In Great Britain and historically in Ireland, a marquess ranks below a duke and above an earl. A woman with the rank of wife to a marquess is a marchioness. The dignity, rank, or position of the title is a marquisate or marquessate. In France, they are marquis and marquise.

In Great Britain, and historically in Ireland, the spelling of this title is marquess. In Scotland, the French spelling marquis is sometimes used.

Until now, I have only written two heroes who were a “marquis” in my 70+ novels. The first was Gabriel Crowden, Marquis of Godown. Gabriel Crowden’s roots were from the French rule of England. He spoke French equally as well as most French men, and he is one of my favorite characters in my Realm series in Book 4, A Touch of Grace. Ironically (assuredly, not purposely), I named the marquess in Never Contradict a Lady “Gabriel” also. He was originally to be called “Andrew,” but “Gabriel” better fit a particular scene I included. The other marquis/marquess found in my books was an heir to a dukedom, not to a marquisate. His name was Huntington McLaughlin, the Marquess of Malvern. More irony here: Angel Comes to the Devil’s Keep, of which Hunt is the hero, is the first book in a trilogy – followed by The Earl Claims His Comfort and Lady Chandler’s Sister. Perhaps, for me, a marquis only fits a series, not a stand alone book.

The British peerage system is a hierarchy of nobility. We who write historical novels often called them the “haut ton.” During the Regency era in England (approximately 1795-1837), “the Ton” referred to the upper echelons of British high society. The Ton was composed of the aristocracy, wealthy landowners, and prominent members of the social elite. Originally used in the context of upper class English society, ton meant the state of being fashionable, a fashionable manner or style, or something for the moment in vogue. 

The second most senior rank in British peerages is a marquess, who is below a duke and above an earl. He oversees a marquessate. The title originated from the the word “mark” or “marsh.” In Great Britain, the title was first used to designate those who oversaw the “marshes” of Wales and Scotland.

In fact, throughout Europe, a marquess or marquis was to protect the frontier lands of the “march.” It was the duty of the lord to protect the country against enemy invaders. It is true that in some countries a “count” (equivalent to an English “earl”) and the marquess are equal in distinction, but a “count” was not charged with defending the borders, where his land customarily could be found.

Story Blurb: Ballerinas were never ladies in Regency London, but Miss Marian Cooper was different. She was a woman of substance, the type of female a miserable example of English “quality” required to make him man enough to inherit the title of Marquess of Coulter.

Marian and Gabriel’s story is part of the summer release of Regency Summer Melodies. PreOrder now. Releasing July 5, 2025 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FD8FT6C4/

Giveaway: I have a total of 6 eBook copies of Regency Summer Melodies available to those who comment on the posts leading up to the July 5 release date. Winners will be chosen on July 7 and contacted by email.