One of the most intriguing parts for me in writing historical fiction is the examination of a woman’s agency.
Marriage was the primary means a woman had for survival. I found it infinitely fascinating to examine how they might settle into something that worked, but was not very fulfilling–and then how they might turn things around to ensure it was.
This story is one path, where Clara marries a very safe friend fully knowing she will likely never give him a child. If she outlives him, and doesn’t produce an heir, she’ll have nothing. Her husband is equally trying to live as full a life as current society allows, but he has his own unfulfilled desires.
They reveal themselves in small moments and the very powerful duke takes advantage of that. It’s a gamble to accept his proposition, but they do.
And, because this is historical romance, the enjoy a wonderful Happily Ever After. Enjoy!