THE LAND STEWARD'S DAUGHTER

In 1815, marriage is in the air at Blackmore Park, the Hampshire estate of the Duke of Blackmore, as the family readies for an engagement announcement, a match between the Duke’s older son and a friend’s daughter having been arranged long ago. Helping the Duchess plan the event is Elaina Walker, 25, who’s lived in a set of rooms at Blackmore with her father, the Duke’s land steward, since her mother died. But Elaina’s thoughts lie with wondering whether Montgomery’s younger brother, Capt. Lord William Winter, will ever return from the Peninsular Wars. They’ve been close friends since childhood and corresponded frequently over 11 years apart. Though she’s had suitors, Elaina has turned them down; her heart belongs to Will, but surely he doesn’t still feel the same way...does he? Besides, Elaina has a small dowry, her titled mother having disobliged her family by marrying a commoner, and though the girl is treated well by Will’s parents, they very much want him to wed a woman of fortune. Nevertheless, Will’s sudden return leaves no doubt that their childhood feelings have matured into a blazing passion. Despite Elaina’s deep misgivings over familial disapproval and her suitability for Will, they elope and move into Larkspur Castle, a sadly run-down estate given to Will by his father. The newlyweds both pitch in to make a go of it, aided by Elaina’s knowledge from her father about the practicalities of estate management. The couple has many obstacles to overcome and much hard work to do to make a success of Larkspur—Elaina must even labor in the fields—and Will struggles with wanting his father’s approval. He’s also jealous of Elaina’s former suitor, banker Giles Hunt, while Elaina worries that her husband will blame her for their financial struggles. Until they can get past these difficulties, their marriage hangs in the balance.

Michaels ably employs many familiar romance-novel elements, and she also successfully ventures beyond the genre’s conventions by continuing the story past the wedding and honeymoon. Erotic scenes are well handled, both tender and hot; the writing is explicit but not pornographic. By working together to make Larkspur profitable, Elaina and Will notably demonstrate their best qualities, not just their compatibility in bed, and readers will of course root for them. Historical inconsistencies, however, detract from the period feel, such as modern usage: “Uptight” dates from the mid-20th century, and “cost-efficient” from 1970, for example. It’s also strange that Will’s military career is described as “whimsy” or an inappropriate choice when the gentry’s second son’s joining the army was entirely conventional. Characterization can also be inconsistent; although Will’s parents take Elaina in, are generally kindly, and have all the usual expectations for their sons, Will thinks of them as “wolves.” Still, the young couple’s relationship is well drawn, and they’re immensely likable.

Thanks for reading.
Please Share, Comment, Like the post And Follow, Subscribe CTS Store.

fromSource