This author makes a clear point that older daughter, Olivia Devonshire, in spite of her ability to control money and increase the fortunes of her family, cannot shake her shocking reputation in 19th century England. Olivia is a never-married woman with a son.
Olivias father wants to get her out of the house because he is planning on his beautiful, spoiled, younger daughter (Emily) having an advantageous marriage. So Lord Devonshire calls for Miles Warwick, a penniless, illegitimate son.
When Miles gets the summons, he thinks Emily sent for him; they had an affair some years past. Perhaps Emily is ready to resume the affair? However, it is Lord Devonshire propositioning Miles to marry Olivia. Papa Devonshire thinks the marriage will silence the scandal surrounding Olivia so Emily can marry well.
Miles is destitute; hes at the point where he is breaking up exquisite furniture to use for heat in the fireplace. Neither man consults the bride-to-be about her thoughts on the marriage; this was not an unusual arrangement in England at that time. What is interesting is that Devonshire leaves her fortune in Olivias own hands; Miles will have to negotiate to get what he wants.
Although Olivia marries Miles (she has been in love with him for years), she does not consider how hard it will to marry someone who does not love her. She understands that Miles needs her money, but he does not want her.
The author uses most of the book to show how Miles and Olivia grow emotionally. Olivia learns that Miles is not a dissolute dandy; he has dreams and is willing to work for what he wants. Miles learns that Olivia is a devoted and caring person.
The beauty of this book is in showing that Miles and Olivia have both weak and strong attributes. By setting aside their differences and working together, they each grow stronger.
By the way, I learned mid-way through the book that this is part 2 in a series of 2.
The Warwicks
A Fire in the Heart (1990)
My Only Love (1993)
Olivias father wants to get her out of the house because he is planning on his beautiful, spoiled, younger daughter (Emily) having an advantageous marriage. So Lord Devonshire calls for Miles Warwick, a penniless, illegitimate son.
When Miles gets the summons, he thinks Emily sent for him; they had an affair some years past. Perhaps Emily is ready to resume the affair? However, it is Lord Devonshire propositioning Miles to marry Olivia. Papa Devonshire thinks the marriage will silence the scandal surrounding Olivia so Emily can marry well.
Miles is destitute; hes at the point where he is breaking up exquisite furniture to use for heat in the fireplace. Neither man consults the bride-to-be about her thoughts on the marriage; this was not an unusual arrangement in England at that time. What is interesting is that Devonshire leaves her fortune in Olivias own hands; Miles will have to negotiate to get what he wants.
Although Olivia marries Miles (she has been in love with him for years), she does not consider how hard it will to marry someone who does not love her. She understands that Miles needs her money, but he does not want her.
The author uses most of the book to show how Miles and Olivia grow emotionally. Olivia learns that Miles is not a dissolute dandy; he has dreams and is willing to work for what he wants. Miles learns that Olivia is a devoted and caring person.
The beauty of this book is in showing that Miles and Olivia have both weak and strong attributes. By setting aside their differences and working together, they each grow stronger.
By the way, I learned mid-way through the book that this is part 2 in a series of 2.
The Warwicks
A Fire in the Heart (1990)
My Only Love (1993)
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