Julie Grassi
01-26-2013, 05:58 AM
Perhaps the best way of introducing myself is to give some idea of my interests in literature. I am much given to enthusiasms, and two of my current preoccupations are the works of John Fowles and Henry James.
I am looking for information regarding an aspect of the latter author's work, 'Portrait of A Lady': specifically, the legal position of Isabel Osborn. The young lady was an American citizen who inherited a large sum of money from another American, Mr Touchett, who was an English resident. Her marriage was to another American, and took place in Italy (before unification of that country, I think). So, to put it bluntly, who owns the money? I believe the marriage took place after the passing of the Married Women's Property Act, but with such a mixture of nationalities and laws, does Isabel have control of her own income after her marriage to Gilbert Osborn? Madame Merle's hope that Isabel will provide a dowry for Pansy, together with the Countess Gemini's surprise at the thought, seems to imply that Isabel retained financial independence, but I should like to be sure.
That should be enough to start with.....
Julie
I am looking for information regarding an aspect of the latter author's work, 'Portrait of A Lady': specifically, the legal position of Isabel Osborn. The young lady was an American citizen who inherited a large sum of money from another American, Mr Touchett, who was an English resident. Her marriage was to another American, and took place in Italy (before unification of that country, I think). So, to put it bluntly, who owns the money? I believe the marriage took place after the passing of the Married Women's Property Act, but with such a mixture of nationalities and laws, does Isabel have control of her own income after her marriage to Gilbert Osborn? Madame Merle's hope that Isabel will provide a dowry for Pansy, together with the Countess Gemini's surprise at the thought, seems to imply that Isabel retained financial independence, but I should like to be sure.
That should be enough to start with.....
Julie