Since the day her oldest sister entered society, Lady Elizabeth, the Earl of Saunton’s sister, imagined the pleasures of her first London Season, during which she expected to meet her future husband. Unfortunately, when she is old enough to make her debut, no member of her immediate family is available to chaperone her in London, so she accepts her Great-Aunt Augusta’s offer to bring her out in … in Cheltenham.
Elizabeth looks forward to living at Augusta’s grand house near the lively, popular town where people drink mineral water at pump houses and enjoy the social life. Determined to be the perfect debutante, she cannot imagine creating a scandal, so it is fortunate that she cannot foresee the future. Modest, loving and giving Elizabeth is blessed with beauty and a fortune, which attracts suitors. It would not be surprising if her ‘head is turned’ by admirers but she is not a flirt.
From the moment she sees Mr Yates she sets her heart on him. At the same time, she is not attracted to her brother’s friend with an exotic background, and amber eyes like a tiger’s which unnerve her. Both gentlemen made their fortunes when they served in the East India Company, but will they lead her into trouble, be right for Elizabeth and will one of them be the perfect match for her?
more
Elizabeth’s brother is left in charge of her future as both parents are deceased. She’s given the opportunity of traveling with her cantankerous Great-Aunt Augusta for Elizabeth to meet the ‘ton’ in Cheltenham. Mayhem plays a hand in rigorous gossip, and Elizabeth’s future is at stake.
Ms. Morris paints scene after scene of historical society as the story of Elizabeth unfurls like watching it on the big screen. Gripping and compelling, the voice of the past calls forth society’s rules of engagement between men and women of the 1800s in London. Propriety is everything; it rules behavior and reputation. A beautiful love story that I couldn’t put down. If you enjoy historical romance, place this book on your list to read.
Another enjoyable read from Rosemary Morris. If you have followed the (loosely connected) series, it is nice to keep up with old characters and see others come to the fore. This novel is also interesting in that it highlights Britain’s relationship with India during this period, including the topic of interracial marriage. I am looking forward to seeing how the series ends!
A fascinating glimpse into the Regency era.
It is 1822 and sweet and gentle 17-year-old Lady Elizabeth longs for her 18th birthday and her first London season. Heiress to a fortune, there will be many suitors, but Elizabeth gives her heart to Lord Geoffrey Yates, falling madly in love with him at their first meeting, singling him out as the only man she would wish to ask for her hand in marriage. Her Great Aunt Augusta, Marchioness of Armitage, takes on the role of chaperone, inviting Elizabeth to her home in Cheltenham where she will come out into society. Elizabeth eagerly accepts the dour lady’s invite, purely because the chosen man of her dreams, Yates, will be there. Unfortunately, due to a slight mishap, to safeguard her reputation, Elizabeth is forced by the dictates of the time to become betrothed to Sir Victor, a man she is slightly in awe of, even though she senses he has a kind heart, when he has no qualms about aiding Elizabeth in the rescue of a child stolen by gypsies.
Rosemary Morris knows her subject well and writes with authority and an impeccable accuracy about the manners, restrictions and dictates of this constrictive period in British history.
Book 6 of the series “Heroines born on different days of the week.”
According to the poem, Friday’s Child is loving and giving and that is an apt description for the heroine of this book, Lady Elizabeth Staunton. She agrees to be the companion for her great aunt Lady Armitage; in return, Lady Armitage introduces her to polite society in Cheltenham. Young and beautiful, Lady Elizabeth soon draws the attention of three men – her respectable Cousin Theodore, the ever so charming Mr. Yates, and the former hussar from India, Sir Victor. Who will win her hand?
Ms. Morris does a wonderful job of describing customs and etiquette in the Regency era. Add a dash of India and the mystery of a missing child and this book is sure to be enjoyed by Regency readers of all ages.