Simon and Mina Kingsley's worst nightmare reemerges (from FLAME AND EMBERS) when their son Oliver falls for Sophie Banfield (Susanna Banfield's daughter). Susanna Banfield was the woman Simon thought he could never get over and it almost destroyed his marriage to Mina (from FLAMES AND EMBERS). This story brings up old hurts, and the Kingsleys ask their son to avoid Sophie, to whom Oliver has formed an attachment. Reluctantly, he does.
The story resumes five years later, with Oliver about to commit to marriage with Victoria Caswell. They are all invited to a house party of one month's duration. However, Sophie, her mother, and the Kingsleys are at the same party. Suddenly, things that seemed so clear and easy became anything but that.
This story is a fascinating interplay of emotions, personalities, old hurts, and new situations. It is also interesting to watch young women search for husbands. Without a significant dowry, most women are stuck with spinsterhood or a disadvantageous marriage to a man of poor means (vicar or city worker). Oliver will inherit significant lands and property. Thus, Victoria has to battle with herself not to marry him just because she doesn't love him. Marrying Oliver would solve her family's problems.
One of the most interesting interplays is between Mr. Caswell, Mrs. Caswell, and Victoria. It is near the end of the book but shows why the family is nearly destitute. Mrs. Caswell has been caught up all her life being related to a baron and viscount. She had to spend money to show her standing in the community. This staggering discovery shows much about "being related to the aristocracy." Keeping up appearances can bankrupt a family, even though the relationship is tenuous at best. Tragic.
Kingsley Series
Flame and Ember (2018)
** 2. Hearts Entwined (2020)
3. A Stolen Kiss (2020)
The story resumes five years later, with Oliver about to commit to marriage with Victoria Caswell. They are all invited to a house party of one month's duration. However, Sophie, her mother, and the Kingsleys are at the same party. Suddenly, things that seemed so clear and easy became anything but that.
This story is a fascinating interplay of emotions, personalities, old hurts, and new situations. It is also interesting to watch young women search for husbands. Without a significant dowry, most women are stuck with spinsterhood or a disadvantageous marriage to a man of poor means (vicar or city worker). Oliver will inherit significant lands and property. Thus, Victoria has to battle with herself not to marry him just because she doesn't love him. Marrying Oliver would solve her family's problems.
One of the most interesting interplays is between Mr. Caswell, Mrs. Caswell, and Victoria. It is near the end of the book but shows why the family is nearly destitute. Mrs. Caswell has been caught up all her life being related to a baron and viscount. She had to spend money to show her standing in the community. This staggering discovery shows much about "being related to the aristocracy." Keeping up appearances can bankrupt a family, even though the relationship is tenuous at best. Tragic.
Kingsley Series
Flame and Ember (2018)
** 2. Hearts Entwined (2020)
3. A Stolen Kiss (2020)
