1. Considering the historical setting of the novel, is Sally a believable character? Why or why not?

2. Why does it take Sally so long to realize she loves Fred? Would marrying him really curtail her freedom?

3. Compare the three young women in the novel: Sally, Lady Mary, and Isabel. How does each react to adversity? Are these believable responses?

Who do you like the best? Why?

4. Why does Sally not hate Isabel? 5. Mackinnon and Jim share many of the same characteristics—a love of theater, a sense of the dramatic, and a knack for flirting with women. Why does Jim initially dislike Mackinnon?

What changes his mind?

6. Is Bellmann insane or is he simply a ruthlessly misguided idealist? Could there have been a way for him to redeem himself?

7. Bellmann's proposal of marriage to Lady Mary sounds more like a business deal than anything...