[The] Mysterious Marriage
Born in 1814, Dupuy is described as a pioneer writer of the southern United States. She wrote approximately 25 gothic thrillers from 1845-1880, as well as a number of short stories and domestic novels. Shortly after the death of her father, and while employed as a young governess, Dupuy wrote her first book: a historical novel surrounding Aaron Burr titled The Conspirator. Many of her works were published in The New York Ledger, and she was under contract to provide the newspaper with 1,000 words annually. Because of this, she is remembered as the first woman in Mississippi to make a living as an author. (Wikipedia)
Murder, Romance, Betrayal—
As the novel opens, we see a dying woman, Mary, groaning to know the whereabouts of her missing son and husband. Two men, Bruin and Trump, are at her bedside and report to her that there has been no luck in finding them. As they hear the creaking of the staircase, two priests come to read Mary her last rights from the “Order of Jesus,” but she refuses. Bruin pressures Trump to give the dying woman an explanation for her lost family, and while the men fight, one of the priests secretly stabs Mary to death.
“May God’s curse light upon them and grant me revenge—poor Mary—poor Mary”—and together the two knelt by the bedside.”
After Mary’s death, Dupuy writes, “Thus commences our romance.” She goes on to introduce the future bride and groom and intense lovebirds, George and Marion. Marion Argall, daughter of immensely wealthy Ethan Argall, has been visited by her betrothed for months and is preparing for their nuptials. Unbeknownst to Marion, George is a Catholic priest, strictly forbidden as Marion is Protestant, and simultaneously seduces naive women whenever he has the chance. Additionally, not only is George a Catholic and unfaithful to her, but he is also a very important member of a secretive cult murdering and capturing people they deem as “heretics”.
“Talk not to me of religion, it has been the curse and ruin of my soul. Had I never seen a church in my life I should not be where I am now. I can seek no pardon from an offended Deity for past offences—it would be presumption to expect any”
The text is a rollercoaster of emotions; it is truly unlike anything I’ve read from this time period. As you follow George through his pursuits of seduction and crazed murder, even though it is not a murder mystery because the reader is well informed of all the secret activities going on behind closed doors, it is extremely engaging and exciting to read about.