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Poor Richard's Women: Deborah Read Franklin and the Other Women Behind the Founding Father
A colorful portrait of Deborah Read Franklin and the women who together clothed, fed, supported, nursed, and defended her husband, the original “self-made man.”
We can’t seem to get enough of Ben Franklin—a man so confident in his own immortality that he tempted lightning to strike the same place twice. We know all about the key and the kite, the post offices, the libraries, the bifocals, the fire departments, and the almanacs. But what of the woman who raised his children, ran his businesses, built his house, and fought off angry mobs at gunpoint while he traipsed about England? Or, of the widow who Ben lived with in London for many years? Or, of the many other women who contributed to Ben’s life?
Little interest has been paid to these women—most notably Deborah Read Franklin, Ben’s common-law wife and partner for forty-four years. Historians have described her as a “servile rather than…active contributor” to Franklin’s success, “a woman unlikely to accompany his restless mind,” or simply “neither educated nor interesting.” She has been relegated to the role of shrew, nag, and footnoted antagonist to a “great man’s” life. But, as Nancy Rubin Stuart’s account proves, Deborah’s life and the lives of other romantic acquaintances throughout Ben’s life were as complex and compelling as any. Using letters between Deborah and Ben and between Ben and his paramours, Stuart tells the tale of unassuming yet feisty, colonial woman who supported and cared for Ben throughout his life. What emerges is a colorful, poignant portrait of woman erased in history who, in the midst of their own struggles, ultimately achieve an independence rarely enjoyed by women of their time.
We can’t seem to get enough of Ben Franklin—a man so confident in his own immortality that he tempted lightning to strike the same place twice. We know all about the key and the kite, the post offices, the libraries, the bifocals, the fire departments, and the almanacs. But what of the woman who raised his children, ran his businesses, built his house, and fought off angry mobs at gunpoint while he traipsed about England? Or, of the widow who Ben lived with in London for many years? Or, of the many other women who contributed to Ben’s life?
Little interest has been paid to these women—most notably Deborah Read Franklin, Ben’s common-law wife and partner for forty-four years. Historians have described her as a “servile rather than…active contributor” to Franklin’s success, “a woman unlikely to accompany his restless mind,” or simply “neither educated nor interesting.” She has been relegated to the role of shrew, nag, and footnoted antagonist to a “great man’s” life. But, as Nancy Rubin Stuart’s account proves, Deborah’s life and the lives of other romantic acquaintances throughout Ben’s life were as complex and compelling as any. Using letters between Deborah and Ben and between Ben and his paramours, Stuart tells the tale of unassuming yet feisty, colonial woman who supported and cared for Ben throughout his life. What emerges is a colorful, poignant portrait of woman erased in history who, in the midst of their own struggles, ultimately achieve an independence rarely enjoyed by women of their time.
221 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 8, 2022
42 people are currently reading
2406 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Rubin Stuart
10 books43 followersNancy Rubin Stuart is an award-winning author and journalist whose many traditionally published books specialize in women, biography and social history.
Her most recently published book is the acclaimed DEFIANT BRIDES; The Untold Story of Two Revolutionary-Era Women Who Married Radical Men, a double biography of the wives of Benedict Arnold and General Henry Knox.This work was a selection of the Book-of-the-Month Club 2 and the History and Military Book Clubs.
She is currently completing a book about Benjamin Franklin’s Women for Beacon Press.
A former journalist, Nancy’s work has appeared in the New York Times, Huffington Post,The New England Quarterly, The Los Angeles Times,The Stamford Advocate, American History , Family Circle , Ladies Home Journal, Parents magazine and other national publications.
She currently serves as Executive Director of the Cape Cod Writers Center in Osterville, Massachusetts.
Earlier books include Nancy’s 2008THE MUSE OF THE REVOLUTION: The Secret Pen of Mercy Otis Warren and the Founding of a Nationfor which she received the Historic Winslow House Book Award. That was preceded by the 2005 publication ofTHE RELUCTANT SPIRITUALIST:The Life of Maggie Foxwhich won the American Society of Journalists and Authors’ Outstanding Book Award in Nonfiction.
Under her previous byline, Nancy Rubin, she published the best-selling AMERICAN EMPRESS; The Life and Times of Marjorie Merriweather Postnow in paperback and available as an audio book on Amazon. Earlier books under that byline were ISABELLA OF CASTILE: The First Renaissance Queen, THE MOTHER MIRROR: How a Generation of Women Is Changing Motherhood in America and THE NEW SUBURBAN WOMAN: Beyond Myth and Motherhood .
Honors include a William Randolph Hearst Fellowship from the American Antiquarian Society; three Telly Awards from the cable television industry, the 1992 Author of the Year Award from the American Society of Authors and Journalists, the Washington Irving Award from the Westchester Library System, a Time, Inc. scholarship from the Bread Loaf Writers Conference and a fellowship from the MacDowell Colony.
Nancy has spoken to hundreds of live audiences as well as on national radio and television. In 2019 she appeared in the History Channel’s “The Food That Built America” in connection withAMERICAN EMPRESS.Among her national media appearances are C-Span's BookTV, the A & E Series “Mansions, Monuments and Masterpieces” and “America’s Castles,” Oprah, CBS Morning News and National Public Radio.
She enjoys speaking to book clubs and colleges because it brings her closer to readers in audiences ranging from the Palm Beach Society of the Four Arts to Manhattan's National Arts Club. During the pandemic Nancy continues to reach readers through Zoom and other internet sites.
Nancy is a graduate of Tufts University and Brown University Graduate School, and holds a Doctorate in Humane Letters from Mount Vernon College, now part of Georgetown University.
Born in Boston, she and her husband Bill returned to Massachusetts from Manhattan in 2008 where she enjoys, dancing, gardening, music, and the cultural life of Boston and New York.
Nancy began writing as a child. Her first book was about the family dog. “It’s not published,” she admits, “ but I still have a frayed foolscap copy of that work.”
Her most recently published book is the acclaimed DEFIANT BRIDES; The Untold Story of Two Revolutionary-Era Women Who Married Radical Men, a double biography of the wives of Benedict Arnold and General Henry Knox.This work was a selection of the Book-of-the-Month Club 2 and the History and Military Book Clubs.
She is currently completing a book about Benjamin Franklin’s Women for Beacon Press.
A former journalist, Nancy’s work has appeared in the New York Times, Huffington Post,The New England Quarterly, The Los Angeles Times,The Stamford Advocate, American History , Family Circle , Ladies Home Journal, Parents magazine and other national publications.
She currently serves as Executive Director of the Cape Cod Writers Center in Osterville, Massachusetts.
Earlier books include Nancy’s 2008THE MUSE OF THE REVOLUTION: The Secret Pen of Mercy Otis Warren and the Founding of a Nationfor which she received the Historic Winslow House Book Award. That was preceded by the 2005 publication ofTHE RELUCTANT SPIRITUALIST:The Life of Maggie Foxwhich won the American Society of Journalists and Authors’ Outstanding Book Award in Nonfiction.
Under her previous byline, Nancy Rubin, she published the best-selling AMERICAN EMPRESS; The Life and Times of Marjorie Merriweather Postnow in paperback and available as an audio book on Amazon. Earlier books under that byline were ISABELLA OF CASTILE: The First Renaissance Queen, THE MOTHER MIRROR: How a Generation of Women Is Changing Motherhood in America and THE NEW SUBURBAN WOMAN: Beyond Myth and Motherhood .
Honors include a William Randolph Hearst Fellowship from the American Antiquarian Society; three Telly Awards from the cable television industry, the 1992 Author of the Year Award from the American Society of Authors and Journalists, the Washington Irving Award from the Westchester Library System, a Time, Inc. scholarship from the Bread Loaf Writers Conference and a fellowship from the MacDowell Colony.
Nancy has spoken to hundreds of live audiences as well as on national radio and television. In 2019 she appeared in the History Channel’s “The Food That Built America” in connection withAMERICAN EMPRESS.Among her national media appearances are C-Span's BookTV, the A & E Series “Mansions, Monuments and Masterpieces” and “America’s Castles,” Oprah, CBS Morning News and National Public Radio.
She enjoys speaking to book clubs and colleges because it brings her closer to readers in audiences ranging from the Palm Beach Society of the Four Arts to Manhattan's National Arts Club. During the pandemic Nancy continues to reach readers through Zoom and other internet sites.
Nancy is a graduate of Tufts University and Brown University Graduate School, and holds a Doctorate in Humane Letters from Mount Vernon College, now part of Georgetown University.
Born in Boston, she and her husband Bill returned to Massachusetts from Manhattan in 2008 where she enjoys, dancing, gardening, music, and the cultural life of Boston and New York.
Nancy began writing as a child. Her first book was about the family dog. “It’s not published,” she admits, “ but I still have a frayed foolscap copy of that work.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
September 10, 2025
Returning back to eighteenth-century North America, historian Nancy Rubin Stuart sets out to discover the women and relationships that enraptured the famed scientist, diplomat, and Founder, Benjamin Franklin. In an introduction that brings to light her fascination with his wife Deborah Read, Stuart has thoroughly researched the inventor over the span of decades in order to better understand what she refers to as, “Ben’s passions—his wife and sweethearts—through a postfeminist lens.” Often portrayed as rather uneducated and secondary by nature, Stuart reminds the modern reader that Deborah was an ordinary female of the times, with grammar and education taking less priority over the more respectable customs and manners common to a Colonial lady and housewife.
The opening chapter follows both Deborah and Benjamin’s initial meeting and eventual courtship, soon coming to a close with his first business trip to England—following with her speedy marriage to another suitor. This would prove unfortunate, as Deborah would learn only afterwards that he was a cad with a wife and children across the pond and—after squandering her dowry—deep in debt. As in her previous works featuring two “defiant brides” of the American Revolution and Mercy Otis Warren, Stuart’s writing is highly engaging—with the research being summarized in an agreeable fashion that flows in well-paced chronological order. The next chapters look at the Franklin’s growing family, including the birth of Ben’s illegitimate child, William, and the toll it took on Deborah (just a year into their new marriage) who had to raise and acknowledge the “bastard” as a member of the household.
As Ben retires from a fruitful career in printing, Stuart follows his new role as scientist and entrepreneur, and his later appointment by the British Crown as Royal postmaster where he toured each of the Thirteen Colonies. Here, he begins an amicable relationship with the young Catherine Ray, where the two would write numerous letters to each other—some notably toting the line between romance and friendship. This friendship would last in letters rather than in person, as Ben heads overseas by request of the Crown, where Stuart introduces his new landlady of the same age, Margaret Stevenson. Stuart vividly depicts Margaret and her daughter Polly as mirror replacements to Franklin’s wife Deborah and daughter Sally in the Colonies, who treat him as an admired guest and father-figure to their lodging:
In their place was Ben’s new “English family,” Margaret Stevenson and her intellectually curious daughter, Polly. The one portrait of Polly is a pastel depicting her as a thin, finely featured young woman. Three years younger than Sally, Polly was well educated and imbued with a lively and gregarious spirit. So deeply did she admire Ben for his scientific knowledge that she often plied him with questions about natural phenomena as well as how ordinary things worked. Since Polly visited Craven Street only occasionally, Ben sent long answers to her questions. Among his explanations were letters on electricity, the flow of salt into estuarial rivers, the movements of tides, and how chimneys were built.
It can be hard to piece together enough information on the liaisons and acquaintances that usually stay in the shadows of prominent figures such as Ben Franklin, but here Stuart fortunately succeeds. Indeed, enough spotlight and research is given to each of the women in his life—especially his wife Deborah—who are all too often cast to the side in his biographies. All aspects of Ben’s romantic life are chronicled with both the attention and perspective given between he and his female counterparts, and the second half of the book follows his exploits in France after the death of his faithful wife Deborah. Here, as minister for the newly-independent Colonies, he established himself amongst diplomats, royalty, scientists, and artists—the latter of which would include a liaison with his neighbor’s wife, Madame Brillon, a celebrated young musician living in Passy.
This would not be the only “Madame” Ben would meet in his final years abroad, as Stuart relates his adoration for the esteemed widow, Madame Helvétius, who would turn down his marriage proposals on multiple occasions. With only one or two minor errors common to an advance copy (such as the misspelling of the famed naturalist Joseph Banks’ surname), these are easily overlooked with Stuart’s comfortable writing style and overall steady flow. Ideal for the Benjamin Franklin aficionado or student of eighteenth-century history, Poor Richard’s Women is a delightful addition to biographies and bookshelves everywhere.
The opening chapter follows both Deborah and Benjamin’s initial meeting and eventual courtship, soon coming to a close with his first business trip to England—following with her speedy marriage to another suitor. This would prove unfortunate, as Deborah would learn only afterwards that he was a cad with a wife and children across the pond and—after squandering her dowry—deep in debt. As in her previous works featuring two “defiant brides” of the American Revolution and Mercy Otis Warren, Stuart’s writing is highly engaging—with the research being summarized in an agreeable fashion that flows in well-paced chronological order. The next chapters look at the Franklin’s growing family, including the birth of Ben’s illegitimate child, William, and the toll it took on Deborah (just a year into their new marriage) who had to raise and acknowledge the “bastard” as a member of the household.
As Ben retires from a fruitful career in printing, Stuart follows his new role as scientist and entrepreneur, and his later appointment by the British Crown as Royal postmaster where he toured each of the Thirteen Colonies. Here, he begins an amicable relationship with the young Catherine Ray, where the two would write numerous letters to each other—some notably toting the line between romance and friendship. This friendship would last in letters rather than in person, as Ben heads overseas by request of the Crown, where Stuart introduces his new landlady of the same age, Margaret Stevenson. Stuart vividly depicts Margaret and her daughter Polly as mirror replacements to Franklin’s wife Deborah and daughter Sally in the Colonies, who treat him as an admired guest and father-figure to their lodging:
In their place was Ben’s new “English family,” Margaret Stevenson and her intellectually curious daughter, Polly. The one portrait of Polly is a pastel depicting her as a thin, finely featured young woman. Three years younger than Sally, Polly was well educated and imbued with a lively and gregarious spirit. So deeply did she admire Ben for his scientific knowledge that she often plied him with questions about natural phenomena as well as how ordinary things worked. Since Polly visited Craven Street only occasionally, Ben sent long answers to her questions. Among his explanations were letters on electricity, the flow of salt into estuarial rivers, the movements of tides, and how chimneys were built.
It can be hard to piece together enough information on the liaisons and acquaintances that usually stay in the shadows of prominent figures such as Ben Franklin, but here Stuart fortunately succeeds. Indeed, enough spotlight and research is given to each of the women in his life—especially his wife Deborah—who are all too often cast to the side in his biographies. All aspects of Ben’s romantic life are chronicled with both the attention and perspective given between he and his female counterparts, and the second half of the book follows his exploits in France after the death of his faithful wife Deborah. Here, as minister for the newly-independent Colonies, he established himself amongst diplomats, royalty, scientists, and artists—the latter of which would include a liaison with his neighbor’s wife, Madame Brillon, a celebrated young musician living in Passy.
This would not be the only “Madame” Ben would meet in his final years abroad, as Stuart relates his adoration for the esteemed widow, Madame Helvétius, who would turn down his marriage proposals on multiple occasions. With only one or two minor errors common to an advance copy (such as the misspelling of the famed naturalist Joseph Banks’ surname), these are easily overlooked with Stuart’s comfortable writing style and overall steady flow. Ideal for the Benjamin Franklin aficionado or student of eighteenth-century history, Poor Richard’s Women is a delightful addition to biographies and bookshelves everywhere.
March 28, 2022
A struggle with prudence and passion
There are little-known facts about the life of Benjamin Franklin that has been neglected by historians. Some of them would reveal the voices of women he loved and lost during his lifelong struggle between prudence and passion. Deborah Read Franklin was his common-law wife over forty-four years, and in this book, the author assesses their relationship in the first few chapters and finds that she was not an illiterate woman as many historians thought but equaled the Founding Father in many ways. In fact, she was like a modern-day feminist, who raised two of his children and ran family business and protected his interest during his long absences from their home in Philadelphia, away in Paris and London. This book illustrates that she was an independent woman who successfully managed his finances, even though Ben Franklin's Autobiography mentions her briefly and with little feelings expressed.
The author also addresses Ben Franklin’s humor, resiliency, intelligence, and his faith. This book relies on the selections from Claude-Anne Lopez’s research on his life that includes nearly thirty thousand documents assembled at Yale University. They include his years in Paris and his numerous liaisons & sexual affairs with French aristocratic women. These women played an important social and possibly political role in Benjamin Franklin's life during the Revolutionary War. In fact, his associations with French helped to bring the strong support for American cause during the revolution. This book also briefly includes his romances with Madame Brillon, the beautiful French musician, the witty Madame Helvetius, Margaret Stevenson, the widowed landlady in London and a young American named Catherine Ray. Franklin suffered from obesity throughout his middle-aged and later years, which resulted in multiple health problems, particularly gout, which worsened as he aged. Despite his health problems he had cravings for sexual intimacies with ladies.
Ben Franklin believed that organized religion was necessary to keep men good to their fellow men, but he rarely attended religious services himself. But his parents were Puritans, and the family attended the Old South Church, a liberal Puritan congregation in Boston. He once wrote the charismatic preacher George Whitfield, "That Being who gave me existence ... and has been continually showering his favors upon me ... can I doubt that he loves me? And if he loves me, can I doubt that he will go on to take care of me, not only here, but hereafter?"
In 1758, Ben Franklin advocated the opening of a school for the education of black slaves in Philadelphia, and later became notable abolitionist denouncing the practice of slavery leading to the establishment of Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery in 1774.
There are two earlier books on Ben Franklin’s female friends, one entitled “Mon Cher Papa: Franklin and the Ladies of Paris” by Claude-Anne Lopez, and later “The Private Franklin: The Man and His Family, by Claude-Anne Lopez and Eugenia W. Herbert. The Papers of Benjamin Franklin project is available at the Yale University, and at the Library of Congress and the National Archives websites. The author’s efforts to illustrate Deborah Read was an independent woman who contributed to the success of Ben Franklin despite his infidelity. She narrates the story wonderfully and feels great to read especially the first few chapters. The readers get a close look at the life of Deborah in the 18th century Philadelphia. With limited rights for a woman those days, her life demonstrates that you can still be good wife, good mother, a good friend, and a great business partner, and can lead your life that best suits you.
There are little-known facts about the life of Benjamin Franklin that has been neglected by historians. Some of them would reveal the voices of women he loved and lost during his lifelong struggle between prudence and passion. Deborah Read Franklin was his common-law wife over forty-four years, and in this book, the author assesses their relationship in the first few chapters and finds that she was not an illiterate woman as many historians thought but equaled the Founding Father in many ways. In fact, she was like a modern-day feminist, who raised two of his children and ran family business and protected his interest during his long absences from their home in Philadelphia, away in Paris and London. This book illustrates that she was an independent woman who successfully managed his finances, even though Ben Franklin's Autobiography mentions her briefly and with little feelings expressed.
The author also addresses Ben Franklin’s humor, resiliency, intelligence, and his faith. This book relies on the selections from Claude-Anne Lopez’s research on his life that includes nearly thirty thousand documents assembled at Yale University. They include his years in Paris and his numerous liaisons & sexual affairs with French aristocratic women. These women played an important social and possibly political role in Benjamin Franklin's life during the Revolutionary War. In fact, his associations with French helped to bring the strong support for American cause during the revolution. This book also briefly includes his romances with Madame Brillon, the beautiful French musician, the witty Madame Helvetius, Margaret Stevenson, the widowed landlady in London and a young American named Catherine Ray. Franklin suffered from obesity throughout his middle-aged and later years, which resulted in multiple health problems, particularly gout, which worsened as he aged. Despite his health problems he had cravings for sexual intimacies with ladies.
Ben Franklin believed that organized religion was necessary to keep men good to their fellow men, but he rarely attended religious services himself. But his parents were Puritans, and the family attended the Old South Church, a liberal Puritan congregation in Boston. He once wrote the charismatic preacher George Whitfield, "That Being who gave me existence ... and has been continually showering his favors upon me ... can I doubt that he loves me? And if he loves me, can I doubt that he will go on to take care of me, not only here, but hereafter?"
In 1758, Ben Franklin advocated the opening of a school for the education of black slaves in Philadelphia, and later became notable abolitionist denouncing the practice of slavery leading to the establishment of Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery in 1774.
There are two earlier books on Ben Franklin’s female friends, one entitled “Mon Cher Papa: Franklin and the Ladies of Paris” by Claude-Anne Lopez, and later “The Private Franklin: The Man and His Family, by Claude-Anne Lopez and Eugenia W. Herbert. The Papers of Benjamin Franklin project is available at the Yale University, and at the Library of Congress and the National Archives websites. The author’s efforts to illustrate Deborah Read was an independent woman who contributed to the success of Ben Franklin despite his infidelity. She narrates the story wonderfully and feels great to read especially the first few chapters. The readers get a close look at the life of Deborah in the 18th century Philadelphia. With limited rights for a woman those days, her life demonstrates that you can still be good wife, good mother, a good friend, and a great business partner, and can lead your life that best suits you.
July 30, 2022
My heart went out to Deborah Read Franklin. How could she not react to her husband’s letters from England asking after “her” (really “their) grandson and telling her how his godson (90% likely to be his son) was doing. Deborah had raised Ben’s son from another woman and through almost 20 years of separation managed the family’s home and business affairs.
Author Nancy Rubin Stuart has apparently combed the primary sources. Many of the quotes in this book come directly from Franklin's public writing and personal letters.
In his life with Deborah in Philadelphia he obviously strayed into a liaison that produced William Franklin. There is documentation of a flirtation and most likely an infatuation with Catherine (Katy) Ray (age 23; Ben 48) with whom he traveled..
In England, Ben boarded with Margaret Stevenson and her daughter Polly. It appears that they became a substitute family. Margaret introduced him to artists and intellectuals and together they attended the opera, balls and events. He shed his plain colonist clothing for London’s latest styles. There is circumstantial evidence that a child whom he called a godson was actually a son. (After Franklin’s, Deborah’s and Margaret’s death, Polly accepted Ben’s invitation to come to Philadelphia and live with his family. How does this not sound like a major imposition on Ben’s daughter, Sally, the sole survivor at this time remaining in the family home.
In France, letters document his infatuation with and courtship of Madams Brillion and Helvetius, who ultimately rejected him. While he was a widower at this time, he had left Margaret in England, in similar fashion as he had left Deborah in Philadelphia.
In his “Poor Richard” writings, Franklin promoted a wife’s role being that of obedience, thrift, cheerfulness and "faithfully wear a wedding ring", attributes, he, himself, defies. A letter (to whom it is not known) was first made public in 1926, that shows a cynical and bawdy approach to "Choosing a Mistress" (pp. 47-48).
In his life with Deborah in Philadelphia he obviously strayed into a liaison that produced William Franklin. There is documentation of a flirtation and most likely an infatuation with Catherine (Katy) Ray (age 23; Ben 48) with whom he traveled..
I see Deborah as a product of her time. She managed Franklin’s business interests, and oversaw the construction their home to his specifications sent from England. She cared for his son, his sister and his family and had she survived might have endured Polly and her family too. Ben, while not mean or cruel, probably did not see himself taking advantage of the situation through which he got a very able CEO for his businesses.
In his thinking, I expect that their “marriage” (while common law - Deborah’s bigamist husband skipped off to presumably the West Indies but she could divorce him until 1 -he appeared and wanted a divorce or 2 -were proven dead or 3 - his first wife in England were documented) rescued Deborah from spinsterhood and the resulting social and economic fallout. There is logic to this, Deborah’s status as “Mrs. Franklin” gave her access to that helped her achievements.
It should be noted that Ben coaxed Deborah to come to England with him --- but was this sincere? He knew she would never cross the ocean.
In this short book, Stuart shows the personal life of Franklin which should be considered in the full appraisal of his life.
Author Nancy Rubin Stuart has apparently combed the primary sources. Many of the quotes in this book come directly from Franklin's public writing and personal letters.
In his life with Deborah in Philadelphia he obviously strayed into a liaison that produced William Franklin. There is documentation of a flirtation and most likely an infatuation with Catherine (Katy) Ray (age 23; Ben 48) with whom he traveled..
In England, Ben boarded with Margaret Stevenson and her daughter Polly. It appears that they became a substitute family. Margaret introduced him to artists and intellectuals and together they attended the opera, balls and events. He shed his plain colonist clothing for London’s latest styles. There is circumstantial evidence that a child whom he called a godson was actually a son. (After Franklin’s, Deborah’s and Margaret’s death, Polly accepted Ben’s invitation to come to Philadelphia and live with his family. How does this not sound like a major imposition on Ben’s daughter, Sally, the sole survivor at this time remaining in the family home.
In France, letters document his infatuation with and courtship of Madams Brillion and Helvetius, who ultimately rejected him. While he was a widower at this time, he had left Margaret in England, in similar fashion as he had left Deborah in Philadelphia.
In his “Poor Richard” writings, Franklin promoted a wife’s role being that of obedience, thrift, cheerfulness and "faithfully wear a wedding ring", attributes, he, himself, defies. A letter (to whom it is not known) was first made public in 1926, that shows a cynical and bawdy approach to "Choosing a Mistress" (pp. 47-48).
In his life with Deborah in Philadelphia he obviously strayed into a liaison that produced William Franklin. There is documentation of a flirtation and most likely an infatuation with Catherine (Katy) Ray (age 23; Ben 48) with whom he traveled..
I see Deborah as a product of her time. She managed Franklin’s business interests, and oversaw the construction their home to his specifications sent from England. She cared for his son, his sister and his family and had she survived might have endured Polly and her family too. Ben, while not mean or cruel, probably did not see himself taking advantage of the situation through which he got a very able CEO for his businesses.
In his thinking, I expect that their “marriage” (while common law - Deborah’s bigamist husband skipped off to presumably the West Indies but she could divorce him until 1 -he appeared and wanted a divorce or 2 -were proven dead or 3 - his first wife in England were documented) rescued Deborah from spinsterhood and the resulting social and economic fallout. There is logic to this, Deborah’s status as “Mrs. Franklin” gave her access to that helped her achievements.
It should be noted that Ben coaxed Deborah to come to England with him --- but was this sincere? He knew she would never cross the ocean.
In this short book, Stuart shows the personal life of Franklin which should be considered in the full appraisal of his life.
March 26, 2023
First off, the title is a bit deceiving. You might think that this will be an in depth telling of Ben Franklin's female friends and lovers, In truth it is more about Franklin himself. A little disappointing. However, you have to know that during this time women were regarded as seconded class citizens (big surprise there 🙄) and so of course the preservation of their letters and journals was not considered important. If the author said one time more "unfortunately her letter was not preserved", I was going to track her down and slap her silly.
The lack of information on the women was disappointing, but the story of Franklin without all the American Revolution history included was interesting, until we reach the last 1/3 of the book. At that point it is more about Franklin constantly looking for a one night stand, and to me, that was gross
A short simple book, decent but that's all.
The lack of information on the women was disappointing, but the story of Franklin without all the American Revolution history included was interesting, until we reach the last 1/3 of the book. At that point it is more about Franklin constantly looking for a one night stand, and to me, that was gross
A short simple book, decent but that's all.
December 7, 2021
For too long, Ben Franklin’s common-law wife has been dismissed as illiterate and boring. Nancy Rubin Stuart’s post-feminism approach restores Deborah Reed Franklin to the esteem in which she was held in during her lifetime.
Poor Richard’s Women demonstrates that Deborah ably managed the family business while Ben spent years abroad, as well as the post office, while raising four children (included his illegitimate son), caring for her ailing mother, and supervising the building and outfitting of their new home at Franklin Court. In short, the woman was a powerhouse more like Abigail Adams than people think. When rioters protesting the Stamp Act threatened Franklin Court, Deborah brought in help and stood watch with a gun, ready to protect their home and Ben’s reputation! That’s Dolley Madison worthy!
Ben had a penchant for falling for his landladies and their daughters. Deborah was the daughter of the first Philadelphia family he boarded with. They were ready to be married when an opportunity arose or Ben to travel to London to purchase equipment to start his own publishing business. The money fell through, and he was stuck abroad. He found work and a room, then promptly became cozy with his widowed landlady. And, smitten with her daughter, as well. They became a second family, and it appears received the best of his love.
Deborah’s parents urged her to move on before she was over the hill. She married a worthless man who soon disappeared. When Ben finally returned to Philly, the two reunited and decided to resume their relationship. Then, Ben presented Deborah with his illegitimate son to raise!
For much of their marriage, Ben was abroad in England and France working for the patriot cause. He sent home loving letters—sometimes. And, followed his heart all the time. Along with his London landlady, he fell for a series of French women. They were close, but they all disappointed him when it came to the more physical intimacies he desired. By the time Ben came home for good, Deborah had died, and his London landlady as well, but her daughter Polly joined him in Philadelphia. As his health declined, he was lovingly cared for by Polly and his and Deborah’s daughter Sally. It had to rankle Sally to have Polly there!
The book is easy, engaging reading, full of fascinating women. We also met Ben’s children and grandchildren. They were a flawed, but interesting family.
I received a free egalley from the publisher through Edeweiss+. My review is fair and unbiased.
Poor Richard’s Women demonstrates that Deborah ably managed the family business while Ben spent years abroad, as well as the post office, while raising four children (included his illegitimate son), caring for her ailing mother, and supervising the building and outfitting of their new home at Franklin Court. In short, the woman was a powerhouse more like Abigail Adams than people think. When rioters protesting the Stamp Act threatened Franklin Court, Deborah brought in help and stood watch with a gun, ready to protect their home and Ben’s reputation! That’s Dolley Madison worthy!
Ben had a penchant for falling for his landladies and their daughters. Deborah was the daughter of the first Philadelphia family he boarded with. They were ready to be married when an opportunity arose or Ben to travel to London to purchase equipment to start his own publishing business. The money fell through, and he was stuck abroad. He found work and a room, then promptly became cozy with his widowed landlady. And, smitten with her daughter, as well. They became a second family, and it appears received the best of his love.
Deborah’s parents urged her to move on before she was over the hill. She married a worthless man who soon disappeared. When Ben finally returned to Philly, the two reunited and decided to resume their relationship. Then, Ben presented Deborah with his illegitimate son to raise!
For much of their marriage, Ben was abroad in England and France working for the patriot cause. He sent home loving letters—sometimes. And, followed his heart all the time. Along with his London landlady, he fell for a series of French women. They were close, but they all disappointed him when it came to the more physical intimacies he desired. By the time Ben came home for good, Deborah had died, and his London landlady as well, but her daughter Polly joined him in Philadelphia. As his health declined, he was lovingly cared for by Polly and his and Deborah’s daughter Sally. It had to rankle Sally to have Polly there!
The book is easy, engaging reading, full of fascinating women. We also met Ben’s children and grandchildren. They were a flawed, but interesting family.
I received a free egalley from the publisher through Edeweiss+. My review is fair and unbiased.
September 29, 2022
This was fine and interesting, just not really great. It doesn't go very far in any direction, but still a nice little read.
July 6, 2022
This book was quite an interesting read, but it was primarily about Ben Franklin. The author found very little info about Deborah and did speculate a bit. I was left wondering why she pretended to write a book about a woman with such sparse knowledge. I would give this a 3.5.
July 23, 2022
This book was a random pick from a display at the library. It was ok, but it seemed to be more about Ben, than the women in his life; just not what I expected. I understand that documentation about Deborah and other women may be scant. Perhaps I would have enjoyed more a historical fiction book, where the author fills in the unknown story. Ben is not portrayed particularly well, especially in his treatment of women, from his "wild oats" in his younger years, to kind of lecherous behavior continuing into his advanced age.
In his "Old Mistress Apologue", Ben Franklin advocates for young men choosing older women, including "when women cease to be handsome, they study to be good. . . are the most tender and useful of all friends when you are sick. . . hence there is hardly such a thing to be found as an old woman who is not a good woman." (48)
Having been warned of a possible British plot to murder him, Ben replied, "I thank you for your kind caution, but having nearly finished a long life, I set little value on what remains of it." (142)
"He was bald, fat, and suffering from gout, boils, and kidney stones, but those ailments had not prevented other women from loving him." (151)
"Above that was Ben's library, which housed his four thousand books in floor-to-ceiling shelves."
In his "Old Mistress Apologue", Ben Franklin advocates for young men choosing older women, including "when women cease to be handsome, they study to be good. . . are the most tender and useful of all friends when you are sick. . . hence there is hardly such a thing to be found as an old woman who is not a good woman." (48)
Having been warned of a possible British plot to murder him, Ben replied, "I thank you for your kind caution, but having nearly finished a long life, I set little value on what remains of it." (142)
"He was bald, fat, and suffering from gout, boils, and kidney stones, but those ailments had not prevented other women from loving him." (151)
"Above that was Ben's library, which housed his four thousand books in floor-to-ceiling shelves."
July 20, 2022
A few weeks ago, I ventured to the lower level of my favorite indie bookstore here in Newport, and saw this book on a display. It immediately drew me in, so I requested it from the library and delved into it as soon as I could.
I really did want to love this book unreservedly. Unfortunately, so much of women’s history is lost because people didn’t think the thoughts and emotions and letters of women were worth preserving. Instead, it was only men’s ideas and thoughts that were important enough for posterity. I thoroughly enjoyed the sections on Deborah Read Franklin, since she was so clearly her own person while married to this incredibly famous and well-respected public figure. But he spent so much of their marriage apart from her, enjoying the attentions and affections of his French landlady. It’s kind of hard to wrap my brain around the fact that Franklin remained in Europe for fifteen of their married years; the first being a stretch of 5 years, the second a stretch of ten during which Deborah passed away. As a Navy wife, I was used to my husband being gone for several months, but no more than 8 or 9 months at a time. I can’t fathom having my husband gone for literally years, and also taking on his job as postmaster and running his businesses to boot.
However, after the death of Deborah, this book starts to lose its interest for me. Franklin at this point was just a lonely old man who was constantly trying to get one of his lady friends in bed with him — though apparently he wasn’t successful. It’s just a little icky as a 21st century woman to read about how he tried to cajole these young-ish, beautiful, wealthy matrons to sleep with him. I’m 43 now, probably not too much older than his mistresses in France, yet I can’t possibly conceive of being attracted to a man in his 70s who is balding and gray and overweight and suffering from gout and kidney stones. That said, the second half of the book seemed to focus a little too much on Franklin. I understand it’s because his words have been preserved throughout the ages, but it’s still strange because this is a book that’s supposed to focus on his women.
I do wish more letters from women of this age had been preserved. It’s sad that most of the our understanding of history is so male-centric, when men only make up half the population. If only history had been kinder to women…
I really did want to love this book unreservedly. Unfortunately, so much of women’s history is lost because people didn’t think the thoughts and emotions and letters of women were worth preserving. Instead, it was only men’s ideas and thoughts that were important enough for posterity. I thoroughly enjoyed the sections on Deborah Read Franklin, since she was so clearly her own person while married to this incredibly famous and well-respected public figure. But he spent so much of their marriage apart from her, enjoying the attentions and affections of his French landlady. It’s kind of hard to wrap my brain around the fact that Franklin remained in Europe for fifteen of their married years; the first being a stretch of 5 years, the second a stretch of ten during which Deborah passed away. As a Navy wife, I was used to my husband being gone for several months, but no more than 8 or 9 months at a time. I can’t fathom having my husband gone for literally years, and also taking on his job as postmaster and running his businesses to boot.
However, after the death of Deborah, this book starts to lose its interest for me. Franklin at this point was just a lonely old man who was constantly trying to get one of his lady friends in bed with him — though apparently he wasn’t successful. It’s just a little icky as a 21st century woman to read about how he tried to cajole these young-ish, beautiful, wealthy matrons to sleep with him. I’m 43 now, probably not too much older than his mistresses in France, yet I can’t possibly conceive of being attracted to a man in his 70s who is balding and gray and overweight and suffering from gout and kidney stones. That said, the second half of the book seemed to focus a little too much on Franklin. I understand it’s because his words have been preserved throughout the ages, but it’s still strange because this is a book that’s supposed to focus on his women.
I do wish more letters from women of this age had been preserved. It’s sad that most of the our understanding of history is so male-centric, when men only make up half the population. If only history had been kinder to women…
August 4, 2022
Rather than Franklin in love, it would be better subtitled, Ben Franklin in Lust.
Philandering Franklin did not deserve Deborah's loyalty. He would comfortably join today's pantheon of presidential philanderers.
Philandering Franklin did not deserve Deborah's loyalty. He would comfortably join today's pantheon of presidential philanderers.
April 3, 2023
I don't usually read straight history books. Historical fiction, yes, but not nonfiction. Even though this was filled with footnotes and an bibliography, this read as a novel. Or perhaps it was all the shenanigans Franklin pulled on his women.
There've been several fictional accounts of wives of famous men, and in all the cases they were treated poorly. Deborah, Franklin's wife of over 40 years was no exception. The more famous and prosperous he became, the more work Deborah ended up with. Sure, Franklin was named the Postmaster General by the British, but who really did the work? And who ran the stationery store (really a general store) when Franklin was a printer? Who organized the building of houses, bought land and did everything while Franklin was in England before the Revolution? Franklin signed over power of attorney to Deborah during his travels which was unheard at that time, to give that much power to a woman.
The last chapters are of Franklin's affairs with two French women who seemed okay dealing with an old man in his 70s with gout, kidney stones and being bald. However neither married him.
A penny saved is a penny earned! Pennies on Deborah and Ben's grave.
There've been several fictional accounts of wives of famous men, and in all the cases they were treated poorly. Deborah, Franklin's wife of over 40 years was no exception. The more famous and prosperous he became, the more work Deborah ended up with. Sure, Franklin was named the Postmaster General by the British, but who really did the work? And who ran the stationery store (really a general store) when Franklin was a printer? Who organized the building of houses, bought land and did everything while Franklin was in England before the Revolution? Franklin signed over power of attorney to Deborah during his travels which was unheard at that time, to give that much power to a woman.
The last chapters are of Franklin's affairs with two French women who seemed okay dealing with an old man in his 70s with gout, kidney stones and being bald. However neither married him.
A penny saved is a penny earned! Pennies on Deborah and Ben's grave.
December 11, 2022
Nancy Rubin Stuart’s POOR RICHARD'S WOMEN is a thoughtful, comprehensive, and well-researched book which shows Ben Franklin in a new light. This is history that most of us know very little about. I was surprised to see how large a role women played in Franklin’s life. How they calmed him and gave him advice is only part of the story. I was amazed at how his wife took charge of his business in Philadelphia, raised a family, and built a new home while Franklin spent over thirty years in England and Paris. No wonder he accomplished so much.
Across the ocean, women in both England and France were instrumental with their care and support. They introduced him to key members of society who were active in government, science, philosophy, etc. The author reveals only what she has discovered and confirmed about the intimacy Franklin had with these women. Nevertheless, his closest women friends and lovers nursed him when he was sick and pampered him when he was healthy.
This book is a splendid achievement in showing us the role of different women in Franklin’s busy and accomplished life.
Across the ocean, women in both England and France were instrumental with their care and support. They introduced him to key members of society who were active in government, science, philosophy, etc. The author reveals only what she has discovered and confirmed about the intimacy Franklin had with these women. Nevertheless, his closest women friends and lovers nursed him when he was sick and pampered him when he was healthy.
This book is a splendid achievement in showing us the role of different women in Franklin’s busy and accomplished life.
March 27, 2022
What a biography for Women’s History Month or any month of any year. Nancy Rubin Stuart gives a scholarly but intimate look into the life of Deborah Franklin who was maligned by most historians because her letters were replete with misspellings and grammatical hiccups. Who knew that women weren’t taught grammar and spelling because back then it didn’t befit their future roles? Ben Franklin never would have been able to accomplish all he did in the world without her. It was Deborah who ran the businesses and household while Franklin was rarely home and having affair after affair.
This is no drudge of a biography. It’s written with such wit. For example, there’s a chapter titled “In the Dark, All Cats are Gray.”
Nancy Stuart Rubin knows how to keep readers reading while filling them with information that they can’t stop telling their friends about. When I chat with friends, POOR RICHARD’S WOMEN seems to fill more of my conversation these days. And friends lean forward, bright-eyed, and ask, “Really?”
Yes, Really.
This is no drudge of a biography. It’s written with such wit. For example, there’s a chapter titled “In the Dark, All Cats are Gray.”
Nancy Stuart Rubin knows how to keep readers reading while filling them with information that they can’t stop telling their friends about. When I chat with friends, POOR RICHARD’S WOMEN seems to fill more of my conversation these days. And friends lean forward, bright-eyed, and ask, “Really?”
Yes, Really.
December 22, 2022
Although the book was about the women in Ben Franklin’s life, it covers a lot of instances that reveal his character as well. He was not a great husband or father. He told his wife to obey him while loading her down with responsibilities which included raising his illegitimate son. She had to run his business, raise his children, deal with all of his business matters and correspondence, while getting very little from her husband. At the end of her life, Franklin had been absent in France for 10 years and did not return even when he knew she had a stroke. Franklin dallied with his English landlady, Margaret Stevenson, who was a surrogate wife. Once Deborah died, she hoped he would marry her. Franklin was already courting two younger French noblewomen, who enjoyed his company but were not interested in him romantically.
Deborah got a pretty raw deal in the end. Franklin’s treatment of women was probably typical for the era, but he emerged as a bit of a dirty old man, despite his genius.
Deborah got a pretty raw deal in the end. Franklin’s treatment of women was probably typical for the era, but he emerged as a bit of a dirty old man, despite his genius.
November 14, 2023
I enjoyed learning about Benjamin Franklin who was an important founding father of the United States of America. I also enjoyed learning that he had a love for women. That was something I never knew and found it quite enchanting.
Benjamin Franklin spent a great deal of time in England and France soliciting for monies and help. His wife, Deborah had not been with him for many years because she refused to travel overseas and died without seeing him again. She kept his house and ran the Post for him while he was oversees.
While Deborah was keeping Ben's affairs in order, Ben was having a good time with many women in France. He was a real ladies man despite his grey hair, gout, boils and kidney stones. He was also very overweight. I suspect that the the women enjoyed his flirtations because they were ignored by their spouses.
I usually prefer to read Historical Fiction but this book reminded me of more of a novel than a history book
Benjamin Franklin spent a great deal of time in England and France soliciting for monies and help. His wife, Deborah had not been with him for many years because she refused to travel overseas and died without seeing him again. She kept his house and ran the Post for him while he was oversees.
While Deborah was keeping Ben's affairs in order, Ben was having a good time with many women in France. He was a real ladies man despite his grey hair, gout, boils and kidney stones. He was also very overweight. I suspect that the the women enjoyed his flirtations because they were ignored by their spouses.
I usually prefer to read Historical Fiction but this book reminded me of more of a novel than a history book
October 6, 2022
Interesting book. I never realized that Benjamin Franklin wasn't a good husband especially because during the time he was living basically a double life. One in Philadelphia with his wife Deborah, who was actually his wife and one in England with two women who loved him. I have always thought of him as the printer, one who had a curious mind about things in the natural world, the inventor of several advancements to humans, i.e., bi-focals and of course, a founding father. It was interesting to read that he wasn't really thrilled with the Constitution, but accepted it as basically better than nothing. It was also interesting to read that he wasn't really an advocate of established religion but did have respect for a Creator. Many people now days try to paint all of the founding fathers as deeply ingrained Christians
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2022
*3.5 stars
I picked this book up at my local library on a whim, but I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it, although that can be attributed to the author’s writing style. It flowed easily, and I wasn’t particularly bored at any moment. Each of the historical figures were humanized, rather than just appearing as caricatures of themselves as some other nonfiction books tend to do.
That being said, I did find the conclusion of the book to be lackluster, and I feel as though it followed Benjamin Franklin a bit too closely. I would’ve liked to have seen the perspective of the women in this book on a much more in-depth level (Though, that may have been difficult with limited historical documentation/letters).
I picked this book up at my local library on a whim, but I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it, although that can be attributed to the author’s writing style. It flowed easily, and I wasn’t particularly bored at any moment. Each of the historical figures were humanized, rather than just appearing as caricatures of themselves as some other nonfiction books tend to do.
That being said, I did find the conclusion of the book to be lackluster, and I feel as though it followed Benjamin Franklin a bit too closely. I would’ve liked to have seen the perspective of the women in this book on a much more in-depth level (Though, that may have been difficult with limited historical documentation/letters).
November 5, 2022
Poor Richard's Women can be an unsettling read for those unfamiliar with Ben Franklin's relationship with Deborah Read Franklin, his children and the other women in his life. Despite the limited availability of written records, such as diaries and letters, the author has made a valiant effort to bring to life Deborah while giving the reader a better understanding of what Ben was like as a husband, parent and friend. This book is a worthwhile read, in conjunction with traditional Franklin biographies. For those who wish to gain a better understanding of the significance of the women around Franklin and their influence in business and politics in the period of the American Revolution, I would recommend this book.
April 30, 2022
When I saw a book about Ben Franklin (and esp. his women), I knew I wanted to read. My Dad worked at the Franklin Printing Shop until his retirement, Ben Franklin's brother's original printing shop in Newport, Rhode Island (and I also live in a small town, 3 miles from Newport, RI). Knowing that Ben was a polymath, I find interesting in itself, but I never knew he was a womanizer! This story is very well documented, but I found myself closing my eyes toward midnight, reading, as the entire book began to feel like an historical textbook, but that's okay too. The author is a great writer, and I will look into further reads from her.
April 27, 2022
Poor Richard's Women by Nancy Rubin Stuart is a great read. I thought I knew a lot about Ben Franklin but discovered so much about this remarkable man that i had no idea about through this revealing book. The author's style is is concise, clear, and engaging. There is no conjecture on her part as to what these historical characters did or said as she has carefully documented her writing with references. No question this is the product of extensive research. I have gained a new perspective on Ben's life, his character, and the lives of the women he loved.
March 14, 2022
History is usually the story of men. Women are usually are not mentioned or they have a minor role. It is nice to see books where the women are taken seriously as having a part in history. This is a book about the women who influenced Benjamin Franklin's life. They were not just insignificant and contributed greatly to his life by keep his affairs in order. It is nice to see them finally getting credit.
Thank you to #goodreads, @NancyRubinStuart and @BeaconPress for a copy of this book.
Thank you to #goodreads, @NancyRubinStuart and @BeaconPress for a copy of this book.
August 15, 2022
I've read several full-length biographies of Benjamin Franklin, but I still learned many interesting details of his life by reading this less-academic (and more single-facet) work. While the author admits that she approached the subject from a "post-feminist" POV, her descriptions of his homes and his family life gave me a fuller sense of his locales and ladies. I strongly recommend it as an interesting-but-niche-portrayal of the great man.
December 16, 2022
If you have even a mild interest in Ben Franklin, you will find “Poor Richard’s Women” an interesting read. Author Nancy Rubin Stuart has done extensive research and points out many little know facts about this founding father. Ben Franklin was another of our very colorful founding fathers who we thought we knew so much about. And, this book is just one more side of the story. Dr. Kathy prescribes this book for the history seekers among us.
May 6, 2023
This sounded like an interesting book, as it was marketed as a book about Benjamin Franklin's wife and his mistresses. Unfortunately, there is just not enough surviving information about the women to truly be about them. It was just another biography of Benjamin Franklin with random bits of information included about the women thrown in. The book was very short. Had it been longer, I would not have finished it.
March 16, 2025
This was my pick for a March Women's History title and while it is obviously through the lens of a famous male in history, would we know as much or preserve (some) of the correspondence of these women had they not been part of Benjamin Franklin's life?
I enjoyed the interpretation of correspondence though a female historian's eyes and the contrast presented with the conclusions made by male biographers of Franklin.
I enjoyed the interpretation of correspondence though a female historian's eyes and the contrast presented with the conclusions made by male biographers of Franklin.
December 17, 2025
Ben Franklin was a laaaadddieeesss maaaannn!!!! He was so charming and charismatic that women of all ages all over America, England, and France fell for him!! Out of all the founding fathers, Ben seemed to actually like women and respect them for what they could do for him (eg: Deborah managing the household and the US Postal Service for Ben while he was in England). Interesting take from a man that was born and died in the 1700s
March 22, 2022
One of the best history books I've read in a while. So well done, readable, and not overly wordy. I feel great sympathy for Debby Franklin. Despite Franklin's treatment of women and neediness towards them, I still admire his political savviness, optimism and curiosity about science and the world. Stuart is very fair in her portrayal of Ben Franklin.
August 20, 2022
Enjoyed this book as it gave a whole different side of Franklin. It dives into all the other things most books on Franklin don’t - the women he loved, his reliance on them, his kids, kids with other women, kids he “adopted” and his love life (or lack there of, physically anyway). If you are a lover of history at this time, it’s an important read.
September 11, 2022
I now know a lot more about Ben Franklin’s personal relationships (and, wow, there was some drama for this “Founding Father”), but I don’t feel like I know all that much more about the women in his life. My main takeaway from this was that being one of his women was NOT necessarily an enviable position.
February 8, 2024
Interesting perspective
The stories of the women in Ben's life is interesting. If I had been Deborah I would haunt him for all time for the length of time he spent first in England cultivating a second family and then in France courting women who knew how to say no to an old man with gout and boils. Too much of the description of Deborah was conjecture.
The stories of the women in Ben's life is interesting. If I had been Deborah I would haunt him for all time for the length of time he spent first in England cultivating a second family and then in France courting women who knew how to say no to an old man with gout and boils. Too much of the description of Deborah was conjecture.
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