How would you interpret the word “up” in the phrase “up and married a towner”? Intestinal fortitude, Mrs. Brown has got. Marching in here to work despite Mrs. Bittle’s ban, the concern no longer being polio but other contaminations. Mrs. Brown says if the lady evicts her, she will go live with a niece. One of Parthenia’s daughters “up and married a towner” and they get on well, the niece and aunt. The couple’s house is small as a pin, but she could sleep on a chaise, care for the baby, and try to be a help. How would you interpret the word “up” in the phrase “up and married a towner”? Does it mean her niece went up to the town? PS: Mrs. Brown’s sister, Parthenia, lived in the country. And Mrs. Brown lived in Asheville. Thanks. And this excerpt is taken from The Lacuna by Kingsolver.