I'm all over finding dom/sub play hidden in plain sight in older books, but I don't really think that's what's going on in this book. It struck me then, strikes me now, and, in this blog post, is affirmed as a practical solution to a real problem: how to protect Harriet's neck from a strangler so she can continue to be independent.
I'm slightly confused about your concern with Harriet's "fallen woman" status possibly harming Peter's reputation. As near as I can tell, it might have been a problem if Harriet had been involved with an heir, but Peter's a younger son so I don't think there would have been any concern whatsoever. Perhaps we are talking about different aspects of reputation, however. Also, if Peter had been quite young, obvs, a parent would likely interfere, but there's no way anyone is going to be telling Peter what to do at his advanced age.
I'm glad you mostly enjoyed the book! I _loved_ that book and reread it over and over and over again. But it's been so long I've forgotten details, so perhaps it is time to give that a try again!
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
winterfish
dog collar, fallen woman, etc.
Date: 2016-01-19 08:03 pm (UTC)http://www.openlettersmonthly.com/novelreadings/this-week-in-my-classes-am-i-making-excuses-for-gaudy-night/
I'm all over finding dom/sub play hidden in plain sight in older books, but I don't really think that's what's going on in this book. It struck me then, strikes me now, and, in this blog post, is affirmed as a practical solution to a real problem: how to protect Harriet's neck from a strangler so she can continue to be independent.
I'm slightly confused about your concern with Harriet's "fallen woman" status possibly harming Peter's reputation. As near as I can tell, it might have been a problem if Harriet had been involved with an heir, but Peter's a younger son so I don't think there would have been any concern whatsoever. Perhaps we are talking about different aspects of reputation, however. Also, if Peter had been quite young, obvs, a parent would likely interfere, but there's no way anyone is going to be telling Peter what to do at his advanced age.
I'm glad you mostly enjoyed the book! I _loved_ that book and reread it over and over and over again. But it's been so long I've forgotten details, so perhaps it is time to give that a try again!