Jilted! Or, My Uncle's Scheme, Volume 2

In Short

This Victorian domestic comedy explores the friction between romantic idealism and the cold, mercenary calculations of familial duty. When a young man named Charlie is sent by his uncle to woo a wealthy cousin, he discovers that she—nicknamed "Teazer"—is as unwilling to be "bought" as he is to be forced. Through a series of misunderstandings, theatrical deceptions, and social blunders, the narrative examines the indignity of arranged marriages. It remains a sharp, humorous look at the era’s social conventions and the persistence of individual autonomy against parental control.

The Story

The narrative follows Charlie, a young man deeply in love with a woman named Conny, who is abruptly confronted by his uncle, Richard. Richard, a businessman who views life through a strictly commercial lens, informs Charlie that he must abandon Conny to marry his own daughter, Theresa. Richard’s goal is simple: by combining their fortunes, the two young people will ensure the future stability of the family bank. Charlie is horrified, yet finds himself dispatched to his uncle’s estate at Thistlewood to finalize the arrangement.

Upon arriving, Charlie finds Theresa—whom he calls "Teazer"—to be the antithesis of the refined bride his uncle described. She is abrasive, prone to carrying a revolver, and openly hostile. She sneers at his attempts at conversation, mocks his intelligence, and behaves with such jarring rudeness that Charlie is convinced she is a "perfect Tartar." Convinced that the marriage is an impossible, soul-crushing mistake, Charlie remains miserable, pining for the gentle Conny while enduring the insults of his host’s household.

The turning point occurs when the tension between the two cousins reaches a breaking point. Charlie, fed up with the indignities he has suffered, confronts Theresa and announces his departure. Rather than resisting, Theresa drops her facade. She reveals that she was never a willing participant in the scheme either; she had been acting a part, intentionally behaving as coarsely as possible to drive Charlie away so that she would not be forced into a loveless marriage by her father’s design.

Once the truth is out, the two former adversaries experience a sudden shift in their relationship. The hostility evaporates, replaced by a mutual respect for their shared desire to choose their own partners. Theresa becomes charming, well-mannered, and even reveals herself to be a talented musician, showing that her previous behavior was nothing more than a calculated performance. Charlie, relieved of his burden, writes to Conny, while his uncle, oblivious to the fact that his "magnificent scheme" has completely collapsed, remains convinced that their new camaraderie is a sign that the marriage will eventually proceed. The story ends with the two young people finding common ground in their secret defiance of the older generation’s mercenary plans.

How It Unfolds

The mandate of the uncle Charlie is confronted by his uncle, who bluntly demands that he abandon his true love to enter into a strategic, bank-saving marriage with his cousin. Despite Charlie’s protests, his uncle remains unshakable, dismissing his nephew’s romantic objections as mere foolishness.

The arrival at Thistlewood Charlie travels to his uncle’s country estate with a heavy heart, dreading the prospect of courting a woman he does not know. He is met with immediate, bizarre hostility from the house staff and an icy, aggressive reception from Theresa herself.

The campaign of irritation Theresa maintains a rigorous performance of rudeness, acting the part of an uncultured, unlovable woman to ensure Charlie finds her repulsive. Charlie, trapped by his word to his uncle, finds himself trapped in a house where he is treated with open contempt.

The truth is revealed After a final, dramatic confrontation, Theresa confesses that she was only acting to protect her own independence from her father's matchmaking. They realize they are allies in a struggle against the older generation's desire to treat their lives as business transactions.

The resolution of the scheme Charlie and Theresa establish a genuine, friendly rapport, fully aware that they have successfully thwarted the uncle's plans. While the uncle continues to believe his scheme is working, the two cousins enjoy their secret victory over his commercial interference.

The People

Charlie is the protagonist whose primary desire is to marry for love rather than money. He is caught between his own moral compass and the pressure of his family’s financial interests, eventually proving himself capable of standing up for his own happiness.

Theresa, or "Teazer," is a spirited, intelligent woman who refuses to be treated as a commodity. She uses her sharp wit and acting ability to create a false, unappealing persona, demonstrating a strong, if unconventional, will that forces Charlie to see her as an equal rather than a prize.

The Uncle, Richard, is the story’s primary obstacle. He views life strictly through the lens of the Stock Exchange and believes that human relationships—even marriage—should be dictated by the preservation of capital. He remains largely un-changed, his inability to see past his own "magnificent scheme" providing the ironic foundation for the story’s conflict.

In Its Own Voice

"In love a young man should climb--not stoop. Yes, sir, to a young man like Tom, marriage should be a ladder, not a pit."

The uncle introduces his philosophy of marriage as a means of social and financial advancement rather than personal happiness.

"I am only surprised that two brothers should put their noses together and discuss marriage as if it were a matter of buying and selling."

The aunt critiques the cold, commercial atmosphere surrounding the proposed match.

"I vowed that no earthly power should induce me to accept a man’s hand under any other conditions than my own."

Theresa explains her motivation for the theatrical display that defined her initial meeting with Charlie.

What It's Really About

At its core, the book is a critique of the Victorian tendency to commodify human relationships. It asks whether personal agency can survive in a world where family honor and bank ledgers are held in higher esteem than the affections of the heart. The story argues that true intimacy cannot be manufactured through "schemes" or business contracts, and that such attempts at control inevitably lead to rebellion. It highlights the absurdity of a society that treats marriage as a logistical puzzle rather than a human connection, suggesting that the "mercenary view of life" is inherently incompatible with the nature of genuine, individual choice.

Why Read It Today

Readers who enjoy Victorian domestic comedy and stories of clever, subversive characters will find much to appreciate here. The book feels like a brisk, light-hearted romp, though it occasionally touches on the darker, more cynical attitudes toward class and money common to the era. Its strength lies in the interplay between Charlie and Theresa; watching them shift from enemies to co-conspirators is a satisfying arc that keeps the plot moving.

However, modern readers should be prepared for the period-specific attitudes regarding gender and the "namby-pamby" nature of contemporary society, which the uncle complains about at length. The dialogue can be melodramatic, and the narrator’s habit of musing on the nature of love and the misery of "man" as a creature who must "dig for his food" occasionally slows the narrative pace. The book does not attempt to be a profound work of social reform, but rather an entertaining study of a specific type of familial meddling. If you appreciate the wit of classic English fiction and don't mind a story that centers on a rather silly, though ultimately harmless, misunderstanding, you will find this a charming and remarkably brisk read that leaves you with a smile at the triumph of the individual over the rigid expectations of family.