Review: Fascinating portrayal of medieval marriage
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 11 1, 2011
Medievals are not my favorite romances, mostly because that time period--despite all of Queen Eleanor's "courtly romance"--was violent and uncertain and not really romantic. Even a noblewoman could not expect much happiness in marriage, as most were married off at a young age in trade for land or money or influence and then treated as chattel by husbands who could treat them as harshly as they wished with no consequences.Marguerite was, for the most part, a level-headed young lady. She ran her father's household successfully for many years, and even at the court of Westminster with her friends, she did not sigh over handsome courtiers or behave in any way beneath the dignity of a noble young maiden. A part of her may have yearned for a bit of adventure, but when she found herself forced into marriage with a near stranger who clearly wanted only her inheritance, well, that wasn't exactly what she expected.It wasn't that he was cruel or anything. He didn't beat her nor mistreat her in any way. He was courteous and respectful and appreciative of her efforts in keeping the castle and its occupants in good order. On more than one occasion, in fact, Marguerite reflected that it would have been easier if he had been cruel and thoughtless, since she could have protected her heart from being crushed by his indifference. But after she found herself falling in love with him, his very indifference had the power to slay through her like a sword.But if that were not enough, it turns out that her husband Roland is in love with the beautiful Isabelle, his former fiancée, who sports the ruby bracelet that Marguerite learns is part of her husband's family jewels. Marguerite seems to be the last to learn of their ongoing affair, even when it is carried on in her own household. He spends months at a time away from her with no explanation, except for the one occasion where he did openly tell her he was going to visit Isabelle. Marguerite goes through many dark days feeling like the unwanted third wheel, and there are those in the castle who warn her that her days are numbered, that her husband is a violent man who has killed before for material gain.I have to say that I was never sure until the end that this story could turn out well for Marguerite. I kept on reading because I was impressed with her strength and determination. . . and loyalty in the face of so much betrayal. It was an emotional roller coaster not unlike Gabaldon's Outlander series. It was nearly impossible to wrench myself away from it in time to make my hair appointment, and I must confess I broke a speed limit or two coming home afterward to finish the last chapter.In real life, women like Marguerite could not ask for their husbands' love or respect. It was enough that they were well-fed and clothed, I guess, and that their husbands did not treat them cruelly. I suppose the common women would think themselves fortunate indeed to have as much. But from my perspective, well, life in the Middle Ages pretty much sucked, even for queens.