The Hoyden

"The Hoyden" by Mrs. Hungerford is a story about the rigid rules for marriage and social class in Britain during the 1800s. It centers on Lady Rylton, her son Maurice, and Tita Bolton, a lively young woman with a lot of money. Lady Rylton is very concerned with Maurice marrying someone who will improve their social standing, such as Tita. However, Marian Bethune, Lady Rylton’s niece, doesn't think it's a good match. When Tita arrives, her free spirit and disregard for high-society expectations create conflict, especially with Lady Rylton and Marian. The novel questions whether love or money is more important in marriage, and shows the struggles of fitting in when you don’t quite meet society’s standards.