Chapters in this book

1. Frontmatter i
2. Contents vii
3. Acknowledgments ix
4. CHAPTER I. Once upon a Time 1
5. CHAPTER II. The Age of Marriageability 17
6. CHAPTER III. The Social Status of Prospective Partners 39
7. CHAPTER IV. Parental Authority and Personal Affection 69
8. CHAPTER V. Agents and Go-Betweens 104
9. CHAPTER VI. Dowries and Jointures 120
10. CHAPTER VII. Formal Proposals, Public Contracts, and Proper Weddings 151
11. CHAPTER VIII. Secret Promises and Elopements, Broken Contracts and Divorces 185
12. CHAPTER IX. Courtship and Politics 234
13. CHAPTER X. Happily Ever After? 260
14. Appendixes 265
15. Index 269