Lady Myrtle Allen is offended when people question her passion for mathematics: "Why was it so odd that she found it delightful to solve a particularly difficult problem?" But, math is more to her than just enjoyable puzzles. As in many works of mathematical fiction, a character's mathematical ability is a sign to the reader that she is exceptionally intelligent. And Myrtle herself believes in the converse, concluding that potential suitors without sufficient mathematical knowledge are not intelligent enough to be her husband:
| (quoted from Her Adventures in Temptation: A Victorian Historical Romance of Deception and Love)
"You told him -- in front of everyone -- that you could not marry him because he didn't understand Babbage's Table of Logarithms." Richard pinched the bridge of his nose with two fingers. "What do logarithms -- whatever they are -- have to do with marriage?" Myrtle held up her hand to indicate that she was still chewing. Richard glowered at her, but she merely smiled -- close-mouthed, of course, what with the chewing and all -- and he looked away. "The thing is, " she said after she swallowed, "that it isn't just Babbage Mr. Oakes doesn't understand. I didn't want to tell him I would not marry him because he is stupid, that would be a simple notion, one his brain might be able to comprehend." A pause as she considered. "And understanding logarithms is essential in order to calculate interest on loans or payments, for example. How well an initial investment has done, and so on." She sniffed. "Mr. Oakes -- or any man, for that matter -- needs to know basic math if he is going to handle my considerable fortune."
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She comes up with a plan to gain her independence, so that she can live the way that she wants, without needing her family or any man. Although she calculates that it has only a 37.5% chance of success, she is dedicated to it and begins packing up her math books (several of which are listed by title in the novel). Part of the plan involves travelling with a male artist who is tall, handsome and suave. As you might guess, they end up falling in love (and lust), despite the fact that he does not know or appreciate mathematics. (He does, however, have a love of books and, as it turns out, that seems to be enough for Lady Allen.)
This is the third book in the "School for Scoundrels" series. It is also one of many works of historical fiction in the romance genre featuring mathematically talented women in the 18th and 19th centuries. (See below for some other examples.) It probably goes without saying, but just in case: Note that this book contains both explicit language and explicit sexual encounters. It is therefore not suitable for reading by children (or by me ; ). |
