A too-young couple cannot withstand the pressure of his ducal parents' disapproval and the resulting separation makes for fabulous and realistic character growth. Hastings was a cad and Genie was forced to deal with the disastrous fallout alone. In fact, her bad fortune steadily grew until she was rescued in America five years later. Betrayal derails not only their love, but a life-long friendship, too. Her quest for revenge hampers Hastings's desire for atonement. There was no easy work around to their situation and McCarty did a thorough job of laying it out in all its ugly glory while giving Genie and Hastings the happy ending they deserved. Good read. 4 stars.
