Quixotic-thesort of romantic 'live and die unwed' idea that is quite exploded.

If she might not have her wish, one thing she knew well, that she would take no living man, but would die unwed.

"Alas!" she said, "I am betrothed, yet I must die unwed."

He died unwed, and all his wealth and dignities passed to a kinsman who, like himself, traced his descent from the peasant stock of Appletrewick.