It does not surprise a reader as in a Victorian Age ž from infancy all girls who were born above the level of poverty had the dream of a successful marriage before their eyes, for by that alone was it possible for a woman to rise in the world. Ernestina is able to rise in the world even higher because through her marriage she is going to enter the circle of aristocracy, which is for her, let alone for her father: rich man but only a tradesman, another cause of happiness.
Ernestina can also serve as a typical example of what was the Victorian women's attitude towards their own sexuality and how female sexuality was perceived by the Victorians in general. The sexual intercourse was believed to be solely a wife's duty ( i.e: breeding children) and a woman, needles to say, was not capable of finding any pleasure in it. Thus women were simply relegated to the role of sexually passive creatures: sexual objects but without any sexual needs of their own. For instance, the very thoughts of sex, which sometimes happen to come to Tina's innocent mind, are immediately suppressed as being ugly, dirty, repulsive and forbidden. Charles's fiancee, as many women in her age,wondered why God had permitted such a bestial version of Duty to spoil such an innocent longing. .
Miss Freeman appears to be embodying a definition of a pure žangel in the house in other respects as well. She is a pretty and a charming girl whose only worries evolve around her looks, a future husband and domestic matters such as a choice of furniture to her new,future, house. The Victorian wives were naturally supposed to master the management of the household. It was women who were in charge of managing expenses and dealing with servants so they performed quite a responsible and, when we consider the minimal assistance of domestic technology,a difficult role at home.
