Summary
Arabella Cadenhouse, a newly widowed woman, embarks on a determined quest for a second marital union, seeking the passionate romance conspicuously absent from her inaugural partnership. Her initial hopes are kindled by Harry Atteridge, a charismatic and unconventional westerner whose rugged charm swiftly captures her imagination. Unbeknownst to Arabella, however, her lifelong neighbor, Bill—who has harbored a quiet, profound affection for her since their earliest days—initiates a subtly orchestrated campaign of strategic intervention. Employing a series of meticulously chosen "counter-irritants," Bill systematically introduces a parade of spectacularly unsuitable suitors into Arabella's social orbit. These include Claude Estabrook, a fervent, somewhat ludicrous proponent of 'free love'; Peter Harper, a callow, utterly unseasoned youth whose immaturity is glaringly apparent; and Doctor Henry, an absent-minded scientist whose intellectual pursuits leave scant room for romantic overtures. Each time Arabella appears poised to succumb to the transient charms of a new prospect, Bill deftly deploys another, often more absurd, contender, effectively dismantling her burgeoning romantic fantasies. Through this relentless succession of misfits and the subsequent unraveling of her idealized notions, Arabella's carefully constructed illusions of grand romance gradually dissipate, revealing the stark contrast between fantasy and the quiet steadiness of reality. Ultimately, stripped of her romanticized expectations and recognizing the enduring, understated affection that has always been present, she turns to her childhood confidant, accepting Bill's long-standing, steadfast offer of marriage.
Synopsis
Arabella Cadenhouse, a young widow, decides that her second husband must provide her with the romance that was lacking in her first marriage. She is wooed by Harry Atteridge, an unconventional westerner, until her neighbor Bill, who has loved Arabella since childhood, produces a series of counter-irritants, including Claude Estabrook, a faddist disciple of free love, Peter Harper, a callow youth and Doctor Henry, an absent-minded scientist. Each time Arabella shows signs of becoming too interested in another man, Bill produces another counter-irritant. One by one Arabella's illusions of romance are shattered, until she finally turns to her childhood friend and accepts Bill's offer of marriage.
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