Summary:
At
the turn of the century, the Victorian upper classes live in a vibrant but
strictly-ordered world that encourages gentle, intellectual pursuits. Theirs is
a life of ease and elegance, but it can be snatched away from them in an
instant if the rules of polite society are not followed. Gothic novelist
Geoffrey Hawes has never been willing to let such restrictions hold him back,
and he refuses to honor conventions for which there is no discernible value.
When he spends a social season in a community created to celebrate the Arts,
music, and philosophy, he is unexpectedly befriended by the daughter of the
Governor, Miranda Claridge.
Bitter
and disenchanted with the privileged and wealthy, Geoffrey finds his beliefs
repeatedly challenged by the intelligent and vivacious Miranda. In the midst of
their heated debates on the mores of the upper class, this unlikely friendship
blossoms into a passionate love. He encourages her to pursue her interest in
painting and gives her a new understanding of what relationships between men
and women should be. Meanwhile, Miranda begins to open his eyes to all that is
wonderful and beautiful and good in the world.
Geoffrey
at last accepts that he has fallen in love with Miranda, but misunderstandings
and lies come between them. Knowing that Miranda believes it is her duty to
marry, he prepares himself to hear news of her wedding. Geoffrey attempts to
escape the pain of her perceived rejection by traveling and throwing himself
into his work. However, he cannot run forever. One day, he encounters Miranda
again and soon discovers that she is not the same woman he left behind. Can the
couple realize that they each must relinquish some of their prejudices and
preconceived notions before it is too late? Can love really conquer all?
Excerpt:
“I
have not been humoring you, Miss Claridge. On the contrary, I am intrigued that
such a refined and doubtless well-protected woman as you should carry such
sorrow. Will you not confide in me?”
Her
answering smile was wry. “Am I to provide material for your next book? I assure
you, there is nothing I could hope to offer that would interest you or your
readership.” The words were bitter, but her tone was not.
“I
would tell you that you will not appear in my work, but that is beyond my
power. Pieces of every person I encounter have a way of appearing in my books,
whether I will it or no.” Moved by some inexplicable impulse, he reached out
and took her hand in both of his. “Let me assure you, however, that I am most
anxious to know what troubles you so.”
“You
are very kind,” she said.
“That
surprises you?”
“A
bit. You do not strike me as a man who interests himself in the problems of a
mere girl, least of all a naïve and inexperienced one such as I.”
“This
is perhaps true,” he allowed. “Yet I sense, Miss Claridge, that there is more
in your heart and mind than I would expect to discover in a woman of your
upbringing.”
“I
very much doubt that, sir. In truth, from infancy I have been schooled to have
as little on my mind as possible.”
Her
eyes returned to their perusal of the lake, but he continued his examination of
her face.
After
a moment, he responded. “Be that as it may, I think there is quite a good deal
in your mind, and in your heart, too. I very much hope that I am nearby if ever
you should decide to divulge it.”
Links:
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Author Bio:
Elizabeth Lawrence is the author
of both contemporary and period romances. Each book incorporates its own unique
blend of humor and reverence, the peculiar and the mundane. In addition to her
novels, Elizabeth serves as a freelance editor. A lifelong writer and former
paralegal, Elizabeth divides her free time between her husband and two sons,
her three cats, her collection of cozy murder mysteries, and her mildly severe
caffeine addiction. A native of Lawrence, Kansas, Elizabeth now works from her
home in Cleveland, Ohio.
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