Question L

[Jonetta]

Peter Prescott has a secret family, married to a woman the ton would never accept. How much of a secret do you think this really is?

[Charlene]

Well, the murdered bishop knew it; perhaps his colleagues in his bishopric circle knew. I don't remember whether Peter's mother might have known, but that she had legitimate grandchildren, I did wonder. Now Sebastian knows. It worries me that he might wish to get together with Kat, even though she is in that fruitless marriage.
I hope he has the sense to stay away, but now I want to rush out and read the next book to allay my fears.

[Veronica]

Peter's immediate family may know but I'm not sure that anyone else does. Sebastian thought she was only his mistress so it's likely that this is the prevailing view amongst their peers. I'm disappointed that more wasn't made of how the situation isn't the "love conquers all" ideal, to further show Sebastian that his life with Kat may not have been all he'd cracked it up to be.

[Jonetta]

In fact, the ending made it seem a bit idyllic. It's not necessarily the children that pay as the ton tends to acknowledge them if the family does (go figure that logic), but the women are treated miserably.

[Veronica]

True, Jonetta. I would've liked to have gotten a bit of insight into how Peter's former opera dancer is feeling now. Is she truly happy stuck at home in a life where the man to whom she is married can never publicly acknowledge her as his wife and who she can't ever accompany to social functions? I'd like to know what happens when the bloom of the initial honeymoon period is over and reality sets in.

[Lauren]

Veronica wrote: "I'd like to know what happens when the bloom of the initial honeymoon period is over and reality sets in. "

It really can't be easy for her, but we also have to take the time period into consideration. Women of that time were no strangers to sacrificing their own needs for their husbands'. It could be that Peter's wife is satisfied because, for her, it was sufficient that he loved and respected her enough to actually marry her rather than keep her as a mistress.

The way in which the wives, daughters, and mistresses are treated in this time, highlights Hero's determination to retain her independence and makes her unique.

[Phrynne]

Isn't this what would have happened to Kat if she and Sebastian had married?

[Lauren]

Phrynne wrote: "Isn't this what would have happened to Kat if she and Sebastian had married?"

Theoretically yes, although Kat doesn't come across as the type of woman who would be satisfied staying at home and awaiting her husband's pleasure. Nor is Sebastian the kind of man who would expect that. Nevertheless, if they had married, I do not think that Kat would have been accepted by the ton - she would be snubbed and rejected everywhere.

[Phrynne]

I wondered if that was why the author introduced Peter Prescott and his wife to us and to Sebastian. Sort of this is what could happen to you.....

[Jonetta]

I thought so, Phrynne. They seemed happy with their life.

[Veronica]

Phrynne wrote: "Isn't this what would have happened to Kat if she and Sebastian had married?"

I think Sebastian wouldn't have hidden the fact as Peter has, but I agree with Lauren that Kat wouldn't have cared much for being stuck at home. And she never would've been accepted by Sebastian's social class.

As Aunt Henrietta said, she's not the wife Sebastian needs. :-)

[Joanna]

How much people gossiped back then, I would gather that most know especially with him taking his son out in public.

[Sharon]

I don't think there are any secrets among these people. I have a hard time with the situation. I feel so sad for him that he can't openly acknowledge the woman he loves. Of course, they both know the way it is and decide to be together.