That Unfortunate Marriage, Vol. 2

"That Unfortunate Marriage, Vol. 2" by Frances Eleanor Trollope is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds around the protagonist, May Cheffington, as she navigates the complexities of her relationships, familial obligations, and societal expectations after her return from London. The novel delves into themes of love, duty, and the implications of social status. At the start of the second volume, May returns to her grandmother's home after attending a London season, where she reflects on her changed feelings and the adjustments in her surroundings. Various characters, including her grandmother, Mrs. Dobbs, and her Uncle Jo, express their concern for her current state as well as those of their community. Amidst the backdrop of May's interactions with friends and potential suitors, the opening chapters also introduce a sudden tragedy within her extended family—the death of her cousin, George Cheffington—which leads to significant implications for May's future and the dynamics of her relationships, particularly with the mysterious Theodore Bransby and the earnest Owen Rivers.