I definitely expected some kind of marriage ending, and was very pleasantly surprised to see it avoided! The impression I got was that Oliphant was leaving open the possibility of Hester's marrying Harry more as a sop to convention (rather like the conveniently dead fiancé of Kirsteen). I hope and believe she finds a way to have influence over the bank while single!

Hee, I had just the same first impression of Edward :D and I agree about how well Oliphant sets him and Edward/Hester up to subvert initial expectations.

The next Oliphant I plan to read is Effie Ogilvie, because just beneath one of the reviews Kidnapped that I found there was a review of Effie Ogilvie that said it has some of the same good qualities!