When determining if someone is an unsuitable match, we must first consider
the criteria. Society may look at financial status or social status of an
individual, while the person desiring a match may be seeking something totally
different.
I suspect we have all known couples we felt were ill-matched but seem
completely happy with one another. There are a variety of reasons why
we wouldn't think they would be a good fit. The heart rarely looks at
social status, education level, finances, or even physical looks based on
the current day opinions or popularity.
In the book, "Her Unsuitable Match", I questioned whether the title
referred to the individual her family had selected for Pippa, or if it was
based on the individual Pippa selected. Either way, both sides thought
someone was an unsuitable match for the Earl's daughter.
However, what was most interesting about this book was that Pippa didn't
seek someone based on any of the previously mentioned criteria. She
wanted someone who would allow her to be free, which meant she needed a
husband who didn't make any demands on her, her time, or her money.
Interesting dilemma for a Regency era (1795-1820) setting.
"Her Unsuitable Match" Book Synopsis
Lady Philippa Gillensford is 23 years old, past the expected age for
marriage. Wishing for his daughter to have some choices in life,
Pippa's father had stipulated in his will that she would be given her own
dowry if she was unmarried at 23, as an inheritance so she could live independently. That is
exactly what she wanted, but her mother and her oldest brother who was now
the Earl, had a totally different opinion and they were determined to have
their way regardless of the cost.
Her Unsuitable Match
(Supposed Scandal)Check PricePippa's mother wanted her to marry someone equal or of greater social
station. Her brother had someone specific selected and had already
granted Lord Walter permission to marry his sister. Pippa was repealed
by the very presence of Walter who sought to marry her even if he had to
ruin her reputation to do so.
Lord Walter Ruthersby (the suitor), the dowager Countess of Montecliff (her
mother), and Richard, the Earl of Montecliff (her brother), colluded to
force Pippa into this alliance and marriage. All of society seemed
determined to see Lord W & Lady P wed, especially once there was gossip
and a touch of scandal associated with the couple. But Pippa knew she
was innocent and she had no desire to marry anyone, especially
Ruthersby.
Pippa did have one very strong alliance of her own. Her younger brother, Adam
and his wife, Elaine wanted her to be happy. They were blessed with a
marriage based on love and they would have preferred that for her, but Pippa
didn't have any love interest. She did, however, desire independence and
they supported her choice.
When the earl refused to give Pippa her inheritance, she sought legal
counsel. Even though she was willing to pursue her rightful
inheritance in court, she knew that might not be successful. However,
marrying someone else would end that ridiculous torment. Recalling a man who
had stepped in to defend her, she decided to make an offer to a
soldier. A gentleman she hoped would join in a contract that would be
mutually beneficial without the normal marital confines.
Myles Cobbett had returned from war with severe battle scars, both
physically and mentally. He found a reclusive lifestyle with a daily
routine, along with his small pension, provided a tolerable life. He didn't
really have hope for more. When he was presented with an unusual marriage
contract, he felt needed again and compelled to assist the damsel in
distress. He believed he could provide the shelter from social norms that
she needed and she offered to provide dowries for his younger sisters to
hopefully ensure better marriages for them.
The marriage arrangement seemed like the perfect solution for both Pippa
and Myles, but the aforementioned alliances against Pippa were not sated and they were
relentless. After all, marriages could be set aside by annulments and
jealous gossips still wagged their tongues with reckless
abandon.
Conclusion
It is impossible to not like Myles Cobbett and to feel sympathy for
Pippa. In spite of her social standing, they are the underdogs we all
want to see succeed.
While not your typical romantic novel, this book does pull at the emotions
of the reader. We would all love to see these two people
happy.
I read the book in two evenings. It was rather hard to put
down. I wanted to see what was going to happen, who would succeed in
their pursuits and what inevitable changes would have to be
made.
I do highly recommend this book for the hopeless romantic and those who
enjoy rooting for the underdog.
Her Unsuitable Match (Supposed Scandal)Check Price Mischief, Mayhem, and Marriage (Supposed Scandal)Check Price
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