The Gilded Age

The Gilded Age

Having grown up near the famous Newport mansions, especially the now-private Astors' Beechwood which featured a troop of young actors portraying the Astor family and friends. Since watching Downton Abbey, I have become more curious about what Lady Grantham's life may have been like growing up in New York and Newport. I turned the book A Season of Splendor : The Court of Mrs. Astor in Gilded Age New York by Greg King. The book details the rise and fall of Gilded Age Society and provides details on the history of the families, social life and customs, architecture, fashion, transportation, scandal and more. One doesn't need to read every chapter to get a good sense of Gilded Age Society. Each reader can choose what interests them and learn a lot.

Here are some interesting facts about the Gilded Age.

*        The Gilded Age lasted from 1865-1914

*         The Gilded Age was very much like England's Regency era. It had formidable matrons presiding over lavish parties, gorgeous dresses and even a Beau Brummel like figure.

Portrait of Mrs. Astor by Carolus-Duran

*          Society was presided over by Caroline Webster Schermerhorn Astor (known as THE Mrs. Astor), who was of an old New York Dutch family. She was married to William Backhouse Astor who was the great-grandson of John Jacob Astor, a German immigrant who made money in fur trade and the China trade.

*           Initially Society consisted of old monied families like Mrs. Astors who had a tradition of wealth and lived in the quiet manner of the English Aristocracy.

*          After the Civil War, an industrial boom created a new class of monied people considered "new money" by the old Dutch families.

*          The new money families, presided over by Alva Vanderbilt, wished to buy their way into the social circle of Mrs. Astor.

*          Mrs. Astor's social adviser Ward McAllister advised Mrs. Astor to admit some new families into her social circle. He devised the famous "400 Club" of the fashionable elite who really mattered in Society.

*       By the 1890s Mrs. Astor was beginning to be too old and too old-fashioned to reign Queen of Society. In her place rose three august matrons: Mrs. William K. Vanderbilt (Alva), Mrs. Hermann Oelrichs (Tessie) and Mrs. Stuyvesant Fish (Mamie).

Marble House

*       The Vanderbilts were new money and social climbers. Mrs. Alva Vanderbilt was a notorious pushy, demanding woman who wanted nothing but the best. She never hesitated to show off her wealth and use it as a stepping stone to greater things. She had a Newport Mansion "Marble House" built for her as a 38th birthday gift from her husband. She shocked society by divorcing her first husband William K. Vanderbilt, and marrying his old friend (and younger man) Oliver Belmont and moving into his Newport mansion Belcourt Castle. She ruled her household with an iron fist and her daughter Counselo remembers being dreadfully unhappy, not allowed to go against her mother's will, especially in regards to marriage to the English Duke of Marlborough.

Rosecliff

*     Tessie Oelrichs had her grand Newport mansion Rosecliff built after the Grand Triannon in Versailles. She was a fussy housekeeper, often seen on her hands and knees cleaning her own house. She held many lavish parties in the ballroom at Rosecliff. She was known for her theme parties where people came in costume and danced the night away in the ballroom and out on the terrace overlooking the ocean. Rosecliff has a beautiful heart-shaped staircase which is now a popular place for bridal photos and moving theater productions. 

*    Mamie Fish had a love/hate relationship with Society. She both reveled in throwing grand dinner parties and popular entertainments with the help of her social adviser Harry Lehr. She was quick witted and often had shocking quips at the ready. A dowager, Mrs. John Drexel had a male secretary who was her especial companion. One day a friend of Mrs. Drexel was looking for her and asked Mrs. Fish. 'Mamie, have you seen Cousin Alice?' she asked. 'I've looked everywhere in the house,' 'No,' replied Mrs. Fish. 'Have you looked under the secretary?' " Her home was more modest than some of the grand mansions that visitors can still see today. A postcard of her drawing room can be seen on Card Cow. You can read more about her at NineteenTeen.

*    The new money families tossed money around like there was no tomorrow. They spent money on fashionable clothes from Paris, social seasons in New York, Paris, London and Newport and of course lavish entertainments. 

*    One such luxurious entertainment was for the dogs, literally. 100 dogs in fancy dress dined on stewed liver and rice, fricassee of bones and shredded dog biscuits. One dachshund ate so much he fell over in a stupor and had to be carried home. 

*    A dowager drove down Bellevue Avenue in Newport with a pig seated beside her and a monkey on each shoulder!

Belcourt Castle

You can learn more about the Newport Mansions at the website of the Newport Preservation Society and view antique postcards of the mansions online at the Newport Postcard Museum.

What I've Read This Week

What I've Read This Week . . .

The Stolen Bride by Jo Beverley -- Regency Romance

Lady Sophie Kyle is two weeks away from marrying her beloved Lord Randal Ashby and she can't wait to be alone with him! However, Randal has pulled away from Sophie and she fears that he may not love her. Though they've known each other and been friends since childhood, Randal was forced to offer for her after saving her life and unwittingly compromising her. Sophie's feelings threaten to engulf her and she doesn't know what to do about it. Her new sister-in-law Jane is at her wit's end trying to keep Sophie from committing an impropriety so she calls on her old governess Mrs. Beth Hawley to come to Lord Wrayborne's castle to help chaperone the young bride-to-be.  Along the way Beth meets an acquaintance, Sir Marius Fletcher, who is on his way to the wedding. He needs a ride and Beth offers, after all, she's a widow and a governess, and he's a friend of the groom so there can't be anything improper in that.  Then the travelers come across a frail, injured woman in an overturned carriage. She also seems to be on her way to the wedding but she can not remember who she is. The old woman takes an interest in Sophie and tries to give the girl cautious advice. Sophie is surprised and a bit irritated at this woman's intense interest in her. Sophie has better things to do with her time than entertain a stranger. Her motive is to get Randal alone and find out how he really feels. Meanwhile, her chaperone Beth is stuck with the attentions of the two most rakish guests: Piers Verderan known as The Dark Angel and Sir Marius. Beth is a bit afraid of Ver but he seems to enjoy sparring with her. Sir Marius is kind and attentive and his pretty speeches make Beth blush. She begins to feel an attraction to the man but she's unsure whether she wants to throw her morals to the wind and give in to what she thinks he wants. A tragedy shows Sophie how she can truly support Randal and a villain threatens to undo all Sophie's happiness. This book is part of a series and references events that seem to have happened in The Stanforth Secrets, which I have not read. I was intrigued by references to Randal and Sophie in A Regency Valentine and wanted to know more about them. I was disappointed that there was little character development in this story. Randal and Sophie are already in love and engaged and their misunderstanding is trifling and tedious. Likewise Beth and Sir Marius are underdeveloped. Their romance takes a back seat to Sophie's lust problem and is as a result unbelievable and very rushed. The plot references previous events and adds more melodrama on top of the heroine's previously harrowing adventures. How much abuse can one character take? This novel seemed to be basically for the fans of previous novels who wanted to know what happened to the characters and a set up for Emily and the Dark Angel. Perhaps if I had read the series in order I would have liked it better. Jo Beverley's novels are not what is commonly called a "sweet" Regency in the tradition of Georgette Heyer. They don't contain any explicit content but they do deal with feelings of attraction. 

The Smile of a Stranger by Joan Aiken -- Regency Romantic Fiction

Miss Juliana Paget has lived in Florence most of her life with her beloved father who is a writer of well-known histories. She acts as scribe to her ailing father and has developed a crush on King Charles I. After relating to her father an amusing tale of an outraged foreign woman shopping on the Ponte Vecchio, her father suddenly grows very pale and agitated and insists they leave the country for England at once! That is easier said than done for they must pass through France where a bloody revolution is taking place. Along the way, a nice man helps Mr. Paget ease his travel sickness and in turn Juliana saves the stranger from being hanged by a French mob. The stranger, Herr Welcker, an envoy of the Prince of Wales, is in France to collect treasures for the prince. Juliana and her father then embark on a dangerous, dashing journey across the English channel accompanied by Herr Welcker. Upon arriving in England, Juliana discovers family she never knew she had. Her father had been estranged from his family for many years since his marriage to an unsuitable woman and his refusal to join the army like his forefathers. Juliana spends some time in London acting Cinderella to her spoiled ugly cousins while her aunt tries hard to marry Juliana off to the revolting old Sir Groby. Juliana is rescued by the handsome Captain Cox who bears a strong resemblance to King Charles I. Juliana soon discovers that the sheltered life she had led and her father's secrets may put her in grave danger especially from her own mother! She is not without allies though but her innocence may overcome their protection. This story started off exciting full of mystery and a daring escape but quickly turned melodramatic. There is a lot going on in this story and it's too much for one novel. Juliana is too naive for me to like her much. She has been sheltered all her life but her guardians should have done a better job protecting her and helping her understand the danger she was in. I figured out the villain and their motive right away! The romance is very unconventional and mostly a non-romance until the very end. The relationship between the characters should have been built up more. I didn't really like the hero and wished that some of the story was from his point of view so the reader could get to know him better. Some of the secondary characters were very appealing and I enjoyed reading about them more than Juliana. The eighteenth century setting seems well-researched except for some factual errors, one of which may have been deliberate by the character and one may have been a typo. The setting is the best part of the whole book. I can fully visualize 1794 England. I would recommend this book to fans of the traditional Regency plot.

Downton Abbey Season 2

Downton Abbey Season 2

Last night was Sunday. I went through Downton Abbey withdrawal as I am sure the rest of you dear readers did! Season 2 has drawn to a close and we must wait another year to visit with the Crawleys again. Season 2 was an action-packed season full of melodrama, well-drawn characters and amazing dialogue.

The highlights:

Lady Violet, as always gets the best lines. My favorites are:

"You are a lady, not Toad of Toad Hall."

“It’s like living at a second rate hotel where the guests just keep arriving and no one seems to leave.”

"Don't be defeatist dear, it's very middle class."

"I hate Greek tragedy. With all the drama happening off stage."
"Do you promise?"

Edith's journey

Finally, Lady Edith comes into her own and finds a purpose! Go TeamEdith!  

The war

As terrible and tragic as it was, I think they handled the war bits very well and the war scenes were so realistic. The Armistice scene was especially moving.

Matthew

How could you not love him this season? In Season 1 he let Mary walk all over him and I didn't much like him, but he was much improved this season. Aside from his self-pitying moments and the ridiculous tingling scene and his miraculous recovery... um well he's nice to look at anyway, isn't he? Except when he's pale as a vampire with striking blue eyes.

Mary

Mary is much improved this season. The war really changed the family and for the better I think. I don't understand why anyone would care about a scandal 7 years old though. Her judgment regarding Sir Richard was a bit lacking. A hawker of newspaper scandal? Really Mary, even if you're desperate you can do better than that!

The Christmas episode

Best episode ever! So wonderful and swoonworthy! I loved it!

Low points

Thomas and O'Brien

Thomas is so nasty and he never learns. Just as I was about to feel sorry for him, he would do something horrible again. Dognapping is a terrible crime.

I have mixed feelings about O'Brien. She was kind to Lang and she seems to be growing a conscience but she still gossips freely with Her Ladyship and she is still out for herself and only herself. She just feels guilty because she nearly killed the Countess and caused Lady Grantham to lose the future heir.

Mr. Bates and Anna

I love them together. Why can't they be happy? Bates is too noble and he should have known better than to blackmail Vera in the first place. There's no way she would settle for a little bit when she could have the whole and create a scandal in the bargain. She simply had to go. Now the question remains: whodunnit?

P. Gordon

So is he or isn't he? Why did they just drop him? I felt sorry for Edith. She was grasping at her last chance for happiness. I believed him until Edith told him they would go looking for Peter Gordon and burned P. said they would find him. Then he disappeared instead of staying to stake his claim. I hope this comes up again in Season 3.

Sybil

I was so disappointed in Sybil. I loved her in Season 1. I loved her when she became a nurse and I ended the season hating her. She gave up everything for a man. I didn't get the impression she really loved Branson, she just wanted adventure and to thumb her nose at her snobbish family. Ugh. He was no prize either. I felt he was pressuring her.

The Influenza

What a horrible disease in real life and only one casualty? Sir Richard needed to succumb to the 'flu. The Countess's illness was awful and there was no way she would be up and about that quickly. This topic leads to the #1 low point of the season:

Jane

REALLY? I don't think the Earl acted according to character at all. I suspected Jane for different reasons in the very beginning. I did not like this plot at all and it was really misplaced and out of character.

Other thoughts at large:

I didn't like Lavinia that much. She was too insipid. She would have been good for Season 1 Matthew, the solicitor determined to be himself but now he's changed so much. He's more worldly and damaged thanks to the war and he needs a wife who won't put up with his brooding nonsense and who is worldly enough to understand what he's been through. That being said, Lavinia didn't deserve to die.

William's death was very sad but I knew he was going to die in the war. He was too nice and too much of a simple country lad to survive the war. Plus his death gave Daisy a way out of her predicament. I'm glad she finally got some closure at the end though.

I was happy with the way the season ended and I shall read the UK reviews for Season 3 before I decide if I want to watch.

In the meantime, while we suffer withdrawal, have some fun!
Print out Vulture's Downton Abbey Paper Dolls
Too funny!

Or trade these Vanity Fair Downton Abbey Trading Cards with your friends. Totally spot on!

Take this quiz from London's Daily Mail if you dare. Even I couldn't answer every question correctly.

What I've Read This Week

What I've Read This Week . . . 

His Saving Grace by Julia Parks -- Regency Romance

Adam Havenhurst is the newly appointed vicar in Pixley, near his older brother, the Earl of Foxworth's, hunting lodge. Adam is looking forward to striking out on his own and repenting for his past life of dissipation. When he encounters a local school teacher, Grace Edgewood, he is instantly attracted to her. He decides she will be a temptation but as a vicar he will try to resist such a temptation. Grace is struck dumb by the handsome vicar. Confident and capable, she's never reacted this way to a man before. What a lot of bother! With her older friend and co-teacher Margaret in love with Grace's uncle and a bunch of silly schoolgirls on hand, Grace should have enough of romance. Grace decides to throw herself into her teaching. The subjects taught at her progressive school are rather unusual. They include Greek, Latin, swimming (*gasp*) and possibly soon fencing (The horrors). When the villagers begin to gossip about Grace's reputation based on her curriculum, Adam feels the need to intervene. Unfortunately, his attraction to Grace causes him to open his mouth and insert his foot. It seems that he will never get her to love him, especially not once his rakish brother and meddling mother arrive. Grace is furious with Adam for telling her what not to do and she's determined to teach him a lesson on love that he'll never forget. I really really wanted to like this book. Grace's school sounds amazing. I would love to have attended a school like that if I were a 19th century girl. I thought any teacher of such a school would automatically be an appealing heroine. Instead I found Grace annoying. She's quarrelsome and stubborn and she's also really lacking in common sense for a teacher. I hated the way she handled the situation with Adam and the Earl. Her actions made her vastly unappealing. I did not much like Adam either. One minute he's lustful and the next he's priggish. His reactions are based on his emotions and never once does he display any sense. I finally liked him for a moment near the end. I did not understand what the heroine saw in the hero. He never revealed his true self to her. The secondary characters are far more interesting, especially Grace's two big brothers. I would recommend this to those who like more passionate romances and not to those who like the Georgette Heyer style.

Small Acts of Amazing Courage by Gloria Whelan -- Middle Grades Historical Fiction

It's 1919, and Rosalind James' father, a  British civil servant is ready to return home to his family in India. He's mentioned sending her to school in England but hasn't yet because ever since Rosy's brother died away at school, Rosy's mother has kept her close. Her mother's over-protectiveness has had many benefits for Rosalind. Her rebellious spirit has been allowed to flourish and form a friendship with her nanny's daughter Isha who takes Rosalind to the local bazaar where Isha's husband has a carpet stall. There Rosalind overhears some talk about a man named Ghandi who speaks of freeing India from British rule. Rosy is curious and interested in this unusual man who refuses to fight. She cultivates a friendship with the radical college student Max Nelson. Max encourages Rosalind's interest in the Indian freedom movement and causes her to think about her own freedom from her father's strict rules. Then, at the urging of Isha, Rosalind does the unthinkable and breaks a million rules, finally trying her father's patience enough to banish her to England. A difficult and interesting voyage leaves Rosalind a bit older and wiser so that she's ready to face her formidable Aunt Ethyl who pinches pennies and tyrannizes over sweet Aunt Louise. Rosalind and Louise's stories parallel the Indian freedom movement and Rosalind is able to use the lessons she's learned in India to help fight for another kind of freedom. This is another winner from the amazing Gloria Whelan. Her depiction of India brings the country immediately into my mind though I know very little about it. She incorporates the language and the history seamlessly into the plot. Rosalind is such an appealing character. She's on the cusp of womanhood and treated like a child, much like India. As she grows and learns, she is able to make sense of what she's been told and figure out what she wants. I really admire her courage. This is a fabulous coming-of-age story that anyone 10 and over would enjoy!

The Pirate Captain's Daughter by Eve Bunting -- Young Adult Historical Fiction

Fifteen-year-old Catherine has grown up very isolated on a Caribbean island. Her mother, a proper Bostonian, had run away with a dashing naval officer, and left her family and friends far behind. Catherine's father has a dark secret - he's actually a pirate captain! Catherine finds her father's job mysterious and thrilling. She longs to join him at sea and have an adventure. After Catherine's mother dies, her father comes home to take her away. It is not safe at home for someone is searching for something that belongs to Catherine's father and he won't tell her what. Catherine decides to disguise herself as a boy and join her father's crew. Her father forbids her to reveal her gender for pirates are a superstitious lot and fear having a woman on board. Being a pirate is not as much fun as Catherine thought it would be. The crew are bloodthirsty, rude, crude and ruthless. Even her loving, gentle father is stern and doesn't shy away from doling out justice. Her only true friend is a young sailor named William, who had a kind heart. However, despite her father's best efforts to keep her safe, the villain or villains who tried to rob Catherine's home are on the ship and still searching. They'll stop at nothing - not even murder - to get what they want. The plot moves along at a fast pace, ending abruptly without resolution. There isn't much substance in between. Catherine is very naive and doesn't know the first thing about pirate life or even being a boy. She longs for adventure, which I can relate to, but she seems a little stupid. I did not find her a strong or empathetic character. I felt sorry for her that she lost the safety of her world but it was her choice to stay with the pirates. The story is a bit too bloodthirsty and gruesome for me. It focuses more on those aspects of pirate life than the character's internal journey.This book is intended for teens. The depiction of pirate life is pretty brutal and bloodthirsty and not very Disney-fied, however, the writing is very simple, more like a middle grades novel than young adult. I did not enjoy this book as much as Pirates by Celia Rees. It's nowhere near as entertaining as the Pirates of the Caribbean movies though more historically accurate. If you are a slow reader or know a young person who might not be ready for Celia Rees or the Bloody Jack adventures, then I recommend this book. If you are an adult reader looking for a great book, pass on this one.

What I've Read This Weekend

What I've Read This Weekend . . .

A Noble Deception by Sara Blayne -- Regency Romance

Lucille Emily Powell, the eldest child of the Earl of Bancroft, is outraged. The new Duke of Lathrop, her neighbor and godmother's nephew, is coming back to his abandoned castle to look her over as a marriage prospect. Lucy has no desire to be a "brood mare" to sire his heirs. She is content to remain an independent, free spinster but dreams of publishing gothic romance novels. She's already written a few stories which she shares with her younger sisters. While reading one of her stories in a tower in Lathrop Castle, she and her sisters encounter ghostly noises. Frightened, her sisters run off but Lucy knows it's only her little brothers playing a trick on their sisters. She decides to do them a fright in turn but instead discovers a man coming out of the shadows towards her. Instead of being scared like any proper heroine, Lucy quickly makes the acquaintance of the man informing him of her views on marriage. The man claims to be Phillip Carmichael, the Duke of Lathrop's steward. He is lately come from the Peninsula and is new at his job. Lucy offers her assistance and friendship. Philip and Lucy ride, fish, discuss Lucy's novels and Lucy learns the finer points of dueling. Lucy also discovers that she's not so indifferent to men as she would like to be. Alas, she believes Philip loves another and even if he didn't, she stubbornly refuses to marry. Philip, enchanted by the innocent, wild redhaired beauty dreams of more than friendship, but he has a secret and when he reveals it to Lucy he's certain she'll never forgive him. Having read the other books about the Powell family, I became enchanted with their lively, loving nature. I especially liked Lucy. I can easily relate to her desire to remain free and independent, however, I think it's an unrealistic dream for her time. Lucy is a very modern woman in a nineteenth century novel. I was willing to overlook that because she's such a great character and the romance is very sweet. I especially like novels where the characters become friends before falling in love and this one is a great example. The friendship and romance develops beautifully and realistically. Lucy maintains her fiery spirit throughout and doesn't give up her dreams, she just opens her mind and heart to share her dreams with someone who loves her. I knew Phillip's secret, having read the other books in the series, but I enjoyed the story anyway. This first book is the best in the series and one for the keeper shelf. 

Powder and Patch by Georgette Heyer -- Historical Fiction/Romance

Once upon a time near Great Fittledean in Sussex, a Sir Thomas Jettan loved his home so much the locals nicknamed it "Jettan's Pride." Sir Thomas' two sons however, did not take much interest in their father's pride and joy. Upon Sir Thomas' death, Sir Maurice feels the need to settle down and beget an heir. His brother Tom disagrees. After sewing some wild oats, Maurice fulfills the family legend by settling down to live happily ever after. His son Philip grows up playing with the other children of the great families and has an undying devotion to his country home. Much to his father's dismay, Philip doesn't want to sew his wild oats or become polished in any way shape or form. That is, he refuses until the beautiful Cleone returns from school. Philip falls head over heels in love with his childhood friend and is determined to marry her. Another local, Henry Bancroft, also returns and captivates Cleone with his sophisticated airs and flattery. Cleone is so captivated she rejects Philip's offer of marriage and at the insistence of Sir Maurice, sends Philip packing to London and Paris to acquire the necessary air of sophistication. He succeeds beyond anyone's wildest dreams, let alone Cleone's. Philip is a much sought after young man. Jealous, Clo is determine to earn her own sophistication in London, a plot which may backfire when she too becomes too popular for her own good. This Georgian era set novel is one of Georgette Heyer's earliest works published as "The Transformation of Philip Jettan" under the pseudonym Stella Martin. I would not have wanted to attach my name to this work either if I were her. This is possibly her worst novel ever. The writing style is simplistic but peppered with mostly unintelligible French phrases. The plot doesn't flow very smoothly. The relationships don't feel natural or even interesting. It's a classic misunderstanding plot that works fine in short stories. Most of the novel is dedicated to the transformation of Philip and even that is greatly rushed. The heroine is one of the worst sorts who flirts and gets angry at the man she loves for no good reason. The novel finally concludes with some outdated ideas about male/female power and thought process which I did not like at all! Most of Heyer's other heroines are not so awful. There are also brief appearances by a black page named Sambo (the novel was written around 1930) who utters his lines in appalling dialect. I'm surprised this novel has endured for so long. I would not recommend it.

What I've Read This Week

What I've Read This Week . . .

The Masqueraders by Georgette Heyer -- Historical fiction/ romance

An early novel set in the Georgian period, this one follows in the tradition of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. Robin and Prudence are fleeing arrest following the failed Jacobite rebellion. Their father has sent them to London to hide out for awhile until he can come for them. Robin and Pru are well versed in the various con arts for they have spent their lives following their father from one mad scheme to another. This latest scheme as the siblings dressed in drag. Robin becomes Miss Kate Merriot and Pru is Mr. Peter Merriot. On the way to London they rescue Miss Letitia Grayson from being abducted by Gregory Markham. Peter gets the better of Markham while Kate spirits young Letty away. In London the siblings take up residence with Lady Lowestoft, a friend of the family who knows their secret. The siblings take London by storm and no one is the wiser of their true secrets, except maybe Sir Anthony Fanshawe, a large, sleepy-eyed gentleman who is friends with Letty's father. Then my lord, the siblings' father turns up in London with the greatest possible con of all - he claims to be the heir of the recently deceased Viscount Barham! Prudence despairs of ever turning respectable and fears they will all end up in the gallows when all is set and done. I don't wish to spoil the story for you. It starts slow and is a bit confusing but picks up rapidly. The plot is full of twists and turns - some I guessed and others I didn't. The setting is vivid with descriptive details about the fashions, the customs and the story is peppered with period language. The two main characters are immensely sympathetic and engaging. This is a fun romp of a novel and it's easy to see how Heyer developed her style into the witty Regency romances we all love.

A Regency Valentine by Jo Beverly, Carola Dunn, Ellen Fitzgerald, and Sheila Simonson -- Regency Romance

Instead of the typical short story/novella anthology, this book is a novel featuring chapters written by each of the authors. Kitty Grey frames the novel with her story of a middle-aged widow, Mrs. Cressida Trent, who agrees to host four young ladies in her home in Valentine Parva, Lincoln. Mrs. Trent knows what it is like to be young and dreaming of love. In her youth she fell in love with the serious young Marquess of Chelmly, but his family disapproved and managed to warn Cressida off. Juno, a young bluestocking, only wants to be left alone to read improving works and Mary Wollstonecraft. Secretly though, Juno is lonely and longs for romance and adventure just like the novels her cook reads. When she is invited to stay with Mrs. Trent Juno eagerly agrees but when she discovers the other three fashionable women in residence she begins to feel a bit insecure. A bit of Valentine's Day fun may allow her to dream of romance but will anyone ever love her? Shy Philomena Ware and her older sister Aquila are visiting their relative since the death of their father some months ago. They've traveled across Europe just ahead of Napoleon and braved the insults of snobby relatives. Now at Valentine Parva they can relax and enjoy the company. Philo would rather spend time breeding her canaries than speak to the other young ladies. She also enjoys the company of five-year-old Toby Trent who is eager to meet the wizard who has come to stay in the woods. Will the wizard be able to cast a spell on Philo to make her find her true love?  Philo's sister Aquila hides her feelings well and seems very cold. Not many people have ever been kind to her family, but she meets one who seems to care. Can she trust her own heart and more important can she trust the gentleman? Katherine has grown up all alone with only her severe Aunt Serena to take charge of her upbringing until her Aunt Blanche swoops in and gives Katherine the Cinderella life she's always dreamed of.  Finally, Mrs. Trent is free to focus on her own feelings for her past love and dream that he loves her. Can life truly be a fairy tale?  The story is very much a fairy tale but I enjoyed it a lot. Most of the stories are rushed though in order to fit them all in. Philo's is the most developed and the one I liked the best. I can relate to her shyness and I think I could fall in love with Robin myself (despite the name *ahem*). I also liked Juno a lot and I think I would be a bluestocking just like her. Katherine's story comes at the end after being alluded to in previous stories. I think it should have come after Juno's story because I kept feeling like I had missed it though I know I had read the whole book thus far. The light, fun novel is perfect for a rainy day or any other day when real life is too dull.

What I Read This Weekend

What I Read This Weekend . . .

An Infamous Army by Georgette Heyer -- Historical Fiction/Romance

This novel is a sweeping history of the Battle of Waterloo with romance secondary to the plot. Lady Worth nee Judith Taverner and her family are in Brussels to celebrate the end of the long fight against Napoleon. Lady Worth hopes her kind brother-in-law Colonel Charles Audley will fall in love with her protogee Miss Lucy Devenish. The minute Charles lays eyes on the dashing widow Lady Barbara Childe he can think of no one else. Lady Barbara is the granddaughter of Dominic from Devil's Club. She has all of his fiery personality and essentially nothing of her grandmother except perhaps stubbornness. The beautiful widow having married once to please her family is determined to never again submit. So she flirts and teases leaving a trail of broken hearts behind. Charles is patient and lets Barbara come to him. The couple finally become engaged but Barbara remains the same. She goes too far and Charles can not like it. A terrible quarrel on the eve of the Battle of Waterloo threatens to destroy Charles if he can survive what is to come. Heyer's forte was historical research and it really shines through in this book. The last 1/3 of the novel consists of a detailed play by play description of the Battle of Waterloo complete with troop movements and every gory death exactly as it occurred. What happens to the characters during the battle is blended in with the real-life events and will keep the reader turning pages until the fictional history is resolved. Lady Barbara is entirely unlikeable in most of the novel. She's the feminine version of her grandfather and instead of shooting people she breaks hearts and causes young men to kill themselves. Lovely. We're told she's spoiled and didn't have a soft feminine influence to curb her wild nature but that doesn't excuse her bad behavior because she's perfectly aware of what she's doing. She has a slow revelation and improves upon acquaintance. We're told Charles is the best brother and he's so good and kind but his characterization is rather passive in this book. He falls in love at first set and lets the lady walk all over him. That doesn't make for a very good romance but by the end of the book I felt for the characters and wanted them to be together. I skimmed most of the battle action. It's very very detailed and extremely gory. I mainly wanted to know what happened to Charles. A minor subplot involving Lucy Devenish is also worked into this history of Waterloo. I liked the fictional parts of the book better than the real life depiction of the battle. I had a hard time keeping track of the real people that figured into the story but remembered the other characters from Regency Buck and Devil's Club so I felt more invested in their story. Different people have different reactions to this book so I won't say if I would recommend it or not but if you read Regency Buck and Devil's Club and want to know what happens next, then I would read the first half of the novel and skim the battle parts. Do not skip the battle parts all together because there are some scenes with fictional characters that are important to the story.