A sensible spinster...
Shall go to the ball!
Euphemia Denniston has accepted her quiet life as servant
to her stepmother's family. Until cynical, wealthy Augustus Rushworth offers
her an unusual arrangement: accompanying him around town to ward off
husband-hunting debutantes! She knows their supposed affair is temporary, but
she's cautiously thrilled to escape her lonely life and be the belle of the
ball. And when desire grows between her and Augustus, she might just grab her
last chance to experience passion, too...
Very good story about two people who form an unlikely alliance
that changes their lives. Euphemia is a thirty-year-old spinster who lives with
her stepmother and stepsister, not quite a servant but not really family
either. Euphemia briefly came out in society when she was seventeen, but she
withdrew for many years after being attacked by a man. She only re-entered
society as a chaperon for her stepsister, dressing and behaving in a way to
avoid attention. On a cold winter day, she and her family encounter Augustus
Rushworth, who recently returned from ten years in India.
August isn't particularly happy to be back in England,
but he couldn't stay in India after the death of his beloved daughter. When his
father died, August's grandfather sent for him to come home and take up his
duties as heir. August has no interest in dancing to his grandfather's tune and
has plans of his own. While he waits on the dock for a carriage to take him
into town, August sees Euphemia dealing with her stepmother while trying to
find transportation. Struck by her beauty, he offers his carriage to them.
I loved that first encounter as the sparks leapt between Euphemia
and August. Neither expected to see the other again. But when Euphemia in her
drab gown saw him enter the ballroom the next night, all she could think of was
avoiding him. August came to the ball to reconnect with his friends and was
dismayed to be swarmed by debutantes determined to snag him for themselves. When
he spotted Euphemia hiding among the plants, he couldn't resist going to her. I
loved how he saw past her surface to her hidden beauty and convinced her to
dance with him. A flashback to her past caused an embarrassing collapse, and Euphemia
fled the ball as soon as possible.
A few days later, Euphemia and August encountered each
other on an early morning walk. August, who wants to get to know Euphemia
better, proposed a partnership. If she attends various functions with him,
pretending to be a couple to discourage unwanted advances, he will help her
become more popular. With her stepmother and stepsister out of town, it's a
chance to experience something outside her lonely life.
I liked watching the relationship between Euphemia and
August develop. Neither wants a committed relationship. August is still coming
to terms with his losses and wants a chance to readjust to life in England
before looking for a wife. Euphemia has no interest in marriage after her experience
all those years earlier. But neither can deny the passion that flares between
them. I loved their connection and how easily they could talk to each other. As
their attraction exploded, Euphemia couldn't resist the temptation to take that
attraction further, knowing that it was likely her only chance to experience
that closeness. The scene was an excellent combination of sweet and steamy.
An attack of guilty conscience followed as August's honor
got into the act. But instead of talking to Euphemia about his thoughts, he
made the boneheaded move of backing off while making some decisions. Feeling
rejected, Euphemia is at a low point when her stepmother and stepsister return
early, having heard the gossip surrounding her. After an awful confrontation with
them and an unproductive stop at August's townhouse, Euphemia disappeared. I
ached for August, who was desperate to find her. I loved how his friends were
there to help and support him.
I loved the twist that gave Euphemia something she's
yearned for all her life. The love, acceptance, and support she received made a
huge difference in her life. With that support came the confidence to make her
own choices about her future, which was vital when August finally tracked her
down. I loved his big moment as he confessed his feelings and made his plea. I
liked that Euphemia doesn't play games, instead standing up for her needs and
wants. The epilogue was terrific, showing how love healed them both and gave
them a future neither expected.
I liked August's friends and their wives, and wonder if they also have stories.
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