Bigamy or no Bigamy?
The narrative follows a legal professional, a partner in a reputable firm, who recounts a significant case involving the Countess of Seyton. The countess, previously Clara Hayley, seeks legal counsel regarding a troubling revelation about her marital status. After a tumultuous first marriage to Captain Gosford, which ended in separation, she marries Arthur Kingston, who later becomes the Earl of Seyton. However, she learns from Edward Chilton, a man claiming to have information about her first husband, that her marriage to Kingston may be invalid due to the timing of Gosford's death. Chilton asserts that Gosford did not die when reported, and thus, the countess's subsequent marriage is void, making her son illegitimate. This revelation plunges the countess into despair, prompting her to seek the assistance of the firm. The lawyers, Flint and Sharp, suspect that Chilton's claims may be a fabrication aimed at extorting money from the countess. The plot thickens as the lawyers devise a plan to confront Chilton, leading to a tense negotiation where he demands a substantial sum for his silence. Flint and Sharp manage to secure a written agreement with Chilton, who leaves under the impression that he has successfully manipulated the situation. Flint travels to Ireland to investigate the truth behind Chilton's claims. He discovers that the date on Gosford's gravestone was incorrect, leading to the conclusion that Chilton had orchestrated a scheme to exploit the countess. Flint returns with evidence that discredits Chilton's story, including a letter that reveals the true date of Gosford's burial. In a climactic meeting with the countess and her family, Flint presents the evidence, leading to Chilton's arrest and conviction for his deceit. The countess's legitimacy is restored, and she is reunited with her children, while Chilton faces justice for his actions. The case enhances the reputation of Flint and Sharp, showcasing their legal acumen and dedication to their client. The story concludes with a sense of triumph for the countess and the firm, emphasizing themes of justice, deception, and the complexities of marital law.
By Samuel Warren · First published 1862 · Genre: Legal Drama, Mystery, Historical Fiction · 6,052 words
First lines
The firm of Flint and Sharp enjoyed, whether deservedly or not, when I was connected with it, as it still does, a high reputation for keen practice and shrewd business-management. This kind of professional fame is usually far more profitable than the drum-and-trumpet variety of the same article; or at least we found it so; and often, from blush of morn to far later than dewy eve -- which natural phenomena, by the way, were only emblematically observed by me during thirty busy years in the extinguishment of the street lamps at dawn, and their re-illumination at dusk -- did I and my partner incessantly pursue our golden avocations; deferring what are usually esteemed the pleasures of life -- its banquets, music, flowers, and lettered ease -- till the toil, and heat, and hurry of the day were past, and a calm, luminous evening, unclouded by care or anxiety, had arrived. This conduct may or may not have been wise; but at all events it daily increased the connection and transactions of the firm, and ultimately anchored us both very comfortably in the three per cents; and this too, I am bold to say, not without our having effected some good in our generation. This boast of mine the following passage in the life of a distinguished client -- known, I am quite sure, by reputation to most of the readers of these papers, whom our character for practical sagacity and professional shrewdness brought us -- will, I think, be admitted in some degree to substantiate.
What this Textopian page supports
Bigamy or no Bigamy? is listed on Textopian as a novella by Samuel Warren, dated 1862 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Samuel Warren
- Date: 1862 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Legal Drama, Mystery, Historical Fiction, Romance, Drama
- Length: 6,052 words
- Structure: 1 section, 74 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for Bigamy or no Bigamy? by Samuel Warren
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Legal Drama — The plot revolves around legal consultations, courtroom dynamics, and the resolution of a complex case involving marriage and bigamy.
- Mystery — The narrative includes elements of suspense and intrigue as the characters uncover the truth behind the Countess's marital status.
- Historical Fiction — Set in a historical context, the story reflects societal norms and legal practices of the time regarding marriage and inheritance.
- Romance — The story includes romantic elements, particularly the relationships and emotional struggles of the Countess.
Tags
bigamy · marriage · law · society · morality · relationships · legal issues · 19th century · fiction · drama · family · adultery