", which Forster did; after he pronounced himself satisfied, however, Landon broke off their engagement. To him, she wrote: