Gaele Hi
Bennett, Lord Carson is the catch of the series, and has successfully managed to avoid marital entanglements to this point, serving as ‘matchmaker’ for the first two of the sisters of the Duke of Marymount. Pressures from all sides notwithstanding, Bennett has his hands full trying to keep the estates running properly, see that his ailing mother is cared for, and trying to keep a pound safe from his profligate father and his never-ending need for more. ALL of the stress has fallen on Bennett, while his father eschews any responsibility for the family, preferring to celebrate his ‘title’ and let others pay the price for his extravagances. Determined that Bennet marry a Duke’s daughter and bring a not insignificant dowry into the family coffers, he’s got plans for his son and won’t be ignored. Ida Howlett is the third daughter of the Duke of Marymount, and while she and her sisters (both now married) have made wonderful matches and pleased her parents, she’s not interested in what ‘other girls do’. She wants to live her own self-directed life, free to explore topics that take her interest, and if there’s a little adventure mixed in – all to the better. Her sister Della ran off ‘in disgrace’ and while her parents seem rather inured to the situation, Ida has decided that she needs to find her sister and see just what all happened. Stealing a carriage in a quick getaway – off to follow the trail and find her sister seems logical to Ida, she didn’t count on the carriage being occupied by the one man that she desperately needs to avoid, the one her parents have pushed forth on her as a potential mate. Surprised by the circumstances, it’s truly the first time that Bennet has actually spent time with Ida, talking to her without being subjected to several eyes and the constrictions that society has placed on interactions. Most shocking , yet intriguing, to him is Ida’s determination to be herself, forming opinions and enjoying new experiences, without seeming to need anyone or anything else. Her intelligence shines through in their conversation, her passion about what she believes is right, and her logical view of how to find the sister she is determined to bring home are even more striking since they come from a woman he had previously discounted as some wedding-crazed, close to on the shelf, dismissible unmarried woman on the marriage mart. Their interactions and his growing esteem for her are cleverly plotted, and Ida’s realization that everything that made her ‘undesirable’ to most are just what intrigues Bennett. Perhaps this marriage thing isn’t so bad after all. Clever additions of revelations of personality, opinions and the sheer excitement of the adventure added to this story, with some moments from both Bennett’s and Ida’s viewpoints that were instantly descriptive and foundations for their characters. Another lovely installment in this clever early Victorian story. I received a paperback copy of the title from the publisher for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
