Mary asked Eloisa James:

Hi Eloisa! In many historical romances, someone dashes off to get a special license so they can get married quickly. Do you know what the actual process of getting the license was, and how did that speed up the process? I loved My American Duchess! I'm looking forward to Seven Minutes in Heaven.

Eloisa James Here's my understanding, for what it's worth: A person could go the Archbishop of Canterbury for a license that allowed a marriage to take place anywhere, not just within a place of worship. A handful were granted each year, usually to members of the upper reaches of the aristocracy. You do need witnesses. It sped up the process hugely because you could marry straight off -- the next day!

I'm so glad you loved American Duchess -- thanks!

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