1700s: During the 18th century, entirely arranged marriages were rare, but a young women rarely had the right to select a husband entirely on her own. More customary was for the father to select the prospective husband, while the daughter had the right to accept or refuse him. In She Stoops to Conquer, Mr. Hardcastle has selected Marlow, the son of an old friend, but he assures Kate he would never control her choice.

Today: The majority of people who marry make their own decisions and join together primarily for love.

1700s: India was a British colony ruled largely by the East India Company, for whom Constance's uncle was a director.

Today: India is one of the world's largest democracies.

1700s: Mr. Hardcastle complains that life in the country has changed since he was a young man and offers no protection against the corruption...