His Official Fiancée (1914) is a romance novel by Berta Ruck. After a
decade of publishing stories in literary magazines, Ruck released her
first novel to popular acclaim. Adapted for a 1919 silent comedy film
starring Vivian Martin and Forrest Stanley, His Official Fiancée is a
satirical tale of love, work, and modern life. To his employees, William
Waters is a demanding boss who micromanages every aspect of their daily
work. Beyond his back, he is known as "Still Waters," a reference to his
robotic nature and seemingly stagnant love life. When Monica Trant, a
typist, is called into his office, she fears the worst. To her surprise,
however, Waters makes a strange proposition. "'I wish to find someone
who, to outward appearances, could take the place of my fiancée; could
go about with me, stay at my home, and be introduced all round as the
girl I meant to marry. She must understand from the very beginning that
it was absolutely a matter of business; that the so-called "engagement"
would terminate at the end of the year.'" Hesitant at first, Monica is
in no position to turn down a better job and agrees to his request. As
days turn to weeks, weeks into months, she realizes that her role has
given her an opportunity to gain control of a man who has controlled so
much of her own life. Dedicated to the running of his business, Waters
has left himself completely vulnerable in his life at home. With a
beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this
edition of Berta Ruck's His Official Fiancée is a classic of British
romance literature reimagined for modern readers.
