Betrothed by Sir Walter Scott

 Definitely fits in with Scott's historical novel approach but a contemporary critic should find material on a feminist study:

1. Chapter 16 page 133 (Edinburgh edition):  De Lacy himself, as he learned more intimately to know the merit of the prize which he was desirous of possessing..

2.  Chapter 2 (vol. 2) page 151:  He was assured of the early possession of a beautiful and amiable wife...

Eveline may not have objected to any of this but toss the idea of possession of a wife to someone working on a more contemporary female slant and see what response elicits.

Eveline managed affairs quite well while her betrothed was away so anyone gathering material for Scott's heroines should have fun with this.

The novel itself was a bit heavy reading at times, but passages like this perked my interest. 

Black and Blue

 Did you know that all of Ian Rankin's Rebus books have titles taken from popular music titles?  Black and Blue was Rankin's first big seller.  The title may have metaphors attached to it but it is also the title of a Rolling Stones album.

Looking forward to Sir Ian Rankin's new novel this fall.

Robert Louis Stevenson and His World

 David Daiches provided a very interesting biography of Robert Louis Stevenson interweaving his family, travels and the Scottish inspiration for much of his writing.  I was not aware of the long-term relationship R.L.S. had with Henry James.  I am now motivated to read more books by Robert Louis Stevenson.