Will change everything!
Self-made gentleman and widower Grayson Maddox has devoted himself to his children and business, leaving no time for pleasure. Until he has an impulsive, thrillingly sensual encounter with lady's companion Miss Constance Grant! Their passion gives Grayson hope of a happiness he never thought he'd feel again. But there's still much in both their pasts to confront before they can turn their forbidden liaison into a new beginning…
Good book. There were two things about this book that made it unusual in the historical romance genre. First, the couple is older, with Constance being forty years old and never married, and Grayson being forty-three. I love having a couple with some life experience. Second, neither of them is part of the aristocracy. Grayson is a self-made man, a successful shipbuilder. Constance is a teacher who has turned to writing political essays.
The story opens as Constance witnesses the cruelty of the Highland Clearances. The pain of seeing the village go up in flames is magnified by knowing that her former fiancé is the one enforcing them. The tragedy is compounded when her father suffers a heart attack and dies as they watch it happen. Constance packs up and goes to Edinburgh to live with a family friend. Six years later, she has made a life for herself penning articles about the Clearances and their effects, hoping to open peoples' eyes to what is happening. Unfortunately, most people don't seem to care. There is more excitement over the impending visit of the King.
Grayson arrived in Edinburgh from Glasgow looking for accommodations for his family during the King's upcoming visit. His teen children want to see the King and participate in the festivities. Grayson is a widower whose children are the most important things in his life, with his business coming in a close second. He is also caught in a quandary because his late wife's parents, who never approved of him, keep trying to get the kids to live with them. They are aristocracy and believe that they can offer a better life than he can.
I loved the first meeting between Constance and Grayson. Constance went for a walk to clear her mind and consider the fact that her quest for justice appears to be fruitless. Her ruminations are interrupted by Grayson, who had also gone walking. They immediately connect, two people who don't realize that they are lonely until they meet someone that calls to them. Underneath the easy conversation, there is also a simmering attraction that they choose to accept and act on. Both agree that it will last only as long as Grayson's stay.
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Constance and Grayson develop. Though the passion they experience is strong, so too is the connection they share. I liked seeing them spend time together, able to talk about almost anything. The more time they spend together, the deeper the bond grows, but neither believes anything can come of it. Grayson is fixated on his responsibility to his children and doesn't think adding another person is a good idea. Constance gave up on marriage long ago and believes that her work for justice is more important. Both have moments when they fear their growing closeness and try to pull back, but the attempts at distancing never last. Each of them also hides a secret. Grayson hasn't told Constance the identities of his in-laws, nor has Constance shared her writing life with Grayson. I ached for them when the time came for them to part. Both agreed seeing each other again would be a bad idea.
However, like before, their vows to stay away from each other don't last. Both were miserable when they were apart, but still don't see a way to be together. The time apart has brought about some changes. Grayson's point-of-view of his in-laws has undergone a shift, thanks to his conversations with Constance. Meanwhile, Constance has a new plan for her future. It was painful to see how much Grayson and Constance loved each other, and their steadfast refusal to believe in a future together. There were some interesting scenes during the King's visit that seemed to be Fate pushing these two stubborn people together. I loved the scene where Grayson saw the light. His speech to Constance was fantastic, romantic and emotional, and yet practical too. The epilogue was excellent, and I loved seeing the changes over the year.
I loved the attention to historical detail. The Clearances
and the hardships suffered by the Highlanders were vividly described and
heartbreaking. I also enjoyed the vision created of the King's visit to Edinburgh.
I could easily picture the crowds and the events. I laughed at Shona's
description of the Drawing Room. It was interesting to see how Sir Walter Scott influenced the pageantry and
attitudes.
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