Although it
has been a popular plot-line for several decades in both Historicals
and Contemporaries, recent "Terms of the Will" novels are more
prevalent in contemporary settings. The stories have all the
ingredients of the "marriage of convenience," yet work well in a
modern-day setting and do not seem contrived. Perhaps readers have
no difficulty suspending their disbelief with an incredulous "Terms
of the Will" story because they offer the additional fantasy of
great wealth and riches if only the hero and heroine are willing to
put up with some minor (or major) inconveniences.
Do you remember
that television program "Millionaire," in which a wealthy business
presents strangers with a check for a million dollars? It was
enormously popular. Everyone secretly wishes for easy wealth, but
the show's audience watched for other reasons: it wasn't simply the
great wealth that was attractive–the real fascination for
everyone was the conflict that came with the gift. In romances,
there are even more: any great inheritance must be shared by both
hero and heroine–and who wants to share anything but love?
What's The Appeal?
Castles are costly! Not just to
build, but to heat and maintain. In fact, just this month, the Earl
of Cawdor had to restore the left turret of Cawdor Castle. You
should see the scaffolding! Which simply proves that great gifts
don't come without some kind of penalty!
Usually, those that
inherit castles, mansions, or other extraordinary worldly goods have
some idea of what is involved in their maintenance and have the
means to support their new "gold." Not necessarily so in romance
novels. Usually the unexpected wealth is shared with an unexpected
burden. You may inherit the business, but along with it comes
that impossible CEO. Or you might find yourself with an enchanting
mansion that is about to fall to the ground. What next?
First,
the important realization that nothing is ever "free." Then comes
the commitment to share the wealth, because the best aspect of any
"terms of the will" romance is that you must make a bargain with
your counterpart–that impossible person trying to take control
of your property!
Control is the issue for everyone: from the
bequestor of the will…to those that inherit. No one wants to
give up their power. Once all the players realize they must bargain
with one another for control, the negotiations begin–as does
the subterfuge. It's a great arena for conflict.
Gaining control
is the foreplay in these romances. And like all business
transactions, exchange is where all the premiums pay off! When both
the heroine and hero recognize they must give up their independence
to gain new wealth, they discover that by sharing, they often
achieve a better result. For as is always the case with a perfect
couple: one plus one adds up to three!
Of course, there is
another element of delight for readers as well: the surprise in
receiving not only unexpected wealth, but all the complications that
come with such a gift. It does offer a certain satisfaction to learn
that castle dwellers have ordinary complaints, just like the rest of
us.
-Kate Ryan
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