What's interesting about your reply is that I've often run across situations where a younger son did not marry until very late in life. I can't say why, but I can speculate ! Let's say these thoughts go through the head. My elder brother will inherit everything, so I can't myself get a *good* match since I have no prospects. The best I can do is an older widow, or a illegimate daughter or the daughter of some poor yeoman. Maybe I should wait to see if maybe my elder brother will d.s.p.m. (i.e. without male heirs) and then I'll be next in line for the property and I can get myself a high-status wife. Just random speculation :) Will