Love and Marriage

Romantic entanglements are complicated by social constraints and personal ambition, as seen in Westray's rejected proposal to Anastasia and the tragic marriage of Sophia Flannery.

Westray's internal conflict over marrying beneath his social station and his protective love for Anastasia, contrasted with Lord Blandamer's ambiguous intentions.

Anastasia's rejection of Westray's proposal explores marriage as an institution versus personal ambition and independence.

Anastasia's romantic longing for Lord Blandamer is explored, constrained by social expectations of marriage.

The proposal and engagement are central, but Lord Blandamer's emotional detachment and Anastasia's conflicted feelings complicate the notion of romantic love.