It was relatively common in the VE for a broken engagement to result in one party suing the other for damages:
... And we've just had quite a few "broken engagements" as a result of Amortentia, haven't we? Enterprising or money-grubbing women, step up to the plate!
Didn't have anyone propose under Amortentia? No problem:
I'd willingly sacrifice Ben for the latter if anyone felt so inclined.
this article Wrote:Asking a woman to become his wife and then changing his mind could have serious repercussions for a gentleman's bank balance. Some women enforced their right to compensation for a man's selfish behaviour by suing him for breach of promise to marry. Usually they obtained £100 damages (current value approx £10,000), but a few came away from court with damages of £1,000 or more to soothe their hurt feelings if a man's conduct was considered particularly bad.
... And we've just had quite a few "broken engagements" as a result of Amortentia, haven't we? Enterprising or money-grubbing women, step up to the plate!
Didn't have anyone propose under Amortentia? No problem:
Quote:Nine out of ten women who claimed for breach of promise received some money from their former suitor. This high success rate encouraged a few fraudulent claims from artful hussies whose family and friends concocted an unlikely story about a man proposing; or plied him with drink until he did so.