If you are unable to attend our Zoom discussion on The Making of a Marchioness, you’re invited to participate by responding to any of our discussion questions! These are the questions that we will be referring to during our Zoom discussion. I can’t wait to hear what you thought of this lesser-known novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett.
If you haven’t already done so, I highly recommend watching/listening to our conversation with Francesca Beauman of Persephone Books, the first publisher to publish The Making of a Marchioness after it had been out of print for several years. This wonderful bookstore and publishing house provides a platform for neglected fiction and non-fiction written by women.
2. Do you find Emily Fox-Seton relatable? Why or why not?
3. Based on the description we are given of the Marquis of Walderhurst, who did you expect him to propose to: Emily Fox-Seton, Lady Agatha Slade, or Cora Brooke?
4. Do you think Lady Maria understood the extent to which she took advantage of Emily? Do you think she truly felt sorry for it?
5. If you’ve read The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett, did you find any similarities in The Making of a Marchioness? Would you have guessed this novel was by the same author?
6. In the introduction of Persephone Books’ edition of this novel, the writer states that That Making of a Marchioness “possesses the same bespoke qualities that make I Capture the Castle, Rebecca, and The Pursuit of Love such thrilling, absorbing, galloping reads.” Do you agree? What other novels would you compare The Making of a Marchioness to?
7. If you read Part II, please share your thoughts. Were you surprised by how different it was from Part I?
8. Feel free to share any other thoughts you have!
Sarah Culley says
I loved Emily. She was so good to others and I don’t think it was because she did it for money. I think she had an innate goodness inside.
I actually didn’t expect the Marquis of Walderhurst to marry anyone. I’m not sure what I expected.
Lady Maria understood how much she took Emily for granted but she thought it was her right and I think she really thought she was helping her by paying for Emily’s help. I think there was one part where Lady Maria thought about asking Emily to stay in her employ permanently.
I wouldn’t have known the same author wrote The Secret Garden. But then this is an adult book even though there is a Happy ending.
I actually think this book is very similar to many of Georgette Heyers books. I wonder if Georgette Heyer had read this before she started writing?
I did read part two and if I hadn’t had known I would have thought it to have been a completely different story and author. I found it quite dark and a bit uncomfortable to read.
I have actually read part one twice now. Is such a lovely story
Love Sarah ❤️