Lydia has just survived the awful marriage to a much older man. Sir Duncan and his mother made life difficult for Lydia. The fact that the only child of the marriage was a female with clubbed feet was a disaster. When he died, Sir Duncan humiliated Lydia from the grave. He gave her $150 pounds. However, this isn't the worst of the story because Lydia's parents forced her into this first marriage and want her to marry again so they can keep their social standing. They also tell her that she must leave her daughter with the Dowager because she needs to be unencumbered (men don't like to marry someone with a dependent). Lydia rebels and runs away with Isabella. She goes to her sister's home. Mary is married to Ambrose Ashbrook (THE SHAMELESS FLIRT).
What is wonderful about this story is that we see a downtrodden woman (Lydia) struggle to find her way under difficult circumstances. Lydia's parents continue to send letters to her that turn threatening. Robert Bradshaw, a barrister, is accidentally drawn into the story but is unable to extricate himself because of his interest in Lydia's predicament. I also love the fact that previous characters, such as Parker Humphries (ACCIDENTAL COURTSHIP) reappear and add so much to the story. Robert, who appears perfect, soon shows that he needs to grow and change as much as Lydia. This is a page-turner.
What is wonderful about this story is that we see a downtrodden woman (Lydia) struggle to find her way under difficult circumstances. Lydia's parents continue to send letters to her that turn threatening. Robert Bradshaw, a barrister, is accidentally drawn into the story but is unable to extricate himself because of his interest in Lydia's predicament. I also love the fact that previous characters, such as Parker Humphries (ACCIDENTAL COURTSHIP) reappear and add so much to the story. Robert, who appears perfect, soon shows that he needs to grow and change as much as Lydia. This is a page-turner.
