Wasn't the deal traditionally that they got her money and she got status, a title, a big house and titled children? It would work perfectly well if she had a son to inherit, who then sticks her in the Dower House and keeps her in reasonable comfort. But why on earth weren't the lawyers putting things in place to deal with all the possible contingencies if this didn't happen? Or was the Earl supposed to divorce her if she didn't fulfil her side of the bargain and produce a male heir?