What a horrible creature George is!  Is there anyone else who didn't mind too terribly about the fate he suffered?

One thing that is strange to me is that yes they only told trusted friends of their affair but even so you would think there would have been someone in that group that just wouldn't be able to keep a secret and the news would have gotten out...

***QUESTIONS TO ANSWER AFTER READING THIS SECTION BELOW***

1.  After George dies, Kate dreams of him and believes this is God's way of "reminding her of the reason for his untimely death.  If she had told him who her lover was from the beginning, he might not have attempted to find Richard and venture into Sherwood Forest.  Does Kate bear any responsibility for George's death?

2.  When they return to Bywood farm in anticipation of Dickon's birth, Geoff remarks to his sister "Who would have believed how our lives would change, Kate.  If it had not been for your boldness...we would still think there was no bigger river than the Medway or town than Tunbridge!" Is their change in fortune due to Kate's "boldness"? Does Kate knowingly use it to her advantage?  Is this quality more effective when it comes to the men in her life than the women?

THOUGHTS? :)

Double post...

I don't think she bears any responsibilty for George's death at all. I don't actually understand why he was so hot and bothered about what she was doing, she kept the secret well, she allowed him to live his life.  I think what was ultimately responsible for his death was the fact that he allowed his anger to get in the way of his good sense.

I also thought it seemed like *everyone* knew her secret, and yet everyone was able to keep it well.

I'm thinking about your last question. Good one.

I should clarify, I don't think he has a LOT of good sense.

I agree with Mimi-  George should have been more grateful to Kate for keeping his secret.  She didn't interfere with him,  behaved with discretion with his family and kept him from burning at the stake if it had been made public.  Then she would have been a widow or had an annulled marriage anyhow!

I agree with others that the beginning of Kate's romance with Richard seemed rushed - one night together and they are already pledging true love and fidelity to one another! It's a sweet love story, though. They seem to suit each other - serious Richard with the more carefree, sunny Kate. The sex scenes give the story spice but haven't overwhelmed it. I enjoy love scenes that enhance the plot, but not when they BECOME the plot!

George certainly deserved what he got, but does anyone else think he's a bit of a one-dimensional villain? I don't understand why he got so angry about being "cuckolded." He had no desire or love for Kate to begin with and was obviously getting his needs met elsewhere. They never consummated their marriage, so under Church law, they weren't even truly married! It seems like Smith characterized him as jealous just to make him even more of a villain than he already was. (And to conveniently get rid of him.)

Once again, Kate was too perfect in her reaction to George's death. Here she is, truly weeping for him and sympathizing with him as a "troubled" man, when that scumbag never showed her a bit of love or consideration and manipulated her into marrying him! It would have made Kate more human if she'd been relieved, or even a little glad, of his death.

Those are just small quibbles, though. Overall, I'm still enjoying the book.

I agree Felicia- George seemed like a very "convenient" villain.  I have enjoyed reading this book; does remind me a little bit of a good romance novel.  Anyone else who has read Katherine by Anya Seton see any similarities?  I keep getting reminded of that book, maybe it is just the physical descriptions of both heroines.