Marry in Scarlet

The last thing Georgiana “George” Rutherford wants is to get married, particularly to her aunt’s recently jilted fiancé Hart, the stuffy Duke of Everingham. She’d much rather spend her time wearing breeches, riding horses, and doing other activities that have earned her the label of hoyden. Her meddlesome aunt, however, thinks George would be the perfect match for Hart and conspires to marry them off. Hart’s regressive views of women do not mesh with George’s outspoken opinions, and the two argue constantly, despite their shared affections. A compromising kiss during a society event forces a hasty union, even though George is a most reluctant bride. As a heroine, George is commendable, standing up for her beliefs and remaining devoted to her family. But the duke’s high-handedness and insistence on “owning” George make their future happy ever after questionable, even when he softens slightly toward the end.