Susan F. (scoutmomskf) -
Annie is a high-spirited young woman trying to enjoy the season and find a suitable husband. None of the men she has met appeal to her. We first see her participating in a carriage race against a young man who disparaged "women drivers." After the race, she is invited to a gathering that common sense tells her is a scandal waiting to happen, and she plans to avoid it. Unfortunately, another young woman is determined to attend. Worried about Felicity's safety, Annie disguises herself as a maid to rescue Felicity. While there, William, Felicty's cousin, sees Felicity there and helps Annie extricate her from danger. William misunderstands Annie's role, and Annie adds to the problem with her deception. An explosive kiss complicates matters.
William is back in England, recovering from wounds from the war in Spain. He has also recently inherited his brother's home and fortune. William has no interest in remaining in England and taking up those duties. He is itching to return to the war and relieve his guilt over his men's deaths. Unfortunately, he is not healing as he should, which frustrates him and leaves him feeling he doesn't know who he is.
William's next meeting with Annie does not go well. She is a much better playactor, as she gives no indication they have met before. Meanwhile, William is so flummoxed that he fumbles his words and all but insults her. Annie hasn't forgotten the power of that kiss and vows to avoid William as much as possible. But they keep encountering each other, and every time, the sparks fly.
I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop as they got to know each other. Annie comes to respect William and his devotion to his men. She aches for the pain she senses in him and wants to help him. Once William gets past his mistaken ideas of what Annie is like, he realizes that being around her lightens his guilt. It is clear that William is falling for her, but he doesn't see it. He has been stalwart in his decision not to marry, which blinds him to his growing feelings. Annie realizes she loves Will but that it is a hopeless case. Matters are complicated by the sparks of attraction that neither can deny.
When Annie finds herself in the center of a scandal, William is one of the few to stand by her. I loved his kindness and compassion and his desire to protect her. He goes a little overboard, adding to the scandal. Watching Will and Annie go back and forth over his desire to do the right thing and her refusal to marry without love was fascinating. I loved the scene where Will finally saw the light on his feelings. It didn't happen the way I expected, and I laughed out loud. Will's attempt to explain his feelings was sweet and awkward, and it was fun to see Annie's reaction.
William is back in England, recovering from wounds from the war in Spain. He has also recently inherited his brother's home and fortune. William has no interest in remaining in England and taking up those duties. He is itching to return to the war and relieve his guilt over his men's deaths. Unfortunately, he is not healing as he should, which frustrates him and leaves him feeling he doesn't know who he is.
William's next meeting with Annie does not go well. She is a much better playactor, as she gives no indication they have met before. Meanwhile, William is so flummoxed that he fumbles his words and all but insults her. Annie hasn't forgotten the power of that kiss and vows to avoid William as much as possible. But they keep encountering each other, and every time, the sparks fly.
I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop as they got to know each other. Annie comes to respect William and his devotion to his men. She aches for the pain she senses in him and wants to help him. Once William gets past his mistaken ideas of what Annie is like, he realizes that being around her lightens his guilt. It is clear that William is falling for her, but he doesn't see it. He has been stalwart in his decision not to marry, which blinds him to his growing feelings. Annie realizes she loves Will but that it is a hopeless case. Matters are complicated by the sparks of attraction that neither can deny.
When Annie finds herself in the center of a scandal, William is one of the few to stand by her. I loved his kindness and compassion and his desire to protect her. He goes a little overboard, adding to the scandal. Watching Will and Annie go back and forth over his desire to do the right thing and her refusal to marry without love was fascinating. I loved the scene where Will finally saw the light on his feelings. It didn't happen the way I expected, and I laughed out loud. Will's attempt to explain his feelings was sweet and awkward, and it was fun to see Annie's reaction.
