Bruce wrote: << Wouldn't Joanna have more likely been the sister of the deceased, and wife of Richard Carpenter, married although legally underage? >> Under English common law, when an underage female married, she became an adult for legal purposes. If Joanna had been married, the phrase "durante minori aetate" would be inappropriate. And if she'd been Richard's wife, we would probably find her name along with his in the first paragraph of the administrative bond and as a cosignatory. Gene Z. ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com