Major Frank
An unexpected fortune arrives for Leopold van Zonshoven, but the inheritance carries a peculiar condition: he must marry his late aunt's granddaughter, Francis Mordaunt, a woman he's never met. She's called Major Frank for good reason. Spirited, unconventional, and utterly indifferent to the proprieties expected of Victorian women, Francis refuses to be anyone's passive bride. As Leopold navigates this arranged engagement, he discovers that wealth and obligation prove far simpler than the challenge of winning a woman who needs no one. Bosboom-Toussaint crafts a witty exploration of marriage, money, and the radical possibility of choosing one's own path. The novel's humor and sharp social commentary elevate it beyond typical Victorian romance, offering instead a refreshing take on independence and genuine connection.
