people seem to forget that in these time periods, assuming this story is based on the 'past', then women didnt have much power and couldnt hope to gain much without a husband. either one they could control or one who equaled them that the could work with. If he was absolute dogcrap from a small town, he wouldnt be worth being with. if he was dog crap of a dig city, she could use him. but since hes skilled and running a small town, she sees great potential to help improve the town and grow both of their positions. She cant do anything with her ambition unless she is married to someone, so shes not really a threat to him. though i have my doubts the author actually thought this through.