Posted by Smallfry on July 14, 1997 at 22:20:24:
In reply to Re: courting & engagements posted by Jenna on July 14, 1997 at 13:28:41
] Another interesting tidbit I've read was that once an engagement had been established, it was legally binding for the man. If he called it off, there was cause for monetary compensation on the lady's part. If the reverse were to occur, the man would receive no such 'severence fee.'
>>I'm new, so please excuse my efforts here...
If he called it off, her reputation and therefore future marriage prospects would suffer. If the gentleman wanted out, he had to convince her to do so. I imagine sometimes by acting like a cad.
If she called it off, she would appear to be the injured party but still perfectly marriageable. The implication was that there was something wrong with him, not her.
You used to be able to sue for "breach of promise". I believe Elton John was the last person in Britain to be successfully sued for this!
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