I love to read Stephanie Laurens and I especially enjoy the Cynster series, although I've totally gotten hooked on the Bastion Club as well. In response to your question regarding the Cynsters disregarding the typical restrictions in their society, I don't ever really think they pay a "price." The Cynsters are so well set up in society that no one dares to question them. I forget which book it was in, but there is a quote that says something along the lines of, Cynsters know how to toe the line of society and they may go right up to it, but they never cross it. It seems to me, when discussing marrying for love, although it's not typical in that society, it certainly isn't scandalous by any means. It's just something that isn't really done back then. Another angle is that Cynsters have the luxury of marrying for love, while others, who don't have that place in society or the wealth, do not. As far as rewards....I believe those speak for themselves. There are always so many references in her books (and other historical romance books) of couples where the lady married an older man for his money or protection. The lady usually seeks outside pleasures and the gentleman generally either doesn't care or doesn't know.
I'm not really sure if I'm supposed to start a new thread or what, as this is my second post....but I'll ask anyway. Anyone read the Wallflower series by Lisa Kleypas? Some of the themes we're discussing definitely tie into that series.
clarepayton wrote:
Yes, and when the Cynsters go against society conventions, how do others react? What price do they pay for their independent ideas of marriage and love? And, what rewards do they reap that other characters do not?
