Antoinette De Mirecourt and the Ideology of Marriage

Antoinette de Mirecourt or Secret Marrying and Secret Sorrowing, written by Rosanna Leprohon, is a book of secrets and lies, and of hopes and dreams. Antoinette is a young woman who wants true love, but instead is in a marriage based on deceit. Although, Antoinette is not happy in her marriage with Sternfield, she is strong in her will to remain faithful and truthful to him.

However, Antoinette de Mirecourt is not just a book of a young girl and her hopes and dreams, or betrayals and lies, but a book on the ideology of marriage. The ideology of marriage is represented in Antoinette de Mirecourt in four different waysby as many characters, each of whom represents a different ideology. Antoinette represents an ideology of a marriage based on love and happiness, but if that cannot be so, than a marriage of faithfulness, strength, and determination. Mr. De Mirecourt represents an ideology of arranged marriages and does not care about love being necessary for a marriage to be successful. Sternfield represents a marriage based on nothing but greed and receiving his bride's inheritance. Louis represents a marriage based on love, companionship and happiness. He would do anything for the one he loves and shows us this within the book. Therefore, these four ideologies of marriage are each represented by a different character within the book, and all the ideologies differ from each other.

Antoinette de Mirecourt begins with Antoinette going to the city to stay with her cousin Mrs. D'Aulnay. When she arrives in the city she has visions of a marriage filled with love and happiness, she can't imagine a marriage taking place for any other reason, "Were you very much in love, then, with cousin D'Aulnay, when you married him?" (Pg.11) Even when Antoinette is told that Audley Sternfield has fallen in love with her she doesn't return the feelings. She doesn't believe that she is in love with him, and therefore the notion of marrying him does not even enter her mind. "Lucille, I am sincere in saying I do not think I love him. I admire him very much, prefer his society to that of most other men." (Pg.50) However, when her father begins to arrange a marriage between herself and Louis she does the only thing she can and marries Sternfield. However, although Antoinette is not happy in the marriage, she remains in the marriage believing that it is the right and only thing to do.

But if Sternfield, on his side, wearying of the marriage, as you have done, should seek a divorce, obtain one, and then marry again,-a thing of sufficiently frequent occurrence, and permitted by his faith,-what then?

My chains would remain as firmly riveted as ever, and in the eyes of God I would still be his wife, not only unable to contract any other union, but obliged to be as faithful in thought and deed to him, as if he were the tenderest of husbands. (Pg.158-159)

Antoinette requires a large amount of strength for staying in such an unhappy marriage. Not only does Sternfield continually hurt Antoinette, but the stress of the marriage and lies soon catch up to her, which make her pale and ill, but yet she remains in the marriage.

What are you two conspiring about in this desolate corner? Mrs. D'Aulnay smilingly asked. Why, Antoinette, you look wretchedly ill! You will surely be unfit for your journey tomorrow. There, Major Sternfield, say good night at once, for I am certain it is you who have worried all Antoinettes roses away with your melancholy fretting and grumbling. Say good night and good-bye! (Pg.104)

Furthermore, it was because of Mr. De Mirecourts arrangement of a marriage between Antoinette and Louis that Antoinette was forced to marry Sternfield:

This letter, most certainly ill-judged and arbitrary, corroborating so fully all Mrs. D'Aulnay's late predictions, had a most pernicious effect on Antoinette's already wavering mind, and she had recourse again to her cousin for advice and encouragement. 'Tis needless to say in what shape the latter administered it; and she now openly and constantly spoke of an immediate and secret marriage as the only alternative left. (Pg.65)

Even though Antoinette grew unhappier each day she knew she couldn't go back on her wedding vows and therefore continued to endure her unhappiness. The loveless marriage Antoinette committed herself to grew worse day by day, and Sternfield continually acted rude, and uncaring towards her,

Notwithstanding her close proximity, never once did Sternfield's glance wander towards herself; and as she silently watched them-how could she help it! She ever and anon asked her aching heart, Is that man really my husband? Must I see all this, bear all this, and not even dare to complain-this to, the last evening that we shall be together for perhaps many weeks! (Pg.98)

As time continued Antoinette remained faithful and determined to be true to her vows, but her spirit was broken by the unhappy marriage she was in. Yet she did nothing but accept the facts as they are, "You are a loving bride, Antoinette." "I am what you have made me," was the calm, passionless response." (Pg.177) As determined as Antoinette is to be faithful to her wedding vows she even rejects the man she truly loves and wants to be with because she knows she cannot go back on her vows as she has made a life-long promise.

She loved with womanly love, not girlish fancy, the true-hearted man beside her, but she must leave for ever the support of those kindly arms that would have shielded her so carefully from life's trials and cares; she must reject that priceless devotion, and follow out alone her own dreary destiny, linked as it was for ever with that of the dreaded, heartless Sternfield. (Pg.142-143)

Therefore, Antoinette represents an ideology of marriage based on a life long commitment. She believes that marriage is forever, and will not change her mind no matter how unhappy she is or how many lies she has to tell.

Mr. De Mirecourt represents an ideology of marriage based on arranged marriages, and made by his own careful judgement. He cares nothing about love or happiness, but only that the groom will be a man of honor, intelligence, and social-upbringing. He shows us this by informing Antoinette by telegram that he has arranged a marriage for her with her childhood friend Louis Beauchesne, "You know as well as myself, that my father informs me here in the most sudden and unexpected manner, that he has chosen you as my future husband, and that I am to receive you as such." (Pg.56) Antoinette's father has decided that Louis would make a suitable husband for Antoinette, not only for his social upbringing, but also as for their friendly acquaintance. Antoinette is very upset when she receives this telegram. She doesn't understand how her father can expect her to marry someone who she loves only as a brother. "The friendly familiarity in which we have grown up together, has taught us to love each other dearly, but only as brother and sister." (Pg.56) However, Mr. De Mirecourt is firm in his decision that Antoinette will marry Louis and will not change his mind even at the persuasion of Mrs. D'Aulnay:

She loves Louis quite as well as you did Mr. D'Aulnay when you wedded him; and who will presume to say that you are not a very happy couple? But treve to this nonsense! I have made up my mind; and though I give her her own way about pocket-money, household matters, and other minor details, on this point I must have mine. She has known Louis long, always treated him with affectionate kindness, and is as well acquainted as I am with his irreproachable character. He is an excellent parti too in a worldly point of view, and I do not intend sacrificing so many combined advantages, in compliance with a girl's sentimental whim. So prepare to return home with me tomorrow, my daughter; or if I leave you another week here, it will be only to give you the chance of at once selecting your trousseau,-for, before this day month, Louis Beauchesne will be my son-in-law. (pg.82)

Therefore, Mr. De Mirecourt cares nothing about love being necessary for a happy marriage. He believes that for a marriage to work, the groom must be smart and have high social respect, as well as a good personality. He cares nothing about the wishes of Antoinette and the love that should accompany a marriage, but only that he himself must believe that the groom is a good man, and if that is so then he will make a good husband to his daughter. He even threatens Antoinette so as to be sure that she will not disobey him, "But, Antoinette, remember that of what I have just told you concerning foreign lovers or suitors, I retract nothing. What I have said, I have said; and if you disobey me, neither blessing nor inheritance will ever be yours." (Pg.86) Therefore, in Mr. De Mirecourts mind an arranged marriage would be the only way Antoinette would marry a suitable man, no matter what Antoinette's thoughts on the subject are.

Sternfield represents an ideology of marriage based on greed and money. He marries Antoinette mainly for her inheritance, and not for love as she assumed had been the reason. "Because," and his handsome lip curved with a movement of mingled sarcasm and irritation-"because I am not rich enough to afford the luxury of a dowerless bride." (Pg.148) Sternfield knew before even marrying Antoinette that she had a good amount of inheritance coming her way and is in no way willing to jeopardize that inheritance, not even for Antoinette's happiness.

Still with wonderful calmness she questioned, "Were you as well acquainted with my position when you married me, Audley, as you are now?"

Of course, you simple child. Do you think that I, with an income which barely suffices to keep me in the necessaries of my rank-my gloves alone cost a dollar per day-(Major Sternfield forgot to state what his gambling propensities cost)-would have ventured on marriage, without previously ascertaining whether my wife possessed some golden charms as well as other more irresistible ones? (Pg.149)

It is common that couples in a marriage have an ideal gender relationship. However, Antoinette and Sternfield have nothing close to an ideal gender relationship. For example, they weren't married in a church, and he doesn't love her. If Sternfield loved Antoinette he would have given her authority, but he doesn't and therefore he won't. Over time, as Antoinette and Sternfield's marriage continued, Antoinette grew more and more unhappy. Sternfield refused to publicly acknowledge their marriage for fear of losing the dowry that was owed to him through their marriage, and in doing so hurt Antoinette more each day, but Antoinette was determined to remain strong and faithful to her marriage.

Oh, Antoinette, how little I anticipated so sorrowful a conclusion to a romance that opened so brightly. You are right in the stand you have taken, however, even though it may cause strife and unkindness to arise between you and Audley. A daughter of the De Mirecourts is not to be at the beck of any husband who is afraid or ashamed to publicly acknowledge her. (Pg.159)

Therefore, Sternfield represents an ideology of marriage, which is based solely on the inheritance he will be given once married. It is a marriage based on greed and money, not on love or happiness.

Louis is the true romantic hero in the book. He proves the true ideology of marriage. One made of mutual love and respect. Although, he loves Antoinette he also wants her to be happy, and therefore portrays what a true and happy marriage should be. Although, Antoinette only loves Louis in brotherly fashion, Louis feels differently. He is in love with Antoinette, "On that point, at least, I am fully competent to judge, and can assure you that my love is something more than brotherly in its fervor and warmth." (Pg.56) However he is willing to spare her feelings at the expense of his own and only wants her happiness, "So be it," he calmly rejoined, but his lip slightly quivered as he spoke. "Tis better we should understand each other at once. May the one you have chosen prove one half as true and faithful as I would have done." (Pg.58) Louis's worthy character is proven by the decisions he makes concerning Antoinette. He wants Antoinettes happiness before his own, and will not force her to marry him. "I seek not an unwilling bride-one forced to the altar against the wishes of her own heart." (Pg.85) Louis is portrayed as the romantic hero within this story. He is willing to risk anything for Antoinette even if she will never be his. He not only decides to spare her feelings, but sides with Antoinette against her father.

You are a philosophical wooer, Louis," exclaimed Mr. De Mirecourt, sarcastically; "more so than I would have been at your age; and seem to be in no hurry to seal your happiness.

Because I seek Antoinette's happiness before my own," he rejoined, whilst the old bitter expression clouded his countenance for a moment. "But speak, Mr. De Mirecourt, is it not settled that you will give her six months longer for reflection; at the end of which time let us hope that your wishes and mine may be fulfilled. (Pg.85)

Louis is also willing to make a promise to Antoinette that he does not feel within his heart. A promise of friendship when what he really wants is love and companionship, "There was no resisting that entreating look, that pleading, coaxing tone; and the young man frankly grasping her hand, rejoined, "I promise willingly. Yes, as we cannot be lovers, we shall at least remain friends." (Pg.59) Throughout the entire story Louis is willing to do anything for Antoinette as long as it makes her happy. No matter the consequences for himself, it is Antoinette, who comes first in his heart,

Oh, Louis, dear Louis, I implore you let me dance with him. I am very wretched. Do not help to make me still more so. The pale cheek, the tearful eyes, the voice of the speaker, touched the generous heart of Beauchesne, and he mutely bowed in assent. (Pg.208)

However, it was too much for Louis to see how cruelly Sternfield treats Antoinette, and he quickly puts an end to it.

Major Sternfield insulted me last night, goaded me to ungovernable passion by his insolent cruelty to our poor unhappy Antoinette, who seems-Heaven help her-to be strangely in his power. I controlled my anger at the moment, and waited my time. It soon came; for shortly after he left the house, which I took good care to do at the same time with himself, I went up to him and asked for an apology, which of course he was as little disposed to give as I was anxious to obtain. This morning we met, and he fell, mortally wounded. They tell me he is dying. (Pg.213-214)

Therefore, it is Louis Beauchesne who portrays an ideal marriage made out of an ideal love, within Antoinette de Mirecourt. Although, he is never given the chance to marry Antoinette, he risks everything for her and her happiness. He wants her to be with the one she loves and is happy with, even if it is not him, and is willing to do anything to keep her happy and out of harms way.

In conclusion, Antoinette De Mirecourt or Secret Marrying and Secret Sorrowingis a book that uses four different characters; Antoinette, Mr. De Mirecourt, Sternfield and Louis to show four different ideologies of marriage. Although, three out of these four ideologies aren't exactly happy marriages, they are a way in which marriages were portrayed in the book, and therefore a way in which marriages were lived and thought of as.