- Nan marries Theo, the Duke of Tintagel, despite having feelings for Guy.
- Theo’s true nature and lack of love for Nan cause their marriage to fall apart.
- Nan realizes her love for Guy is genuine and lasting.
- With help, Nan leaves Theo and runs away with Guy, choosing true love over duty.
The Buccaneers, where wealth, ambition, and love collide, Nan St. George’s story stands out as one of self-discovery and emotional complexity. Apple TV+ has brought Edith Wharton’s unfinished final novel to life with a fresh take, but at its heart remains Nan’s journey from carefree American heiress to the conflicted Duchess of Tintagel.
While the first season of the series ends with Nan marrying Theo, the Duke, the book reveals a very different, and far more romantic, conclusion.
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A Complicated Start to Married Life
Season 1 of The Buccaneers ends with what appears to be a resolution: Nan, torn between two men, ultimately marries Theo (played by Guy Remmers), making her the Duchess of Tintagel.
However, the night before her wedding, Guy (Matthew Broome), Theo’s best friend, confesses his love to her. The two share a passionate moment, adding even more weight to Nan’s decision the next day.
Despite her feelings for Guy, Nan goes through with the marriage, not for love, but to help her half-sister Jinny escape an abusive relationship. Nan’s decision to sacrifice her own freedom reveals her deep loyalty and emotional maturity, but it sets the stage for a marriage destined to crumble.
The Truth Behind Theo and Nan’s Doomed Relationship
While Theo initially appears to be a refined and caring aristocrat, cracks begin to show in his behavior. His controlling nature and rigid beliefs about a woman’s role in society paint a darker picture of their union.
In Marion Mainwaring’s completed version of Edith Wharton’s unfinished novel, it becomes evident that Theo never truly loved Nan. Instead, he married her for status, and it is later revealed that he is gay, adding another layer to the emotional distance between them.
Nan quickly realizes that her marriage lacks the affection and partnership she yearns for. As she reflects on her relationship with Guy, she begins to understand that her feelings for him never truly disappeared. What she had with Guy was real, honest, passionate, and grounded in mutual respect.
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A Scandalous Escape and a True Love Reignited
With the help of Miss Laura Testvalley, Nan’s former governess and confidante, Nan eventually finds the strength to leave her unhappy marriage. She runs away with Guy, sparking a scandal due to her still being legally married to Theo.
Despite the controversy, Nan chooses to follow her heart, embracing the life she truly desires rather than the one society expects her to lead.
The novel ends with Nan and Guy finally together, proving that love, even when complicated,can triumph over social constraints and personal sacrifice. Their union is not just romantic; it’s a bold statement of independence in an era where women were often forced to prioritize duty over desire.
Will the TV Adaptation Follow the Book’s Ending?
With The Buccaneers Season 2 having premiered on June 18, 2025, fans are eagerly waiting to see whether the show will mirror the novel’s conclusion.
The first season already laid the groundwork, portraying Theo’s subtle possessiveness and hinting at the emotional connection still lingering between Nan and Guy.
Given the series’s focus on female empowerment and challenging tradition, there’s a strong possibility that Nan’s ultimate choice will align with the novel’s romantic ending. Her story, after all, is not just about choosing between two men, it’s about reclaiming her voice and deciding what happiness looks like on her own terms.
A Timeless Tale of Love and Liberation
The Buccaneers continues to resonate with viewers by weaving timeless themes of love, independence, and societal rebellion.
Nan St. George’s journey, both in the book and on screen, reflects the inner struggle many women face when navigating the tension between societal expectations and personal fulfillment. Whether through heartbreak, scandal, or self-discovery, Nan ultimately chooses herself, and in doing so, finds the love she deserves
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