Life in Nineteenth-Century London

A lively, playful farm girl vs. a stiff, old-fashioned marquis

In the nineteenth century, the young and handsome Marquis of Lamour, Vincent, was pressured by his family to marry, so he arranged a marriage contract with the daughter of a small-time farmer. That farmer's daughter was Cecily! Cecily had transmigrated into a book. She knew she was a disposable side character, and that Vincent was a lovesick male supporting character who could not win the heroine's heart. Their marriage was merely a forced family alliance, and they had no feelings for each other. From the moment they married, they signed a contract: Cecily would receive a farm on the estate, on the condition that she never fall in love with Vincent.

It was obvious at a glance where this marriage was headed. Cecily wondered: how was this a marriage contract? It was practically an employment contract! A nobleman marrying a refined lady to manage the family was really just hiring a household manager. Cecily took the contract very seriously. In public, she worked hard to be a noble lady. In private, wasn't farm work much more fun? She ran the estate's farm, improved the mill, fed the horses, planted potatoes, and grew vegetables.

Everyone felt sorry for Cecily. Her husband had fallen in love with Lady Lillian, but Vincent had been rejected and was heartbroken. Cecily remained unmoved, wholly absorbed in the farm. She had never imagined that being a marchioness would be so hard. On top of running the farm, she had to defend the family's title and property. Thanks to her successful management of the estate, Cecily even became a model household manager for all high society.

Later, Cecily said she wanted a divorce and to pursue a happy life. Vincent hesitated. "Cecily, you still have to be the Marchioness of Lamour. The estate's farm needs you." Cecily said Vincent had no sense of honor when it came to contracts. They had agreed it was a marriage of convenience that would end when the term was up! Give her the farm! Vincent said they could extend the contract. He could even give Cecily half the estate's income, or all of it.

Domestic life, gentle and steady.

Theme: Live well.