Unmarriageable

More about the book

In a modern-day retelling of a classic tale, Alys Binat has vowed never to marry, but her encounter with Mr. Darsee at a wedding challenges her resolve. The Binat family's fortunes have dwindled due to a scandal, leaving Alys, the practical second daughter, content teaching English literature to schoolgirls. She strives to inspire her students, knowing many will drop out to marry young, by sharing the works of Jane Austen and other literary figures. When a grand wedding invitation arrives, Mrs. Binat eagerly prepares her daughters to attract wealthy bachelors, believing their fortunes may change. During the festivities, Alys's beautiful sister, Jena, catches the attention of a desirable bachelor, while his friend, Valentine Darsee, appears disdainful of the Binat family. After overhearing Darsee's unflattering remarks about her, Alys dismisses him as snobbish. However, as the wedding celebrations continue, the Binats eagerly await Jena's potential proposal, and Alys begins to see that Darsee's brusque demeanor might conceal a more complex character than she initially perceived.