When the show begins in 1965, Marie is a biochemistry graduate student at Salem University. She has recently broken her engagement to a wealthy man named Rick Butler and is now engaged to Tony Merritt, her neighbor. Marie's sister Addie disapproves of Marie's engagement to Tony, as Tony is "merely" a teacher, while Rick is wealthy like Addie's husband, Ben Olson.
When the show commences in 1965, Marie is a biochemistry graduate student at Salem University. She has recently terminated her engagement to a wealthy individual named Rick Butler and is now engaged to Tony Merritt, her neighbor. Marie's sister Addie disapproves of Marie's engagement to Tony, as Tony is "merely" an educator, whereas Rick is affluent like Addie's spouse, Ben Olson.